Fourth of July celebrations are back in full force this year in Hawaii County, with something for everyone from keiki to kupuna.
The big event will be the public fireworks displays lighting up the skies at 8 p.m. in both Hilo and Kailua-Kona.
Hilo Fireworks
The “Hilo Bay Blast” fireworks exhibition will begin at 7 p.m. with a live performance by the Hawaii County Band at the Mo‘oheau Park bandstand.
The band will accompany the pyrotechnics display that will launch starting at 8 p.m. from a barge moored in Hilo Bay.
For those not near the bandstand, the fireworks display will be synchronized to patriotic music aired on KWXX.
For ease of viewing, all Hilo-area parks will remain open until 9 p.m.
The Bayfront soccer fields have been designated as the kupuna viewing area this year, and the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Elderly Activities Division will provide a shuttle service from the Kamana Senior Center at 127 Kamana St.
The shuttle will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and the return shuttle will run from 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Individuals 55 years and older wanting to use the shuttle service can contact Elderly Recreation Services at (808) 961-8710.
All gates along Mo‘oheau Park and the Bayfront soccer fields also will be open for pedestrian access to the Hilo Bay shoreline to view the fireworks.
Lihiwai Street, from Keli‘ipio Lane to the entrance of Isle’s parking lot, will be closed to vehicular traffic from 2 a.m. July 4 through 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 5.
Bayfront Highway, from Waianuenue Avenue to Pauahi Street, will also be closed to vehicular traffic from 6 p.m. through 10 p.m. Tuesday.
Other special events will be taking place throughout the day on Hawaii Island.
Veterans 5k
Starting at 7 a.m. July 4, the annual “A Salute to Our Veterans” Hilo Bay 5K Run/Walk will take place at Lili‘uokalani Gardens.
The event first launched in 2011, and all funding from the $35 entry fees will go toward the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Pahoa.
“It was all started to help put a commercial kitchen into the VFW in Pahoa,” said Marlene Hapai, who is helping coordinate the event this year alongside her husband, Iron Man legend Archie Hapai. “We’re still working on it, but we have a lot more funds and are getting closer and closer to building the kitchen.”
All ages are welcome to participate, and over 130 people had registered as of last week, but Hapai expects even more on the day of the event.
“We are expecting 290 to 310 people,” Hapai said, adding it’s a near-even split between the number of walkers and runners.
An official timer will also be set up at the event this year so both the walkers and runners can track their time as they compete.
“Everyone is welcome to participate,” Hapai said. “In the past we’ve had mothers with their strollers, young or old, everyone.”
For more information and to register for the event, visit www.ASaluteToOurVeterans.org.
Hot Rod Expo
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the annual “Hot Rides Expo,” featuring vintage, classic and futuristic vehicles, will be held at the Bayfront soccer fields (mauka fields).
All show vehicles are welcomed to participate at no charge and may roll in starting at 7:30 a.m. at the former gas station on the corner of Kamehameha Avenue and Pauahi Street.
Show vehicles are encouraged to stay until 3 p.m.
Live music will take place throughout the event, with performances by Chip Douglas, OL’s School Band, Saddle Road, Johnny Ness, and the Hot Potaytahs.
Food trucks and children’s activities like water slides and bounce houses also will be available.
Parker Ranch Rodeo and Horse Races
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the 59th Annual Parker Ranch July 4th Rodeo and Horse Race will take place at the Parker Ranch Arena in Waimea.
The rodeo celebrates the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) and their skills. Guests can watch them compete in various events like the Horse Races, Ranch Mugging, Team Roping, Po‘o Wai U and more.
A variety of crafts and food from local vendors will be available, along with keiki activities including a petting zoo and pony rides.
Tickets can be purchased on the website at https://tinyurl.com/2p96b2hv.
Kona Parade and Fireworks
The annual Fourth of July parade along Kuakini Highway and Ali‘i Drive will begin at 6 p.m.
This year’s theme is “Honoring Our Vietnam Veterans,” and is presented in partnership with the Kailua-Kona Community Parade Association and Fireworks Committee.
For the complete parade route and list of road closures from 5:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., visit https://paradesinkona.com/.
Starting at 8 p.m., the “Peace, Love and Fourth of July” fireworks exhibition will take place with professional pyrotechnics being launched from a barge moored in Kailua Bay.
Other West Hawaii events
The two shopping centers within Waikoloa, Kings’ Shops and Queens’ Marketplace, will be hosting their annual events that include free, live entertainment and other family-friendly activities.
Kings’ Shops will host a watermelon eating contest starting at 11 a.m., followed at 12 p.m. by a shave ice eating contest.
Then at 3 p.m., the annual Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race will take place, with 10,000 “ducks” swimming to victory. The first 50 finishers, and last place, will take home prizes.
Queens’ Marketplace also will host a Fourth of July Extravaganza from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. featuring live music, carnival games, popcorn and cotton candy.
Rules and Regulations
Permits for firecrackers are available until at 8 p.m. on July 4.
Permits will be sold exclusively at the TNT tents on Makaala Street in Hilo and Henry Street in Kona.
All aerial fireworks are prohibited.
Firecrackers and other fireworks can be ignited on private property between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. on July 4.
Personal fireworks, alcohol, tobacco and e-cigs are prohibited at all county and state parks. No tents or canopies are permitted.
Operation of drones within 5 miles of the Hilo and Kona airports and county and state parks is prohibited.
All marine vessels — including kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards — operating at night must utilize navigation lights, and all persons on board must have personal flotation devices.
A 600-foot safety zone will be set around the fireworks barges. Unauthorized vessels shall not moor, drift, traverse or enter these restricted areas.
State officers will be assisting with this event on sea and land.
Email Grant Phillips at gphillips@hawaiitribune-herald.com.