Saturday is Independence Day.
Saturday is Independence Day.
Thousands of people will observe the holiday in West Hawaii with parades, glittering fireworks shows, a turtle release, rubber duckie racing, live entertainment and more.
The Fourth of July has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution.
The first official Independence Day was marked with bonfires, bells and fireworks. Over the years, the celebration spread, growing larger and more elaborate with picnics, barbecues, games, contests, fundraisers, military displays and live entertainment.
Here are some activities happening Saturday in celebration of our nation’s birthday for the young and old to enjoy:
Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade and Fireworks Extravaganza
The 20th annual Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade will get underway at 6 p.m. Saturday. The parade will start at Kekuaokalani Gym and head south on Kuakini Highway before turning down onto Alii Drive. Once on Alii Drive, the parade will traverse the Kailua Village area before coming to an end near Walua Road, just south of Coconut Grove Marketplace.
Road closures will go into effect at 5:45 p.m. Saturday. Road blocks will be in effect at the following intersections: Loloku Street at Kuakini Highway; Kaiwi Street at Kuakini Highway; Palani Road at Kuakini Highway; Kuakini Highway at Palani Road; Kahikina Lane at Alii Drive; Hualalai Road at Alii Drive; Kakina Lane at Alii Drive; Alii Drive at the entrance to Coconut Grove Marketplace; and Walua Road at Alii Drive.
The parade’s grand marshals are Korean War Veterans West Hawaii Chapter 279.
About four dozen groups/businesses have signed up to take part in the parade. Announcers will be located fronting West Hawaii Today, Big Daddy’s Pupus and Beers, King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, Pancho and Lefty’s Cantina, Hale Halawai, Island Lava Java, Humpy’s Big Island Alehouse.
Following the parade, at about 8 p.m., there will a grand Fireworks Extravaganza over Kailua Bay. The fireworks are sponsored by local businesses, donors and the county, which is providing funds from its fireworks sales fees.
For more information, visit www.paradesinkona.com.
Naalehu Independence Day Parade
Earlier Saturday, the Naalehu Independence Day Parade takes to the streets in Ka’u.
The free parade begins at the Naalehu Elementary School at noon and ends at the Naalehu Hongwanji Mission. After the parade there will be food, games and senior bingo.
For more information, call 929-9872.
Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race
The 24th annual Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race begins at 3 p.m. lakeside at the Kings’ Shops at the Waikoloa Beach Resort with proceeds benefiting the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii.
Prior to the race or on race day , participants can adopt an individual duck for $5 or a Quack Pack for $25, which includes four ducks plus an event T-shirt. The first 50 duckies to cross the finish line will share over $27,000 in prizes.
The grand prize includes a two-night stay in the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Hotel’s royal suite, luau, two rounds of golf, $250 Kings’ Shops shopping spree from Hawaii Water Service Co., a Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour for two and a $200 dining certificate to Roy’s Waikoloa Bar and Grill.
Starting at 11 a.m., there will be live entertainment, including Tropical Vibrations performing at 2 and 3 p.m., balloons, face painting, cotton candy, popcorn, duck waddling competitions and discounts from merchants.
For more information, and to adopt a rubber duckie, visit www.kingsshops.com.
Music, fun and fireworks in Waikoloa
If you’re still in the Waikoloa resort area, head over to the Queens’ MarketPlace for more fun.
Starting at 11 a.m. is Family Fourth offering up entertainment, balloon sculpting, popcorn, cotton candy, the Zoo Choo and other activities. Proceeds benefit United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii.
Live entertainment is slated all-day with DamStr8 taking the stage at 11 a.m. followed by Salsa Latinos at noon and Tomi Isobe Blues Band at 2 p.m. At 3 p.m., The Projects will perform followed by Lorenzo’s Army at 4 p.m., Mystik Rhythmz at 5 p.m. Full Circle will close the event starting at 8:30 p.m.
At the Waikoloa Bowl at Queens’ Gardens, the public is invited for a free evening of music and fireworks under the stars. The evening begins at 4:30 p.m. with a performance by Beyond Paradise at 5 p.m. followed by Johnny Shot Band at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at 8 p.m.
This is an alcohol-, smoke- and drug-free event.
Call 886-8822 for more information.
Turtle Independence Day
Young green sea turtles, ages 3 and 4, will get their first taste of freedom during “Turtle Independence Day” at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows. The turtles will be gathered at 10:30 a.m. from the saltwater ponds, where they have been raised, paraded to the beach and released into the wild.
For 20 years, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows has received juvenile turtles from Sea Life Park on Oahu and raised them until they grow to a size and weight deemed appropriate for release.
The event also offers educational displays, live entertainment and a barbecue. Call 885-6622 or visit maunalani.com.
Fourth of July Rodeo and Horse Races
Interested in some roping and riding? Head to the 53rd annual Fourth of July Rodeo and Horse Races at the Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena in Waimea.
Big Island ranchers will participate in fast-paced horse races and rodeo events during the event, which also features ribbon mugging, ranch mugging, dally team roping, poo wai u and more. Keiki activities include roping practice and pony rides.
Pre-sale tickets ($7) available at the Parker Ranch Store in Waimea. Tickets will be $10 for adults and free for keiki 12 and younger at the gate.
For more information, call 885-7311 or visit www.parkerranch.com.
Naalehu Fourth of July Rodeo
At 8 a.m. Saturday, slack roping kicks off the 38th Fourth of July Rodeo in Naalehu. Events start at noon Saturday and Sunday. Paniolo will compete in team roping, bull riding, wahine mugging, wahine breakaway and a poo wai u.