The 4th of July is a special time for locals and visitors alike to connect with each other and with the community to kokua (help) and celebrate.
The morning kicks off at the Mauna Lani Resort at 10:30 am with The Celebration of Turtle Indepence Day, which incorporates the local culture and marine life education. The Mauna Lani Resort has been raising juvenile honu (turtles) Oahu’s Sea Life Park for over 20 years. The honu are cared for in the saltwater ponds of the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel. Once they reach a predetermined weight and size they are released to the ocean every 4th of July. Many locals as well as vacationers gather to enjoy this fascinating event.
As Turtle Independence Day ends, the Waikoloa Beach Resort offers activities for the remainder of the day. The 18th Annual Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race and 4th of July Extravaganza is an all day fundraiser for the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii held at the Kings’ Lake. The Kings’ Shops proudly sponsor this annual event where rubber ducks are adopted for a $5.00 donation and are set to race to the finish line where prizes will be awarded. The day’s events take place from 10:00 am to 9:30 pm and include great entertainment, face painting, magic shows at the Queens Shop. The end of the evening culminates in an eruption of fireworks over the Waikoloa Bowl at Queen’s Gardens.
There are also many activities going on outside of the resorts that may interest you.
Saddle up for the Parker Ranch Rodeo at the Parker Ranch Arena in Waimea on July 3. The Parker Ranch Rodeo is typically held on July 4th, but this year it is July 3. Experience paniolo (cowboy) action including horse races, team sorting, double mugging and team roping. Activities for the keiki and great food complete a day of fun for the whole family. This event kicks off at 9:00 am till noon and costs $6.00 at the gate. Children ages 10 and under are admitted free.
In Kona town, the theme for this year’s 4th of July parade is “Celebrate Freedom!” The parade begins at 5:30 pm at the Kona Kekuaokalani Gym and follows the traditional route down to Alii Drive, ending at the Coconut Grove Marketplace. The evening ends with a spectacular fireworks show which will be launched from the Old Kona Airport at 8:30 pm.
If you are looking for vacation rentals in Waikoloa, please view our selection at www.waikoloavacationrentals.com.
Being on the Big Island for 4th of July on your Hawaii vacation is definitely something special. You name quite a number of 4th of July events, which attract each year hundreds of Kohala Coast visitors. Turtle Independence Day is one of my favorites and the fireworks at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
This is probably one of my favorite times on the Big Island of Hawaii. We had a blast all day long at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. It was the best firework show they have ever had.