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Kauaʻi: America’s Most West Freedom Fest July 3rd at Barking Sands

POSTED BY
Carole Cancler

Listed below are Fourth of July fireworks shows celebrated throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Our list includes the large annual public fireworks displays on Hawai’i Island, Kaua’i, Maui, and O’ahu. We also provide tips for photographing fireworks, which tend to fill the Hawaiian skyline for Independence Day, as well as for New Year’s celebrations. If you plan to purchase and set off fireworks, we provide links to the state laws restricting fireworks.

Fourth of July 2016 fireworks at Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu on Oahu

View of Fourth of July 2016 fireworks from Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu on Oahu – photo by gorddo via iStockphoto by Getty Images

State of Hawaii fireworks laws

Hawai’i state laws restrict the purchase and use of fireworks to specific days and times during the year, including New Year’s Day (January 1), Chinese/Lunar New Year (variable date each year), and Independence Day (July 4). If you want to set off fireworks outside of these times, you must get the required license and/or permit.

In addition, there are restrictions on where you can light off fireworks. Listed below are links to some of the laws important to most people who want to set off fireworks, for example at a home party:

How to take (great) photos of fireworks

To take great photos of fireworks, turn off your flash and set your camera to manual mode. With your camera in manual mode, set the ISO (“film speed” or light sensitivity), F-stop (aperture), and shutter speed to the following settings:

  • ISO 100
  • F-stop f/8 or f/11
  • Shutter speed 1/2 second

If the photos are too dark at these settings, try gradually increasing the shutter speed (from 2 to 10 seconds) while keeping the ISO and F-stop the same. A camera tripod and remote shutter release are recommended, especially if you want to try long shutter speeds.

Other camera settings to try:

  • Most professional photographers recommend sticking with ISO 100. However, the F-stop can range from f/5.6 to f/16, with more than one photographer stating f/8 is their favorite.
  • Also, shutter speed can be up to 30 seconds, or longer, especially if you want to capture the entire “trail” of a fireworks display. For longer shutter speeds, a tripod and remote shutter will give the best results.

However, rather than fiddling with shutter speed, another option is to use B mode or Bulb mode, which allows you to press and hold the shutter button when the firework launches and keep the shutter open until the display eclipses, and then release the button. In other words, rather than setting a particular shutter speed such as 2 or 10 or 30 seconds, you manually work the shutter for each shot, and keep it open as long as needed. Of course, you must use both a tripod and remote shutter release for this operation.

Plan to arrive at your planned photography site well before sunset to check your camera settings and take a few photos. Find a level spot and review the framing of your images–your line of site to where the fireworks will be. When you look through the viewfinder, pay attention to what’s in the background. Decide whether horizontal or vertical photos produce the best composition based on your vantage point. If you are far away or have a high vantage point, a horizontal image that takes in the surrounding landscape is usually the better shot. If you are close to the action, then vertical shots of the fireworks from launch to high point in the sky is typically a better shot.

For more fireworks photography tips, review this National Geographic photo gallery for photographing fireworks.

2024 July 4th celebrations and fireworks shows

Big Island 2024 July 4th celebrations

(listed clockwise around the island beginning in Waikoloa)

(Waikoloa) Queens’ Marketplace daytime July 4th family celebration. The fun-filled event features live entertainment, face painting, carnival games, and lots of great family fun all day long. More info: Queens’ Marketplace Hawaii Resort Calendar at Waikoloa Beach Resort (queensmarketplace.com)

(Waikoloa) Mauna Kea Beach Hotel July 4th Dinner & Fireworks Show from 6 – 9 p.m. on the Beachfront Lawn. Fireworks show starts at 8:45 p.m. Prices are $145/adult, $70/keiki (ages 5-12). Reservations are required. More info: Resort Event Calendar | Prince Waikiki (maunakearesort.com)

(Kamuela) Parker Ranch Annual July 4th Rodeo and Horse Races. Tickets on sale in June. Seating is limited and will be first come, first served. 

  • When: July 4th. Gates open at 7:30 a.m. Fast-paced rodeo action begins shortly after the 9 a.m. grand entry and continues until 1 p.m.
  • Where: Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena in Waimea. 
  • Tickets: $15 at the gate. Children 12 and under are free.
  • Discount tickets: Online ($12 + fees). In-person ($10) at Kamuela Hardwoods, Paniolo Preservation Society or Waimea Butcher Shop.
  • More info: Hawaii Ranching – Parker Ranch

(Hilo) Hot Rides Expo July 4th from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. at Bayfront Soccer Fields (mauka fields). the shows features vintage, classic and futuristic vehicles, plus live music, food trucks, and children’s activities. More info: HAWAIʻI COUNTY ANNOUNCES 2024 FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS – Howzit Kohala

(Hilo) Bay Blast July 4th fireworks begin at 8 p.m. from a barge moored in Hilo Bay. The Hawai‘i County Band will present a live accompaniment to the fireworks beginning at 7 p.m. at the Mo‘oheau Park bandstand. The fireworks display will also be synchronized to patriotic music aired on KWXX. More info: HAWAIʻI COUNTY ANNOUNCES 2024 FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS – Howzit Kohala and Hawaii, Big Island, July 4th Fireworks & Celebrations 2024 – Go Visit Hawaii

(Kailua-Kona) Independence Day Parade & Fireworks Extravaganza is the biggest 4th of July celebration on Hawaiʻi island. The parade begins at 6 pm with vibrant floats, musical acts, and color guards marching along Aliʻi Drive. It is followed by dazzling fireworks over Kailua Bay at 8 pm. More info: Parades in Kona (paradesinkona.com)

Kauaʻi 2024 July 4th celebrations

(Keheka) America’s Most West Freedom Fest at Barking Sands. Note: celebration takes place Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Gates open 4:30 PM. Fireworks at 9:30PM. FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! (no foreign nationals). Free parking available on base; vehicles will be subject to search. Food, beverages, keiki activities. CASH ONLY for food and activities. Live entertainment headlined by Iam Tongi. Gate will have 100% ID check. Motorcycles welcome; riders must wear a helmet, boots, bright long-sleeved shirt/jacket or reflective vest. Gate closes if maximum capacity is reached at cut-off time of 8:30 p.m. Location: Shenanigans, 1308 Club Rd, Kekaha, HI 96752. More info: America’s Most West Freedom Fest 2024 (greatlifehawaii.com)

(Līhuʻe) Kauaʻi Hospice 4th of July Concert at Vidinha Stadium featuring The Green. A spectacular 3D display choreographed to a musical soundtrack especially created by Kaua’i Hospice. This year’s headliner is THE GREEN! Amazing entertainment, Craft vendors, Keiki fun zone, Ono grinds, EXCITING FIREWORKS and MORE! Online ticket sales begin June. Tickets: Adult $20, Child $10. 5 & under FREE! A fundraising event for Kauai Hospice. Location: Vidinha Stadium Soccer Fields, Hoolako St, Lihue, HI 96766. More info: Kaua’i Hospice 4th of July Concert in the Sky Tickets, Thu, Jul 4, 2024 at 3:30 PM | Eventbrite

Maui 2024 July 4th celebrations

(Wailea) The Grand Wailea Fourth of July event for resort guests includes an outdoor BBQ, DJ at the pool, lawn games, fitness classes, extended Activity Pool hours, an outdoor movie, and a finale beachfront fireworks display. Book a stay anytime between July 1 through July 10 and receive a $100 daily resort credit for dining, spa, or retails purchases. Room rates begin around $1K/night. Gulp. More info: Maui Event Calendar | Grand Wailea

A 4th of July Fireworks Cruise is much less expensive option. These usually sell out so plan to reserve ASAP. Here’s a few to consider:

(Lahaina) 2024 4th of July Celebration (cancelled). Independence Day on Maui will not be the same with the loss of Lahaina town’s traditional fireworks show. The LahainaTown Action Committee (LAC) sought the community’s input and has decided against hosting a fireworks show in another West Maui location. More info: Maui July 4th Fireworks & Celebrations 2024 – Go Visit Hawaii and LahainaTown Action Committee | Maui Hawaii (visitlahaina.com)

O’ahu 2024 July 4th celebrations

(listed clockwise around the island beginning in North Shore)

Turtle Bay Resort fireworks and Kamaʻaina Staycation Sale. SAVE UP TO 40%, NO RESORT FEE, FREE PARKING, LATE CHECK-OUT. Enjoy a summer celebration on the North Shore with fireworks on July 4th. Make it a weeklong holiday with special Kamaʻaina rates and discounts. Book now for stays 07/01/2024 – 07/7/2024. Special Kamaʻaina Staycation rate begins at $569/night. More info: Kamaʻaina Staycation Sale | Turtle Bay Resort

Haleiwa July 4th Festival, Fireworks and Vintage Car Show. Gates open at Noon. Fireworks show at 8pm. Enjoy Food & Retail Vendors, Live Entertainment, Kid’s Zone, contests, and exhibits. Haleiwa Beach Park, 62-449 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI  96712. More info: July 4th Fireworks & Car Show Festival – (gonorthshore.org)

Kailua Independence Day Fireworks show begins at 8 pm and can be best seen at Kailua Beach Park. Alexander & Baldwin sponsors shuttles between Longs Parking lot bus stop and The Beach Center between 4:30 PM and 10:30 PM. There are no reserved school parking lots this year, please park only in legal, designated parking spots. More info: Kailua Fireworks

Polynesian Cultural Center Hukilau & fireworks. PCC hosts its annual July 4th event from 4pm to 10pm at the Hukilau Marketplace in Lāʻie. FREE family event with live entertainment and kids activities begin at 4PM, along with carnival games and food vendors. Fireworks start at 9pm. Location: PCC Parking Lot, 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, HI 96762. More info: Hukilau Marketplace | Facebook and 4TH OF JULY AT THE HUKILAU MARKET PLACE – Hukilau Marketplace

Ala Moana Center July 4th events. No fireworks in 2024. Ala Moana Center will host a Fourth of July concert series featuring top Hawaii musicians throughout the holiday weekend. More info: News, Events, and Things to Do at Ala Moana Center

Fourth of July 2016 Fireworks Show seen from Queens Beach lifeguard tower on Waikiki Beach

Ala Moana Fourth of July 2016 Fireworks Show seen from Queens Beach lifeguard tower on Waikiki Beach – Depositphotos.com

Schofield fireworks July 1, 2023 – open to the public

The 1st of July Independence Day Celebration is 12 am – 9 pm. Join USAG Hawaii Family and MWR to celebrate Independence Day with a parachute demonstration by the USA Army Golden Knights, a Patriotic Salute, The 25th ID Band w/ the 100th Army Band from Fort Knox, performances by Elle King, Plain White T’s and a grand finale laser and fireworks show presented by USAA. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Come out early to enjoy a variety of activities* including inflatable bounce houses, games, costume characters and more. *Some activities have a fee to participate. Admission is free and open to the public. All non-DoD attendees will be required to enter through Foote Gate. Visitors who do not possess a military ID must enter Schofield through Foote Gate. Traffic control personnel will direct visitors to park on Watts Field, and a shuttle will take them to the event entrance. More info: Calendar :: Hawaii :: US Army MWR and View Event :: Independence Day Celebration :: Hawaii :: US Army MWR

The fireworks might also be enjoyed from other vantage points in central O’ahu (just a guess):

Other Oʻahu military base fireworks 2023

For those without access to the following military bases (which is most of us), we’ve suggested vantage points for the public to see fireworks displays on Oʻahu military bases—but it’s just a guess (let us know if you go). We included public parks that are listed as open until 10PM, as well as shopping centers if there are stores (usually eateries and grocers) open until fireworks start. You can certainly try to hang out in the parking lot but purchasing SOMETHING from a merchant would be the mālama ‘ohana (care for others) thing to do.

Pearl Harbor Fireworks 2023

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) in Honolulu hosts a 15-minute pyrotechnic display illuminating the harbor beginning at 9:00 PM. DOD card holders only. More info: 4thofJuly (greatlifehawaii.com)

There is no public access to the base. However, the fireworks over Pearl Harbor might be enjoyed from the following Honolulu parks and other vantage points in the Honolulu area (just a guess).

  • Patsy Mink Regional Park, 94-1024 Waipahu Street, Waipahu, HI 96797 (note: park closes at 10 PM)
  • Oneʻula Beach Park aka Hau Bush, 91-101 Papipi Road, Ewa Beach, HI 96706 (note: park closes at 10 PM)
  • Pearl City Shops, 1029 Makolu Street, Pearl City, HI 96782 (some eateries open until 10PM)
  • Waimalu Plaza Shopping Center, 98-1277 Kaahumanu St, Aiea, HI 96701 (eateries open 8-10PM, Safeway 24 hours)

MCBH fireworks – TBA 2023

As of June 29, 2023 MCBH has no fireworks show on their calendar. Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH). More info: Calendar of Events (usmc-mccs.org)

 

Calendar of events on July 4th

Listed below are all events on our calendar for July 4, 2024.

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