Hawaii will celebrate the Fourth of July across the island. From parades in Kailua-Kona to rubber duck races in Waikoloa, rodeos and fireworks, a slew of activities are slated for everyone over the holiday. ADVERTISING Hawaii will celebrate the Fourth
Hawaii will celebrate the Fourth of July across the island. From parades in Kailua-Kona to rubber duck races in Waikoloa, rodeos and fireworks, a slew of activities are slated for everyone over the holiday.
Kona set for scintillating Fourth of July
Get set for the fun in Kona on Tuesday with the 22nd Annual Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade, whose theme is “Stars and Stripes Forever!”
The parade begins at 6 p.m. at Kona Kekuaokalani Gym (near the Kona Old Airport), and proceeds down Kuakini Highway and Palani Road to Alii Drive, finishing at Coconut Grove Marketplace.
This year’s grand marshal is Command Sgt. Maj. James K. Hussey, U.S. Army (retired), of Kailua-Kona.
The fireworks show by Hawaii Explosives &Pyrotechnics, Inc. kicks off at 8 p.m. The 10-minute show is produced off a barge on Kailua Bay, with widespread visibility.
Hosted by the parade association, sponsors of the fireworks include the County of Hawaii, Kona Commons, Royal Kona Resort, King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, McDonalds, Manini Holdings, Ironman Foundation, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Coconut Grove Marketplace, and SVN Clark Commercial Group.
Info or to become a sponsor: www.paradesinkona.com or call the Kona Mayor’s Office at 323-4444.
*Suggested parking at Old Kona Airport Park, where spaces are plentiful. There are many places to park and walk to the village area.
Fourth of July celebration at Hale Halawai
Halau Kalaakeakauikawekiu under the direction of Kumu Kenneth Aloha Victor and Kauluae Foundation, presents a Craft &Food Fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Hale Halawai in Kailua-Kona. The event will feature more than 40 local vendors including food trucks.
A Zumba-Thon is planned from 9-11 a.m. and hula presentations, entertainment by Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning musicians Kolea and Kamaka Kukona and a celebrity appearance by Chef Sam Choy.
Free admission.
Info: Call or text Sabine 896-0289.
‘Family Fourth’ at Waikoloa Beach Resort
From the big splash of a thousand yellow ducks to the fantastic fireworks finale with music by the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific, the Family Fourth is a great way to celebrate the red, white and blue. Waikoloa Beach Resort’s free, all-day event features nonstop entertainment, balloon art, carnival games and treats for all ages, from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., at Kings’ Shops, Queens’ MarketPlace and Waikoloa Bowl.
Family Fourth begins with the opening oli (chant) and traditional hula kahiko at Kings’ Shops, followed by Hawaiian music from Komakakino. Leading up to the big rubber duck race at 3 p.m., entertainment by Micah De Aguiar with Kuleana, and Lito Arkangel. And afterward, one of Hawaii’s favorite singer-songwriters, John Cruz will perform. Promotions will be offered from select merchants throughout the shops.
The 26th Annual Rubber Duckie Race, is a major fundraiser for the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii. Thousands of rubber duckies are adopted by people from near and far, who gather around Kings’ Lake to watch their ducks take the plunge, and cheer them on to the finish line. Winners reward their owners with valuable prizes. To adopt a duck, call Kings’ Shops office, at 886-8811. All proceeds benefit UCPA of Hawaii.
Doors open to Waikoloa Bowl at 4:30 p.m. for an exciting concert by Tomi Isobe Blues Band and the powerful sound of the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific, followed by a fireworks extravaganza.
Beach mats or chairs are welcome for open lawn seating in Waikoloa Bowl. Coolers and alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
Info: www.WaikoloaBeachResort.com or Queens’ MarketPlace at 886-8822.
July 4
schedule of events
Kings’ Shops
10:30 a.m. opening chant and hula kahiko
11 a.m. Komakakino with halau
Noon Micah De Aguiar with Kuleana
1:30 p.m. watermelon eating contest
2 p.m. Lito Arkangel
3 p.m. 26th Annual Rubber Duckie Race for UCPA of Hawaii
3:30 p.m. John Cruz
4:30 p.m. duck calling and duck waddling contests
5:30 p.m. award ceremony at center stage
Queens’ MarketPlace, Coronation Pavilion
Noon Salsa Latinos
Noon to 5 p.m. cotton candy, popcorn, balloon art by Balloon Monsoon, carnival games
throughout Queens’ MarketPlace
2 p.m. Tomi Isobe Blues Band
3 p.m. DamStr8
4 p.m. Lorenzo’s Army
5 p.m. Larry Dupio Blues Band
8:30 p.m. music by Full Circle at the Coronation Pavilion, to wind down the night
Waikoloa Bowl
4:30 p.m. entrances open to Waikoloa Bowl
5 p.m. music by Tomi Isobe Blues Band
6:30 p.m. United States Air Force Band of the Pacific
8 p.m. fireworks show
Naalehu celebration tapped for July 8
O Ka’u Kakou in Naalehu will be celebrating Independence Day on July 8 with a parade that starts at 11 a.m., followed with a fun day in the park for the keiki at noon.
Inflatable water slides, bouncy castles and more will be on hand and a lunch of hot dogs, watermelon and shave ice will be available. Meanwhile, in the Naalehu Community Center, lunch will be served for seniors followed by bingo where all go home with a prize.
Separate from OKK, but still part of the day’s events:
– Pancake breakfast held at the Naalehu Mormon church at 8:30 a.m.
– Rodeo at the Naalehu rodeo grounds beginning at noon.
Parker Ranch
4th of July Rodeo and Horse Races
Parker Ranch will celebrate its paniolo heritage at the 55th annual Fourth of July Rodeo and Horse Races Tuesday at the Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena in Waimea.
While celebrating the nation’s independence, Parker Ranch paniolo will be joined by other nearby ranches for a roundup of traditional rodeo events, including horse races, ranch mugging, team roping and more. These events will showcase the skills that have made paniolo famous throughout the world and which continue to keep the unique ranching lifestyle and culture alive in Hawaii.
Gates open at 7 a.m. and attendees can enjoy a variety of crafts and food from local businesses. There will also be activities for the kids, such as a petting zoo and pony rides.
Fast paced rodeo action begins shortly after the 9 a.m. grand entry parade and continues nonstop until noon.
Each year the festivities also include recognizing an individual or group who has contributed to the island community. This year Parker Ranch will honor, cattleman and rancher James Greenwell.
Tickets for the Tuesday event are available in advance for $7 or $10 at the gate. Children 12 and under are free.
Info: 885-7311 or visit www.parkerranch.com. The rodeo grounds are 37 miles by car from Kona International Airport and 57 miles from Hilo Airport on Highway 190.
Honu Independence Day release
Mauna Lani Bay Hotel &Bungalows will host its 28th annual Turtle Independence Day Celebration from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesday.
Raised in the saltwater ponds of the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel, the honu are cared for until they grow to a size and weight that are deemed appropriate for release into the wild. This release occurs every July 4 at the ocean’s edge fronting the hotel.
Beginning at 10:30 a.m. from the Honu Ponds, they will be paraded to the beachfront for the release. A welcome ceremony with a hula performance by Halau Waiau will kick-off the event followed by the release. The annual celebration honors the honu and helps educate the public about the Hawaiian green sea turtle. Families are invited to join the celebration.
Info: 885-6622, 800-367-2323 or visit www.maunalani.com. ■
