The Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade and Fireworks Extravaganza over Kailua Bay returns July 4 following a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus.
The festivities will take place Monday, July 4, starting at 6 p.m. with the Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade. The parade will begin at Kekuaokalani Gymnasium and travel along Kuakini Highway to Alii Drive and through Kailua Village to Walua Road.
This year’s theme? A Salute to our Hometown Heroes.
“It’s all for the community,” said Renee Kraft, co-chair of the Kailua-Kona Community Parade Association. “It’s for the kids. Kids love coming out and getting candy and celebrating the spirit of what the Fourth means. It’s about celebrating our freedom. We’ll also have those who are in office and running in the parade. It’ll be a mix of organizations, those in office and running and local businesses who want to promote their businesses and support community.”
The fireworks display, which will begin at 8 p.m., is presented by the association in partnership with the Rotary Clubs of West Hawaii and the Kailua Village Business Improvement District. It returns to Kailua Bay following last year’s show held at Old Kona Airport Park after a barge couldn’t be secured.
“We’ve secured a barge in Kailua Bay at 8 p.m., depending on the wind. It’s an 8-minute show, we cut it from 10 minutes as the cost went up by about $7,000,” said Barbara Kossow, co-chair of the event.
Funding for the show comes from various sources, including donations, grants and funds from Hawaii County’s fireworks permit sales. While Kossow said some $15,000 was allocated for the show from county fireworks permits sales, organizers are still about $15,000 short.
“We’re hoping to put on a good event,” she said, noting organizers are also working to secure a grant to help with the cost.
In total, between the fireworks show and securing police for road closures, the festivities will cost around $44,000.
“We’re still fundraising, and we need to communities help,” said Kraft. The parade is also still seeking entries.
Organizers are excited to welcome the community back to the parade, which will be the 25th running of the annual event, not including the two-year break due to COVID-19. However, they are also cautious and aware that folks might have reservations about large crowds.
“We expect people to come out and preview the parade, but it’s a sensitive issue coming out of COVID-19 and we’re aware of that,” said Kraft. “We want to make sure we invite crowds to come out, absolutely, but let’s also be cautious.”
The parade’s grand marshal will be announced closer to the event, organizers said.
Announcer stations will be set up throughout the 1.2-mile parade route at Tony Honda, King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, YWAM Ships, Hulihe‘e Palace, Hale Halewai and Lava Java.
A handful of road closures will be in effect starting at 5:45 p.m. and continuing until 8:15 p.m.:
• Kuakini Highway will be closed from Kekuaokalani Gymnasium to Palani Road. Its intersections with Loloku and Kaiwi streets will be closed.
• Palani Road will be closed from Kuakini Highway to Alii Drive.
• Alii Drive will be closed between Palani to Walua roads. Alii Drive’s intersections with Kahikina Lane, and Sarona and Hualalai roads will be closed.
• Kaiwi Street at its intersection with Kuakini Highway
To volunteer, donate, sponsor or enter the parade, visit paradesinkona.com. The deadline for parade entries is June 27.