Thousands of people will observe Independence Day in West Hawaii with parades, fireworks shows, a turtle release, live entertainment, rodeos and more.
The Fourth of July, which is Monday, has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations dates 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.
The following list includes activities happening this this weekend, as well as Monday, in celebration of our nation’s birthday:
Saturday
The Naalehu Independence Day Parade, sponsored by O Ka’u Kakou, gets underway at 11 a.m. Saturday. Prizes will be awarded for the most colorful entry and the most patriotic entry. The parade route will begin at the Naalehu Elementary School and end at the Naalehu Hongwanji Mission.
After the parade, OKK will be providing “Fun Times” at the park for all ages. There will be free shaved ice, free hot dogs, and free games for the keiki and bingo for the seniors at Naalehu Park around noon.
Monday
Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade and Fireworks Extravaganza
The 21st annual Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade will get underway at 6 p.m. Monday starting at the Kekuaokalani Gymnasium off Kuakini Highway. It will proceed south on the highway, to Palani Road, to Alii Drive, and then south on Alii Drive to Walua Road just past Coconut Grove Marketplace. Road closures will be in effect during the festivities. Nine announcer stations will be set up throughout the 1.2-mile parade route.
This year’s parade theme is “Kona’s got Spirit!” Along with musical entries and floats of all kinds, there will be multiple color guards and numerous members of our armed services as part of the parade, including the VFW, American Legion, Pohakuloa Training Area, Kona Vet Center, Disabled American Veterans, and others. Organizers expect more than 60 entrants.
The Grand Marshals for the 2016 parade will feature and honor Kona’s Vietnam War veterans and their families, as part of the 50th anniversary of this era in our nation’s history. The unit, which is sponsored by the military spouses of Vietnam War veterans, will also feature a canine detail in honor of the Military War Dogs, our four-legged friends, who served alongside soldiers in Vietnam.
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.
July 4th pancake breakfast and baking contest to benefit Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation
The Palisades Volunteer Firefighters and Hawaii Community College – Palamanui’s culinary arts program will host a Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast and Baking Contest to benefit the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation.
The events will take place at the Palisades Community Center 7-10 a.m. Monday. Free pancakes will be grilled and served by volunteer firefighters. There is a $5 suggested donation.
For the baking contest, contestants will provide three sets per entry. Two sets will be auctioned off through a silent auction, and one will be used by the judges. The three categories are: cookies and squares, cakes, dessert pies, and open sweets (any entry not meeting the above). There is a $5 entry fee per category. All entries must be dropped off on Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Palisades Community Center. Winners will be displayed from 7-9 a.m. at the pancake breakfast.
Formal proceedings for the event begin at 9 a.m. The silent auction for the baked goods will close and the auction winners will be announced. Certificates of Community Appreciation will be awarded.
Info: John Bertsch at 960-5789.
Celebrate Fourth of July in Kailua Village
Kailua Village Business Improvement District will host its annual Fourth of July Concert in Kailua Village Monday.
The free concert begins at 4 p.m. at Coconut Grove Marketplace and features The Steppas, a five-piece Hawaiian Reggae band. The group hails from Hilo and plays a fusion of roots, rock, ska and reggae. These popular island musicians have just returned from a mainland tour having now completed four full-length tours in more than 22 states and 60 U.S. cities.
Attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs, beach blankets and spread out on the grass to enjoy the concert, but no coolers please.
Info: HKVevents@gmail.com.
Music, fun and fireworks in Waikoloa
Starting at 11 a.m. Monday is Queens’ MarketPlace hosts Family Fourth offering up entertainment, balloon sculpting, popcorn, cotton candy, the Zoo Choo and other activities.
Live entertainment is slated all-day with Salsa Latinos at noon, followed by Brian Vasquez at 2 p.m., Lorenzo’s Army at 3, Kris Fuchigami at 4 and Tomi Isobe Blues Band at 5 p.m. The night will end with a performance by Full Circle at 8:30 p.m. All of the live entertainment will take place at the Coronation Pavilion.
At the Waikoloa Bowl, the public is invited to fireworks under the stars. The evening begins at 4:30 p.m. with live entertainment starting at 5:15 p.m. Fireworks begin at 8.
Info: www.queensmarketplace.net.
25th annual Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race
The Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race, a benefit for United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii, celebrates 25 years on Monday.
The festivities at Kings’ Shops start at 10 a.m. with food booths, children’s entertainment, live music on the stage, and promotions at participating stores. Free activities will also be available including photo booths, airbrush tattoos, balloon sculpting, lei making, bouncy houses, and EMS and fire trucks to explore.
The Rubber Duckie race will begin at 3 p.m. on Kings’ Lake followed by a special performance by Anuhea at 3:30 p.m.
Adoption certificates for the Rubber Duckie race are on sale until 3 p.m. on Monday. They offer a chance to win more than $37,000 in prizes. Individual duckie adoptions are $5 each and Quack Packs are $25 each, and include four adoption certificates and one event T-shirt (while supplies last).
Info: www.kingsshops.com.
Parker Ranch hosts annual Fourth of July Rodeo and Horse Races
Parker Ranch celebrates its paniolo heritage at the 54th annual Fourth of July Rodeo and Horse Races on Monday at Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena in Waimea.
While celebrating our nation’s independence, Parker Ranch paniolo, will be joined by other nearby ranches for a round-up of traditional rodeo events, including horse races, ranch mugging, team roping and more. These events will showcase the skills that have made Hawaiian paniolo famous throughout the world and which continue to keep the unique ranching lifestyle and culture alive in Hawaii.
Rodeo action begins shortly after the 9 a.m. grand entry parade and continues through noon. The day starts with the traditional pomp and circumstance with the introduction of the ranch teams and raising of the flags.
The day will also feature crafts and foods from local businesses and well as nonprofit youth groups. The Hawaii Quarter Horse Youth Association will be providing horse rides for the keiki and Alohi Akamai will be running a petting zoo.
Each year the festivities also include recognizing an individual or group who has contributed to our island community. This year, Parker Ranch will honor, the late state Sent. Gilbert Kahele, who died in January. Kahele was a steadfast advocate for the Big Island and a former Marine. His son, Kai, was appointed by Gov. David Ige to fill in for his father during the 2016 legislative session, and he and his family will be on hand to accept the award on behalf of his father.
Tickets are available in advance for $7, or $10 at the gate. Children 12 and under enter free.
Info: 885-7311 or www.parkerranch.com.
Turtle Independence Day
Young green sea turtles, ages 3 and 4, will get their first taste of freedom during the 27th annual “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.
Since 1989, 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. A welcome ceremony with a hula performance by Halau Waiau will kick-off the event.
Info: www.maunalani.com.