America 250 on Big Island: Fourth of July promises family fun festivities, fireworks and more

Fourth of July once again promises a day full of fun, family, festivities, fireworks and more around the Big Island.

This year’s holiday celebrations have even more significance as the United States celebrates 250 years since July 4, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was signed, marking the nation’s birth as its 13 original states told Britain they no longer would be colonies under its rule.

That was nearly 170 years after the first permanent English North American settlement was established in 1607 at Jamestown, Va.

And it would take 7 more years and a few months after the declaration was made — plus a brutal war — until the United States of America would officially win its freedom from the British monarchy.

Great Britain and the United States on Sept. 3, 1783, signed the Treaty of Paris, recognizing the new nation’s sovereign independence following its victory in the American Revolutionary War.

America 250 will be marked July 4 on the island with rodeos, parades and community festivities that include a 5K run/walk/roll in salute of veterans, drag races, a car show, keiki activities, poolside parties, plenty of food, live music, a rubber duckie race and a lot more.

Don’t forget the rockets red glare and bombs bursting in air during massive fireworks displays in Hilo, Kailua-Kona and elsewhere.

Here’s a look at Fourth of July celebrations planned Saturday around the island.

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Hilo

A Salute to Our Veterans Hilo Bay 5K Run/Walk/Roll

When: 7 a.m.

Location: Lili‘uokalani Gardens, 189 Lihiwai St. (along Banyan Drive)

All ages and abilities — including wheelchair users, disabled veterans, families and all community members — are invited to participate in this inclusive event honoring those who served the nation. Whether you run, walk, roll or cheer from the sidelines, your participation is more than appreciated. This is more than a race; it’s a community celebration of service, unity and patriotism. The 5K also commemorates the 250th birthday of the United States, honoring freedom, liberty and the veterans who made it possible. Every step taken supports awareness about issues veterans face every day — especially those who are ill or injured — while strengthening the community’s commitment to never forget their sacrifices.

Registration: Open now online and in-person through the morning of the event. Standard registration is available through July 3 at a cost of $45. Late registration is available July 4 at a price of $50.

11th annual Uncle Gary Arita Race Shakedown in H-Town

When: 7:30 a.m. gates open July 4-5

Location: Hilo Drag Strip, 2295 Hoʻolaulima Road

This annual weekend of racing action features racing to the coveted Ironman Classic Trophy, which is awarded to class champions. It’s 2 days of burnin’ rubbah, side-by-side racing and unforgettable moments as drivers battle for the win. Programs include big guns, shotguns, handguns, junior dragsters, motorcycles and test sessions. Whether you’re in the driver’s seat or cheering from the stands, come spend the Fourth of July weekend at the track with fast cars, fierce competition and family fun!

Admission: $15 per person; keiki 10 years old and younger are free.

Hilo Bay Blast

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Location: Hilo Bayfront

Check out vintage, classic and futuristic vehicles during the Hot Rides Expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields while you enjoy live music by Rhythm X, Just Us Band, Girls Nite Out and Abbie Willow Band along with food trucks and keiki activities such as water slides and bounce houses. Hawai’i County Band performs at 7 p.m. at Mo‘oheau Park and then at 8 p.m. provides patriotic music for the day’s culminating fireworks show over Hilo Bay. For those not near the bandstand, the fireworks will be synchronized to patriotic music aired by KWXX.

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Kailua-Kona

2026 Kona Marathon, Half-Marathon, Quarter-Marathon and 5K

When: 5:30 a.m. marathon start, 6 a.m. half-marathon start, 6:45 a.m. 5K start, 7 a.m. quarter-marathon start

Location: Royal Kona Resort, 75-5852 Ali‘i Drive

Celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States by participating in the 28th annual Ueshima Coffee Co. Kona Marathon and accompanying events. The event travels through the heart of Historic Kailua Village and back along scenic Ali‘i Drive on a runner- and walker-friendly racecourse featuring flats as well as a few rolling hills, with aid stations every 1 to 1.5 miles offering water, electrolytes and ice, with energy shots and energy bars for the marathon and half-marathon participants at select aid stations. GU Energy Gels, Powerade and the racecourse will close at 1 p.m. after 7 hours.

Registration: Marathon participants should be 17 years old or older, half-marathon participants should be 14 years old or older; quarter-marathon participants need to be 8 years old or older and the 5K has no age requirement. Register online. 

Kailua Village Independence Day Celebration Pre-Game

When: 2 to 5 p.m.

Location: Willie’s Hot Chicken,74-5599 Pāwai Place

Start the Fourth of July celebration early in downtown Kailua-Kona. Dance to some great reggae music by Tipsy and friends, have a drink or two, grind on some good food and then head out to the parade on Ali‘i Drive. Join Willie’s to make this Fourth of July one to remember!

Fourth of July BBQ

When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Location: Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort; 72-300 Maʻeawalu Drive

Celebrate Fourth of July island-style at Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, during an open-air gathering at Kīpuka Nanea, where the flavors of summer meet the spirit of aloha. Award-winning cocktail luminary Julie Reiner returns to her Hawai‘i roots for a special pop-up celebrating the craft of Clover Club and Milady’s during the resort festivities. Enjoy an evening of ocean views, warm conversations and summer celebration followed by a festive fireworks finale.

Cost: $300 for adult bar package, $250 for adult excluding alcoholic drinks; $95 for keiki ages 5 to 12 years old.

Reservations: Visit the Kona Village website.

Kailua Village Independence Day Parade and Fireworks Extravaganza

When: 6 p.m. parade start; 8 p.m. fireworks

Location: Downtown Historic Kailua Village (along Ali‘i Drive)

The 2026 Fourth of July celebration will once again light up Aliʻi Drive, starting with a celebration of the community’s spirit, culture and pride as community groups, schools, businesses, clubs, organizations and more march to the theme of “America The Beautiful,” marking the 250th birthday of the United States. This is also the last block party in the nation on July 4. If you can’t make it downtown, Parades in Kona will be livestreaming the event from Kai Eats & Drinks, so don’t miss any of the festivities. Everyone is invited to celebrate America 250 with Historic Kailua Village.

HiFi Lānai — 4th of July Edition

When: 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Location: Upstairs, Papa Kona Restaurant and Bar, 75-5770 Ali‘i Drive

Guests will enjoy a one-of-a-kind way to experience the Fourth of July on the Kona Coast with front-row views of the Kailua Bay fireworks show, followed by panoramic views of fireworks lighting up the mountainsides and surrounding areas throughout the night. Sunset grooves, warm selections and waterfront views will evolve into a deeper exploration of bass, rhythm, dance and sound system culture. The space will also come alive with live art and visual installations, creating a layered environment where sound, light and creativity move together in real time. Arrive early, stay late and experience the entire journey!

Tickets: Cost is $26 plus a $2.50 booking fee and $1.27 general excise tax for a total of $28.50. Purchase yours today online.

Jimmy Buffett’s 4th of July Party

When: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Big Island Social Dance Club, 74-5583 Luhia St., Suite A1

Gather your friends, put on your favorite island attire and celebrate Fourth of July with great music, delicious food and the relaxed spirit of Margaritaville during an unforgettable Jimmy Buffett-inspired beach party. Tropical costumes encouraged. Cheeseburgers in Paradise and chips will be available for purchase, take a complimentary line dance lesson, enjoy contests and prizes along with a professional DJ and Jimmy Buffett sing-alongs and watch fireworks displays from throughout the nation on a projection screen. Bring your own beverage.

Admission: Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Call Big Island Social Dance Club at 970-739-6771 to inquire about advance tickets.

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Nāʻālehu

4th of July Buckle Rodeo

When: 8 a.m. July 4 slack; noon July 4-5 shows

Location: Nāʻālehu Rodeo Arena, also known as Alvin “Al” Cabral Arena; off Kamāʻoa Road, just down the hill from the main town center and near Nāʻālehu Civic Center

Join Kaʻū Roping and Riding Association for this annual rodeo featuring team roping, youth barrels, youth pole bending, keiki dummy roping, keiki goat undecorating, poʻo wai u and mugging events. All ages welcome to enjoy the fun.

Tickets: Admission is $10 for adults, with keiki 12 years old and younger free. Pre-sale tickets are just $8 and can be purchased from a rodeo queen contestant.

Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade and Family Fun Day

When: Noon

Location: Parade between Niu Street and Kaʻalāiki Road along Māmalahoa Highway; celebration at Nāʻālehu Community Park, 95-5635 Hawaiʻi Belt Road

Nonprofit ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou invites community members for this free Fourth of July celebration, beginning with the annual parade through Nāʻālehu followed by festivities at the park, featuring a water slide, bounce house and other activities, plus hot dogs, shave ice, watermelon and senior Bingo and luncheon.

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Volcano

Volcano Village Fourth of July Parade and Celebration

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Throughout Volcano Village, from Volcano Store to Cooper Center; celebration at Cooper Center, 1940 Wright Road

Join the Volcano Community Association for this annual event featuring local bands, community groups, families, vehicles, other marchers and even animals as they meander through town in a patriotic display in honor of the United States birthday. Then stick around at Cooper Center to enjoy additional festivities including food and craft vendors, live music, a silent auction and more.

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Waikōloa

34th annual Great Waikōloa Rubber Duckie Race

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; rubber duckie race begins at 3 p.m.

Location: Kings’ Shops, 250 Waikōloa Beach Drive

The shopping center’s lake will be filled with 10,000 rubber duckies racing in support of United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaiʻi. Combined with live entertainment, keiki activities and more, the “Super Quackers” community fundraiser offers a fun-filled Fourth of July celebration for the entire family. More than $25,000 in prizes is up for grabs. The celebration also features A-Bay’s Watermelon Eating Contest, Original Big Island Shave Ice Co. Shave Ice Eating Contest, Fitness Forever Challenge, duck waddling and duck calling contests, live music and more, plus local artisan and food vendors, merchant offers and hors d’oeuvres and drinks at Roy’s Waikōloa Bar & Grill.

Duck adoptions: Rubber duckies can be adopted for $5 each. Special packages are also available. Adoptions are now only available in-person from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 3 and beginning at 10 a.m. July 4 until they are sold out.

2026 Fourth of July Extravaganza

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Queens’ Marketplace, 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Drive

This free event features live music, keiki activities, lawn games, face painting, giveaways, sidewalk sales and more. Bring the whole ʻohana and enjoy an afternoon of fun, entertainment and community spirit. Enjoy live entertainment from some of the Big Island’s favorite musicians such as Kingside, Tomi Isobe and the Blues Dogs and Kenny T and band, plus G. Cruz from KWXX broadcasting live from the event. Enter for a chance to win various prizes from merchants and Queens’ Marketplace swag. The Rainbow Isle Party Animals live petting zoo also joins the fun this year.

Note: Waikōloa Beach Resort will not host a fireworks show this year at Waikōloa Bowl.

Poolside Parties for Fourth of July

When: Noon to 4 p.m. July 4-5

Location: Kona Pool, Hilton Waikōloa Village, 69-425 Waikōloa Beach Drive

Come to Hilton Waikoloa Village to enjoy music from live DJ Eric Ching, poolside barbecue with freshly grilled favorites by Kona Pool Burger Party, drink specials and giveaways throughout the weekend during these holiday poolside festivities. Plus, cool off, relax and spend the holiday weekend with family and friends.

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Waimea

Parker Ranch 62nd annual July 4th Rodeo and Horse Races

When: Gates open at 7:30 a.m.; grand entry begins at 9 a.m.

Location: Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena, 67-1349 Ala ʻŌhiʻa St.

This cherished annual tradition celebrates the enduring legacy of Hawaiʻi’s paniolo and deep-rooted ranching culture. From the thunder of hooves to the roar of the crowd, the arena comes alive with fast-paced competition, local pride and generations of ranching tradition. Crowd-favorite events such as horse races, ranch mugging, team roping, poʻo wai u and more are all part of the show. Attendees also will enjoy local food, craft vendors, keiki activities and commemorative memorabilia available at the Parker Ranch booth.

Tickets: Advance tickets are $25, with $20 kamaʻāina presale tickets offered at Puʻuʻōpelu Historic Home, Kamuela Hardwoods, Paniolo Preservation Society and Waimea Butcher Shop. Online tickets are $25, plus applicable fees and taxes. Tickets purchased at the gate are $30. Keiki 12 years old and younger are free.

First Foodie Retreat Bash

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Hawaiian Homes Hall, also known as Prince Kūhiō Hale; 64-756 Māmalahoa Highway

Howdy, y’all! Food vendors and local businesses are teaming up for this inaugural Fourth of July event. Come fill your tummies and do some shopping while you celebrate the holiday. Look for the flags, banners and flyers. Cowboy up!

Waimea Fourth of July Celebration continues after the rodeo

When: 2 to 6 p.m.

Location: Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena, 67-1349 Ala ʻŌhiʻa St.

For the first time, festivities don’t end with the annual Parker Ranch July 4th Rodeo and Horse Races. Bring your friends and family and keep the fun going with an incredible evening of live music featuring Lim Family, Kalapana Awa Band and ʻEkolu while celebrating the Fourth of July and spirit of aloha through tradition, community and in paniolo style.