Organizers of Kona 4th of July parade soliciting entires to celebrate America 250

Community groups, schools, businesses and organizations are invited to participate in the 2026 Kailua Village Independence Day Parade and Fireworks Extravaganza, which will return on July 4 along Aliʻi Drive in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island.

The annual celebration will begin at 6 p.m., starting near Kekuaokalani Gym and traveling from the Kuakini Highway area through Aliʻi Drive and Historic Kailua Village.

This year’s theme, “America The Beautiful,” will coincide with nationwide observances marking the United States’s 250th anniversary, celebrating American history, unity and progress.

Organizers of the parade are encouraging broad participation in the parade.

“Whether you walk, dance, roll, ride, strum or march — we want you in the parade,” organizers said in a press release.

The entry deadline is June 30.

The event is organized by the July 4th Independence Day Parade Committee, which includes Laura Aquino, Jane Clement, Kehau Gomes, Nahua Guilloz, Jacque Hoover, Merrick Nishimoto, Greg Ogin, Nancy Sakamoto, Amy Toafili and Ross Wilson Jr.

Committee responsibilities are divided among several chairs, with Aquino leading marketing; Clement and Sakamoto overseeing parade entries; Guilloz managing parade operations; Gomes, Hoover, Ogin and Sakamoto coordinating volunteer recruitment and fireworks sponsorships.

Sgt. Wyatt Nahale serves as police liaison, and Barbara Kossow is parade advisor.
Organizers said the event remains one of Kona’s most popular Independence Day traditions and encouraged early sign-ups from participants.

For entry forms and guidelines, email paradesinkona@gmail.com or click here for more information.