Where to watch fireworks on Fourth of July in Hawaiʻi

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.

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:

• For basic laws restricting purchase and use, see: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol03_Ch0121-0200D/HRS0132D/HRS_0132D-0003.htm and https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol03_Ch0121-0200D/HRS0132D/HRS_0132D-0005.htm
• For liability issues (especially if you are a homeowner, renter, parent or guardian), see: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol03_Ch0121-0200D/HRS0132D/HRS_0132D-0013.htm and https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol03_Ch0121-0200D/HRS0132D/HRS_0132D-0014_0005.htm
• For more details and the complete list of laws governing fireworks, visit Hawaii HRS 132D.
• For information from Honolulu Fire Department: Firecrackers | Honolulu Fire Department

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.

Hawaiʻi Island fireworks 2022

Waikoloa celebration 2022

There will be no fireworks show at the Waikoloa Bowl this year.

The Fourth of July Family Celebration at Queens Marketplace will include live music & entertainment, free face painting, popcorn & cotton candy, classic lawn games, and lots more family fun from 2 – 6 pm. More info: Queens’ Marketplace Hawaii Resort Calendar at Waikoloa Beach Resort (queensmarketplace.com)

Kailua-Kona fireworks 2022

Donations to support the fireworks show are gratefully accepted Pay Pal or by check made payable to the Kailua-Kona Community Parade Association. More info: FIREWORKS DONATIONS (paradesinkona.com)

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

Hilo fireworks 2022

It looks like the annual Hilo Bay Blast on Hawai’i Island will include the fireworks display at 8PM, though we couldn’t confirm with the local Chamber or News organizations. But rumor has it they will return to a day-long festival that includes a car show and live music in Hilo Bay Park. Tune to radio KWXX to listen to music, synchronized to the show. More info: Hawaii, Big Island, July 4th Fireworks & Celebrations 2022 – Go Visit Hawaii

Parker Ranch July 4th Rodeo

In celebration of its 175th anniversary, Parker Ranch is excited to announce that after a two-year hiatus, it will host the 58th Annual July 4th Rodeo and Horse Races on Monday, July 4, 2022 at the Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena in Waimea.

Annual Fourth of July Rodeo and Horse Races at Parker Ranch celebrates the community and commemorates Waimea’s unique ranching culture and way of life. The rodeo is a long-standing tradition that promotes camaraderie and friendly competition among the various Hawaiʻi Island ranches. It is an opportunity to witness the skills that have made the Hawaiʻi paniolo (cowboy) famous throughout the world. The paniolo will compete in various events, including horse races, ranch mugging, team roping, poʻo wai u*, and more. The community is invited to enjoy a variety of crafts and food from local vendors and Parker Ranch commemorative logo items, as well as keiki activities. Gates open at 7 a.m. Fast-paced rodeo action begins shortly after the 9 a.m. grand entry and continues non-stop until 1 p.m. Tickets: $10/advance, $15/gate. Children 12 and under are free. Advance tickets available beginning June 1. More info:Parker Ranch July 4th Rodeo and Horse Races | Parker Ranch and Parker Ranch July 4th Rodeo and Horse Races Tickets, Mon, Jul 4, 2022 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite

*poʻo wai u. A technique developed by Hawaiian Paniolo’s of capturing pipi ahiu (wild cattle) by tying them to trees wearing the cattle out. The following YouTube video demonstrates the technique:

Kaua’i fireworks 2022

Lihue annual Concert in the Sky at Vidinha Stadium is the biggest fireworks show on Kauaʻi. Gates open at 3:00PM. The fireworks kick off at dusk. Live music, ono food, craft vendors, and lots for the keiki to do in the “fun zone.” Enjoy great island music from Kapena (YES, Kelly Boy is still going strong!) and some rocking’ reggae from Kauai’s own Shar Carillo.  Tickets: adults $10/advance, $15/gate. Keiki (6-12) $5/advance, $7/gate. Free for 5 and under. Advance tickets at Times or Big Save Market. More info: Kauai 4th of July | Kauai Fireworks

Kekaha Fourth of July Celebration on Westside Kauaʻi. Enjoy live local music, food booths, cultural demonstrations, exhibits, crafts, a plantation museum, and lots of fun games for the entire family. The fireworks show begins at dark. Bring your mat or chair. No coolers. Free admission and parking. Located past the town of Waimea, at the park in Kekaha just off Kaumuali’i Highway. More info: Kauai 4th of July | Kauai Fireworks

Freedom Fest at Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF). Everything takes place at the beach near Shenanigans restaurant. Live entertainment by The Homesteads, The Green, Ka Ha, and others. Due to increased security measures, adult visitors are asked to carry a valid identification card with photo. Tip: Small bags and water bottles are allowed. All vehicles are subject to search. No outside food or beverages, coolers, tents, pets, weapons (including knives of all types), drugs, or personal fireworks are allowed. Free admission. More info: Kauai 4th of July | Kauai Fireworks

Maui fireworks 2022

Maui’s largest public celebration takes place in Lahaina at Campbell Park with live entertainment from 5pm until the spectacular offshore fireworks show at 8pm. Front Street will be closed to vehicles from 5-9PM (pending MPD approval). You can watch the fireworks show from any location with a view of the ocean along Front Street, including restaurants as well as nearby beaches. Donations are gratefully accepted. More info: 4th of July in Lahaina – LahainaTown Action Committee (visitlahaina.com)

O’ahu fireworks 2022

Friday night fireworks at Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikīkī returned after a more than two-year hiatus, starting Friday, June 3, 2022 at 8pm. More info: Hilton Hawaiian Village | Resort Activities

 

You might also like: Waikīkī: history, beaches, and things to do (hawaiionthecheap.com)

 

First Annual 4th of July North Shore Festival

In 2022, the North Shore Chamber of Commerce is hosting The First Annual 4th of July North Shore Festival at Haleʻiwa Beach Park. This event includes a Vintage Car Show featuring classic cars, trucks and motorcycles, plus food vendors, live musical entertainment, hula, kids activities, and fireworks at 8pm. Free to the general public from 10 am – 8:30 pm sponsored by Hawaii Seaside Realty. Afternoon musical entertainment will feature Liquid Amber, a five-piece band that plays everything from swing jazz, rhythm and blues, classic rock, old school funk to modern pop. Later, the 50-piece Marine Corps concert band will play patriotic music from 6 pm to 7pm. Ending the night will be the Marine Corps rock and roll band. More info: Oahu North Shore July 4th Festival and Fireworks Show (haleiwajuly4thfestival.com)

Turtle Bay fireworks 2022

Independence Day Fest at Turtle Bay on Sunday, July 3, 2022 from 5-9PM. Enjoy live entertainment, food, drinks, and of course a beautiful fireworks show at at 8:45pm. On-site parking available for $15 per car. More info: 4th of July | Turtle Bay Resort and https://www.turtlebayresort.com/things-to-do/events

Polynesian Cultural Center fireworks 2022

Hukilau Marketplace at Polynesian Cultural Center features Live Entertainment, Food, and Free Games from 4-9PM, ending with with a fireworks finale. More info: Events – Hukilau Marketplace

Kailua fireworks 2022

Kailua on the Windward (eastern) coast of O’ahu celebrates Independence Day with a fireworks show from a barge in Kailua Bay beginning at 8 pm and can be best seen at Kailua Beach Park. Alexander & Baldwin will sponsor 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

Ala Moana Center July 4th events 2022

The annual fireworks show at Ala Moana Beach Park is cancelled in 2022 for the 3rd year in a row. Hosts for the show, Ala Moana Center has announced they will present other events throughout the 4th of July holiday weekend including live entertainment from some of Hawaii’s top musicians. More info: Ala Moana Center’s 4th of July fireworks show not happening for third year in a row | kitv.com

Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu is Hawaii’s largest fireworks show. One of the largest firework shows in the country, this pyrotechnic show is accompanied by a synchronized soundtrack. The multi-day event features a Savings Pass that can be used at participating Ala Moana Center merchants. There is a full schedule of live entertainment on the shopping mall’s Centerstage and Ewa Wing Stage. The July 4th extravaganza in Ala Moana Park begins at NOON and features live entertainment. The Fireworks Spectacular starts at 8:30pm. More info: Events | Ala Moana Center

 

Listed below, 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 2022

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) in Honolulu hosts a 15-minute pyrotechnic display illuminating the harbor beginning at 9:00 PM. 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 2022

As of May 27, 2022 MCBH had not updated their information for 2022. Since they had fireworks in 2021, we assume they’ll host a show this year. We’ll check an update our information or you can follow the link.

Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) in Kanehoe hosts a 20-minute fireworks extravaganza beginning at 8:30PM. This is an MCBH Community Event designed to be visible across the base for its personnel assigned there. More info: July 4th – Marine Corps Community Services Hawaii (mccshawaii.com).

There is no public access to the base. However, the fireworks might be enjoyed from the Honolulu parks on Windward O’ahu (just a guess):

• Heʻeia State Park (note: park closes at 10 PM)
• Kailua Beach Park (note: park closes at 10 PM)

Schofield fireworks 2022

As of May 27, 2022 Schofield had not updated their information for 2022. Since they had fireworks in 2021, we assume they’ll host a show this year. We’ll check an update our information or you can follow the link.

Schofield Barracks in central O’ahu will light up the sky with a fireworks display from 8:40 – 9:00 p.m. More info: Calendar :: Hawaii :: US Army MWR and USAG Hawaii MWR 2021 Community Fireworks Display : Hawaii US Army MWR.

There is no public access to the base. However, the fireworks might be enjoyed from other vantage points in central O’ahu (just a guess):

• Mililani Shopping Center (some eateries open until 7-8PM, Foodland open until 9PM)
• Town Center of Mililani (closes at 8PM, but Longs, Times, and Walmart open until later)
• Mililani Marketplace (a couple of eateries open until 8-9PM, Safeway open until late)
• Patsy Mink Regional Park, 94-1024 Waipahu Street, Waipahu, HI 96797 (note: Honolulu parks close at 10 PM)