Fourth of July on the Big Island

With Fourth of July just around the corner, fun and festivities are starting to brew on the Big Island. While many folks head to the beach or a barbecue, plenty of local-style community events offer a good time for the entire family:

Green Sea Turtle

Turtle Independence Day takes place at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows beginning at 10:30 a.m. Three- and four-year-old turtles that have been raised in the resort’s Honu Ponds are released in the ocean. The celebration includes live music, a festive barbecue and educational programs about Hawai‘i’s green sea turtle.

Parker Ranch

For a paniolo-style Fourth of July, drive up to Waimea for the 49th annual July 4th Rodeo and Horse Races at Parker Ranch. Ranchers and rodeo families take part in everything from team roping and ribbon mugging to pole bending and barrel racing. Activities for the keiki include pony rides and roping demonstrations. The rodeo takes place from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

Back in Kailua-Kona, the annual Fourth of July community parade brings out a cast of colorful characters from the Kona community, as well as civic organizations, community leaders, businesses, non-profits, elected officials, floats, marching bands and more. The parade travels down Ali‘i Drive from 5:30 to 7 p.m. After the parade, a fireworks display lights up Kailua Bay beginning at 8:15 p.m.

Holualoa Inn is the place to be this summer. Located just a short drive about Kailua-Kona in upcountry coffee country, our romantic bed-and-breakfast inn offers a tropical retreat with panoramic ocean views. Our innkeepers welcome you to visit the inn for a private tour. Check out our special rates on romantic amenities like couple’s massage, Champagne or private hula lessons.

Innkeeper Holualoa Inn