2014 Guide to Honolulu Fourth of July Fireworks Shows and Entertainment

It’s time to celebrate America’s Independence Day! Here’s your guide to the best places to celebrate July 4th in Honolulu, Hawaii.

TOWN

Ala Moana Beach Park

More than 30,000 people are expected to gather at Ala Moana Beach Park to watch the 20-minute fireworks display off of Magic Island. Get there early, because the park is usually filled with tents and campers, grilling and playing on the beach until the show. Look for parking elsewhere, because cars are prohibited in Ala Moana Park after 10 p.m. July 3 through July 4.

8:30-8:50 p.m., Magic Island.

Independence Day Cruises

Instead of camping out on the beach, you can catch the fireworks show from aboard the Star of Honolulu. Watch fireworks light up the night sky while feasting on a 7-, 5- or 3-course dinner. 

6:15-9:15 p.m., $142-$234, Aloha Tower Marketplace Pier 8, starofhonolulu.com.

WINDWARD

Freedom Run

If you’re looking for a more charitable way to celebrate America’s birthday, the Epilepsy Foundation Hawaii will host a morning 5K and 10K run. Those with wheelchairs, strollers or pets, can skip the run and take a 1-mile walk instead. Proceeds from the event benefit the foundation’s programs and services.

7 a.m., Kailua High School, 528-3058, epilepsyhawaii.org.

Kailua Fourth of July Parade

If you want to catch a glimpse of 200 marchers, 40 vehicles and 40 floats parading through Kailua, then arrive as early as 9 a.m. to find parking for the Kailua parade. Event organizers recommend parking in town, then walking over to the parade’s start between Kainalu Drive and Palapu Street. The parade will end at Kailua Intermediate School.

10 a.m.-12 p.m., Kainalu Drive to Kailua Intermediate School, Kailua Chamber of Commerce, 261-7997.

Kailua Beach Park

This 65-year-old Fourth of July fireworks tradition kicks off at Kailua Beach Park with an airshow from 6 to 6:30 p.m., followed by jazz music from the Marine Corps band and a 15-minute fireworks show. Organizer Jana Holden says you can view the fireworks from anywhere on the beach. Parking will be available at Kailua Intermediate, Kailua, Kainalu and Lanikai Elementary Schools. Or catch a ride to the beach from the Alexander & Baldwin shuttle at Long’s Kailua between 3:30 and 10 p.m.

6-9 p.m., kailuafireworks.net.

LEEWARD

Pearl Harbor-Hickam

Good news: Fourth of July fireworks show returns to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam this year! Bring the keiki to enjoy free activities, including a petting zoo, train ride, inflatables, airbrush tattoos and a batting cage. For adults, there’s a car show, beer garden and music by American rock band 3 Doors Down. Pizza Hut is sponsoring the fireworks display and will offer free samples of their barbecue pizza. This celebration is open to military only.

3:30-9:30 p.m. (3 Doors Down at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks display at 9 p.m.), Ward Field, greatlifehawaii.com.

Schofield Barracks

Military members and their guests will be treated to a free concert by American alternative rock band, Third Eye Blind, and Hawaiian musician Willie K. There’ll be plenty of activities to keep both keiki and adults entertained, including water slides, game booths, food eating contests and a kendama tournament. Fireworks start at 8:30 p.m.

10 a.m., Schofield Barracks, himwr.com.

Battleship Missouri Memorial

A picnic at Pearl Harbor? Why not? You don’t have to be in the military to enjoy the festivities at the Battleship Missouri Memorial. Bring food and drinks for a picnic at the pier. Just remember, glass and grills are prohibited at the site. Bring the kids to play Battleship and race paper sailboats.

6 p.m. picnic, 9 p.m. fireworks show, $10 general, $5 child (ages 4-12), free for members, Battleship Missouri Memorial at Pearl Harbor, bit.ly/ussmsteelpicnic.

NORTH SHORE

Turtle Bay

You don’t need to stay at the Turtle Bay Resort to enjoy the fireworks show and festivities on the North Shore. This all-day event includes food booths, prize giveaways, live music, traditional Hawaiian board carving and Hawaiian holua sledding activities.

10 a.m.-10 p.m., Turtle Bay Resort stables, turtlebayresort.com.

NOT HAPPENING THIS YEAR

It’s a shame the Maunalua Bay celebration has been cancelled due to a lack of funding. Will a generous donor will step in this year?