The Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks & Recreation announced the following 2025 Fourth of July celebration happening in Hilo and Kailua-Kona.
HILO:
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From 10 a.m. through 3 p.m., the “Hot Rides Expo,” featuring vintage, classic and futuristic vehicles, will be held at the Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields (mauka fields). All show vehicles are welcome to participate at no charge and may roll in from 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.
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During the “Hot Rides Expo,” live music will be performed by Saddle Road Band, Quartz, Pōki‘i Seto, and Always Free. Food trucks and children’s activities, including water slides and bounce houses, will be available at the Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields.
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At 8 p.m., the “Hilo Bay Blast” fireworks exhibition will begin with professional pyrotechnics set off from a barge moored in Hilo Bay. The Hawai‘i County Band will present a live accompaniment to the fireworks with a performance that begins at 7 p.m. at the Mo‘oheau Park bandstand. For those not near the bandstand, the fireworks display will be synchronized to patriotic music aired on KWXX.
All Hilo area parks will remain open until 9 p.m. on Friday, July 4 only.
The Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields have been designated as the Kupuna viewing station. The Department of Parks & Recreation’s Elderly Activities Division will provide shuttle service from the Kamanā Senior Center, located at 127 Kamanā Street. The shuttle to the Hilo Bayfront Soccer Field 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 may contact Elderly Recreation Services at (808) 961-8710 for more information.
KAILUA-KONA
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Presented in partnership with the Kailua Village Parade Association and Fireworks Committee, the Fourth of July parade along Kuakini Highway and Ali‘i Drive begins at 6 p.m.
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At 8 p.m., the “Independence Day Extravaganza” fireworks exhibition will begin with professional pyrotechnics set off from a barge moored in Kailua Bay.
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For more information, including the complete parade route and list of road closures that will be in effect from 5:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., visit https://www.paradesinkona.com.
As a reminder, the following safety precautions have been put in place:
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Personal fireworks and the use of alcohol, tobacco, and e-cigarettes are prohibited at all county and state parks. No tents or canopies are permitted.
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Operation of UAVs/drones are regulated within five miles of the Hilo and Kona airports and within county and state parks.
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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 floatation devices.
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A 600-foot safety zone will be set around the fireworks barges; unauthorized vessels shall not moor, drift, traverse or enter these restricted areas. Officers from the State Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement will be assisting this event on sea and land.
For more information, contact the Department of Parks & Recreation’s Culture & Education Division at (808) 961-8706.
HPD Photo
