Kailua 4th of July Celebration | Parade, beach, and fireworks for a full day of family fun

July 2, 2014

Kailua 4th July Tradition

Looking for some family fun in Kailua this 4th of July? Well you’re in luck because the Kailua Beach fireworks are on for 2025! The highly-anticipated Kailua Fireworks show is largely a community effort with residents and local businesses helping to keep the tradition going for 76 years.

Start your 4th of July with the Kailua Parade

Kailua Independence Day Parade Details

If you’re up for a full day of celebrating you can start your day with the beloved Kailua Independence Day parade. This year’s theme with the theme is “Waves of Aloha,” celebrating the love, kindness, and unity that define the community. Watch marching bands, local clubs, dancers, performers and fancy cars march by as they hand out treats and trinkets.

The parade runs along the length of Kainalu Road starting at Kainalu Elementary and ending at Kailua Intermediate School. It starts at 10 am and typically last 2 hours.

Parade Parking Tips

Arrive early to find parking and claim your space. Street is available along the parade route in Coconut Grove, but it fills up. More parking options are available around Kailua District Park near the end of hte parade route.

You’ll find that Kailua locals set out chairs and rope off areas the night before the parade. Others arrive early in the morning with a coffee, a friend, and a comfortable chair. Even if you come late, you can always manage to squeeze into a (probably sunny) spot along the route.

How to prepare for the parade

Prepare for what always feels like the hottest day of the year –

Sunscreen – it’s usually sunny and bright.
Wearing a hat or sunglasses alleviates squinting and headaches
Cold water or drinks. Although someone is usually selling supplies.
Chairs or a blanket to get comfortable.
Scissors – a strange one, but parade marchers often hand out ice pops and your teeth will thank you
A wagon to carry it all or at least a bag to carry all your parade goodies back home.

Cool off at Kailua Beach

When the 4th of July parade ends, walk a couple of blocks over to cool off at Kailua beach. Pack a hefty picnic, find a shady spot on the beach, and you’re set for the day. If you’re unsure where to plant yourself for the day, Kalama Beach Park is a good options for some fun body-boarding waves and bathroom access.

When the sun begins to sink and the heat starts to dissipate, you can usually enjoy an air show from the Kaneohe Marine Corp Base. Check the Kailua Event schedule for the most recent update.

Kailua 4th of July Fireworks – The big show!

The beach starts to flood with revelers after dark. If you arrive earlier in the day you can easily claim a nice spot. Although, there is always space so it’s not critical.

Where to park and watch the Kailua fireworks show

You can see the fireworks show from anywhere along Kailua Beach but the area near Kailua Beach Park and Flat Island is where the barge anchors to launch fireworks. It’s also where you have more parking options and more crowds.

Locals often bike or walk to the beach to avoid traffic. If you’re driving, there is usually a window between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm where parking opens up and you can find a spot. However, traffic following the fireworks tends to be a mess so avoid parking near the beach if you want to make a quick getaway. If you’re arriving later or don’t want to deal with parking, your best bet is to take advantage of the free shuttle service from the Kailua Town Parking Garage at Lau Hala Shops. Shuttles depart every 30 minutes between 4:30 PM and 10:30 PM.

What to pack for the fireworks show

A swimsuit and towels if you want to watch from the water
Warm clothes – it can get cool in the evening
Glow sticks are always fun and help you keep track of your family
A beach blanket and/or chairs for viewing comfort
A wagon helps transport everything if you’re on foot
Drinks and snacks

Kailua Fireworks Show Start Time

The Kailua 4th of July fireworks show begins at 8:00 pm and last about 20 minutes.

Bonus: Want to see the Kailua fireworks but avoid the crowds?

You can grab a higher perspective with an evening hike to the Lanikai Pillbox or Kalaheo hillside trails. Start before dusk and don’t forget your flashlight or headlamp and sweater. Have fun!

How is the rest of Oahu Celebrating the 4th of July?

Although Kailua has always been my favorite place to celebrate the 4th because of the community feel and kid-friendliness, the rest of Oahu is planning great events as well. Here’s a rundown of fun 4th of July events around the island –

🎆 Haleʻiwa Fireworks, Car Show & Festival

1–9pm | Haleʻiwa Beach Park
Classic cars, live music, ono food, and fireworks over the bay—North Shore magic at its best.
👉 gonorthshore.org

🎶 Ala Moana 4th of July Concert

11am–7pm | Ala Moana Center
A free all-day concert with Kapena, Henry Kapono, and more, plus DJs and family games.
👉 alamoanacenter.com

🌺 4th of July Featuring Anuhea

3–7:45pm | Prince Waikiki
Island vibes, ocean views, and live music from Anuhea with cocktails and good company.
👉 princewaikiki.com

🍧 Hukilau Marketplace 4th of July Bash

4–9pm | Hukilau Marketplace
Balloons, face painting, inflatables, live music, and all the shave ice you can handle.
👉 hukilaumarketplace.com

🇺🇸 Schofield Barracks Independence Day

4–9pm | Weyand Field (DoD ID holders only)
Bounce houses, food trucks, and live shows with Echosmith and Collective Soul, plus fireworks!
👉 hawaii.armymwr.com

🎇 Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Fireworks

4–9:30pm | Ward Field (DoD ID holders only)
A huge car show, live bands, giveaways, food, and one of Oahu’s best fireworks shows.
👉 greatlifehawaii.com

🍖 4th of July BBQ at Turtle Bay

5–8pm | Turtle Bay Resort
Smoked brisket, ribs, summer sides, and live music—plus ocean views that totally count as fireworks.
👉 turtlebayresort.com