Kailua 4th of July Fireworks & Parade on Oahu 2018

The 4^th of July is a special day in Kailua, Oahu. An organized celebration in Kailua has been running for more than 70 years!

There are many fun activities on in Kailua on the 4^th of July, starting with the Kailua 4^th of July Parade and ending with the Kailua 4^th of July Fireworks. Residents and tourists come to Kailua island-wide for this small town, local-style 4^th of July celebration across Kailua Town.

Kailua 4^th of July Parade 2018

The Independence Day Parade in Kailua runs a few miles across Kailua, starting around Kainalu Elementary School on Kainalu Road. Local businesses, local politicians, and groups such as schools, military organizations, and non-profits with parade entries and floats gather there in the morning. The parade is sponsored and organized by the Kailua Chamber of Commerce.

Kids watching the Kailua 4th of July Parade

The Kailua 4^th of July Parade itself starts around 10:00 am and goes along Kainalu Road. Residents start early, placing chairs and blankets along the route. Neighbors gather for parties and barbecues along the way, before the Kailua 4^th of July Fireworks.

Kailua 4th of July Fireworks and Parade

The Kailua 4^th of July Parade crosses Kuulei Road at the Kailua Fire Station. It finishes up at Kailua Intermediate School, usually by about noon. Note, also, that it may be easier to walk or bike over, than it would be to look for parking. Expect it to be warm. Bring your hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. (Don’t forget your smile :)) Make sure to follow the Kailua Independence Day Parade with Kailua 4^th of July Fireworks.

Kailua 4th of July Parade Map

Kailua 4th of July Fireworks at Kailua Beach

Many people head to Kailua Beach for Kailua 4^th of July Fireworks after the Kailua 4^th of July Parade. It’s best to go early, as Kailua Beach can get very crowded on this day. Families are out enjoying the great weather and cooling off in the gorgeous turquoise waters of Kailua Bay. Many people have tents set up and are barbecuing and picnicking all day.

Barbecuing on 4th of July in Kailua

Time for Fireworks

The Kailua 4^th of July Fireworks program begins in the early evening. For 2018, there is a special program, beginning at 5:45 pm with an aerial show by Colonel John Bates and the Flying Leathernecks. The Kailua 4^th of July Fireworks start around 8:00 pm. The fireworks are typically set off from a barge out in the center of Kailua Bay. Because of this location, it is easy to see the fireworks from many locations in Kailua. However, it is not necessary to go to Kailua Beach to see the Kailua 4^th of July Fireworks.

Where to Watch…

Many people watch the Kailua 4^th of July Fireworks from their rooftops. We did that a few years ago and felt like we had front row seats! We’ve also watched Kailua Fireworks from the center of the Kaelepulu Stream (from a boat or kayak) and at a local golf course.

Kailua 4^th of July on Boat from Kaelepulu Stream

If you decide to go to the beach to watch Kailua Fireworks, there are several designated parking areas, from 3pm – 10pm on the 4^th of July.

1. Kailua Intermediate School
2. Kailua Town Center Parking Lot
3. Kainalu Elementary School
4. Lanikai (Ka’ohao) Elementary School

Shuttle Service Too…

Also, continuous shuttle service to and from Kailua 4^th of July Fireworks will be provided from 3:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. from old Kailua Macy’s parking lot (Kailua Town Center Parking Lot) to Kailua Elementary School to Kailua Beach Center (Lanikai General Store).

Fireworks on Oahu

Donate Now!

The Kailua 4^th of July Fireworks are privately funded by local residents and anyone else. The funding and the fireworks display, itself, are done by Kailua Fireworks Corporation, and coordinated in conjunction with the Kailua Chamber of Commerce, who sponsors and organizes the Kailua 4^th of July Parade. Please consider making a donation, as the fireworks will not happen without the support of the local community.

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy 4^th of July in Kailua!