4th of July Fireworks & Celebrations on the Big Island
Looking for fireworks and things to do for the Fourth of July on the Big Island?
Fireworks are happening in Kona and Hilo, along with parades and festivities.
Elsewhere on the island you’ll find rubber duck races, a paniolo rodeo, and more.
Here’s a list of 4th of July celebrations happening around the Big Island.
Kona
Kailua Village Independence Day Parade & Fireworks
July 4, 2026
6pm-8pm
Kona hosts one of the island’s largest Fourth of July celebrations.
The day actually begins early with the Kona Marathon at 5:30 a.m., but the main festivities start later with the annual Independence Day Parade traveling down Aliʻi Drive beginning at 6 p.m. This year’s theme is “America the Beautiful.”
After sunset, grab a spot along the waterfront for the 8pm fireworks show over Kailua Bay. The combination of fireworks reflecting off the bay and boats sitting offshore makes this one of the most popular places to celebrate Independence Day on the Big Island.
If you’re planning to watch the fireworks, expect heavy traffic and limited parking. Walking into downtown Kona is often much easier than trying to drive in right before the show.
💁♀️ Tab’s Trip Tip: Parking in Kona is tricky these days. Read up on how to navigate it here.
Waikoloa
The 4th of July Celebration at Kings Shops
July 4, 2026
11am-4:30pm
One of Waikoloa Beach Resort’s signature Fourth of July traditions is the Annual Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race at Kings’ Shops.
At 3pm more than 10,000 rubber ducks will race through the water after being “adopted” by participants, with prizes awarded to the first 50 ducks across the finish line. This year’s grand prize is a frickin’ trip to Japan!
While the race is the highlight, festivities happen throughout the day with shave ice eating contests, watermelon eating contests, duck imitation contests, plenty of keiki crafts and activities, and live entertainment.
Check out the full schedule here.
Queens’ Marketplace Fourth of July Extravaganza
July 4, 2026
11am-4pm
Just across the way at Queens’ Marketplace, you’ll find more live local music, carnival games for kids, face painting, craft vendors, and sidewalk sales from many of the shops.
If you’re already staying in Waikoloa, it’s an easy place to spend the afternoon before heading to Kona or Hilo for evening fireworks.
Waimea
62nd Annual Parker Ranch Rodeo & Horse Races
July 4, 2026
9am-6pm
If you’ve never seen Hawaiian cowboys in action, the Parker Ranch Rodeo is one of the Big Island’s longest running Fourth of July traditions.
The event celebrates Hawaii’s paniolo heritage with horse races, team roping, ranch mugging, Poʻo Wai U, and other ranch competitions featuring cowboys from across the island.
Jumbo video screens will be around the arena, giving spectators a closer look at the action with live coverage, instant replays, and interviews with the paniolo.
Gates open at 7:30 a.m., with the grand entry beginning at 9 a.m.
Throughout the day, you’ll also find local food vendors, craft booths, keiki activities, and Parker Ranch commemorative merchandise.
This year’s celebration will also honor three longtime Parker Ranch retirees whose contributions have helped shape both the ranch and the Waimea community.
Instead of heading home after the rodeo, you’re encouraged to stick around from 2 to 6 p.m. for live music from Lim Ohana, Kalapana Awa Band, and Ekolu, making this an all day celebration.
Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis, so plan to arrive early if you want a good view. Rain or shine, the rodeo goes on.
Hilo
Hilo Bay Veterans 5K Run, Walk & Roll
July 4, 2026
7am
Kick off Independence Day with the 15th Annual Hilo Bay Veterans 5K Run, Walk & Roll at Liliʻuokalani Gardens. The event begins at 7am and welcomes runners, walkers, and wheelchair participants of all ages.
In honor of America’s 250th birthday, this year’s course features interactive stations that guide participants through key moments in American history, from the signing of the Declaration of Independence to a look toward the nation’s future.
Register for the marathon here.
Hot Rides Expo
July 4, 2026
10am-3pm
Head over to the Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields for the annual Hot Rides Expo, featuring everything from vintage classics to futuristic custom vehicles.
Beyond the cars, the event has a fun community atmosphere with live music throughout the day, food trucks, and family-friendly activities including bounce houses and water slides for the kids.
If you’re already planning to spend the evening in Hilo for the fireworks, this is an easy way to fill the afternoon while staying close to the waterfront. You can even pop over to the Hilo Farmers Market.
Hilo Bay Blast Fireworks
July 4, 2026
8pm
Hilo’s Independence Day celebration combines live music with an impressive fireworks display.
The Hawaiʻi County Band starts performing at 7pm from the Moʻoheau Park bandstand before accompanying the fireworks at 8pm, which are launched from a barge anchored in Hilo Bay.
If you’re farther away from the bandstand, the fireworks are synchronized with patriotic music broadcast on KWXX.
For safety, Bayfront Highway closes to vehicle traffic between Waianuenue Avenue and Pauahi Street, allowing pedestrians plenty of room to enjoy the show.
More information about the fireworks here.
Just keep in mind that holiday weekends are busier than normal, so arriving early will help you find parking at the most popular stops.
Ka’u
Naalehu Independence Day Parade
July 4, 2026
12pm
If you enjoy small town celebrations, head to Naalehu, the southernmost town in the United States.
The community parade kicks off at noon. It’s exactly the kind of hometown Fourth of July celebration you’d expect, with local organizations, community groups, and plenty of island pride.
After the parade, everyone is invited to enjoy free hot dogs/shave ice/watermelon, bounce houses, a water slide, and other family activities throughout the afternoon.
It’s definitely one of the more relaxed Independence Day celebrations on the island.
National Parks
July 3–5, 2026
If you’ve been planning a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, Independence Day weekend is the perfect excuse to go.
From July 3 through July 5 entrance fees are waived, making it one of the few weekends each year you can visit for free.
Staying Longer on the Island Than Just the Holiday Weekend?
While the Fourth of July celebrations are a fun way to spend a day on the Big Island, there’s a lot more to see once the fireworks are over. From snorkeling with manta rays and exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to touring coffee farms and chasing waterfalls, you could easily fill an entire week.
If you’re figuring out how to fit everything into one trip, I have a 7 Day Big Island Itinerary where I map out an efficient route around the island so you can spend less time driving and more time exploring.
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