By Gavin Arucan | Staff Writer
With July 4th, the United States of America’s Independence Day, nearly upon us, many are undoubtedly wondering where to go to view the main event of every Independence Day, fireworks. Luckily, there are several official fireworks displays planned all over the island from Waikīkī to the North Shore. Here are all the places on Oʻahu one can go to admire colorful explosions lighting up the night sky on Tuesday, July 4.
Ala Moana Shopping Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814
From July 1st to July 4th, Ala Moana is hosting its 26th Annual Fourth of July Celebration. During this event, Ala Moana is giving out a 20% Savings Pass to be used at over 60 of its stores. Several local musicians and bands will be entertaining shoppers at the shopping center’s two stages as well. However, the main attraction is obviously the fireworks display, which will be taking place at 8:30 p.m. on July 4. The fireworks, which will be launched from three platforms at Ala Moana Beach Park, will be viewed best from the shopping center itself and Magic Island. Spectators may also tune in to FM 92.3 KSSK to listen to an accompanying soundtrack.
Turtle Bay Resort
57-091 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI 96731
On the North Shore, Turtle Baby Resort is offering a 4th of July festival with food and music followed by its fireworks show. The event lasts from 2:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the Resort’s West Lawn. The famous rally of food trucks by Eat the Street will be serving a wide variety of ʻono dishes to enjoy before the show. The festival also includes live performances by a slew of Hawaiian slack key guitarists. The fireworks display begins at 8:00 p.m. and can be viewed best from the Resort’s pool area. There is a $10 parking fee for those attending.
Kailua Fireworks and Air Show
526 Kawailoa Rd, Kailua, HI 96734
Every Fourth of July for more than 65 years, the town of Kailua puts on a fireworks display at Kailua Beach Park. Over the years, the celebration has grown to include an acrobatic airshow by two local pilots and a new skydiving performance by Colonel John Bates and the Flying Leathernecks. The airshow and skydiving show will begin at 5:45 p.m. followed by a performance by the Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band at 6:30. The fireworks display begins at 8:00. Free parking is available at Lanikai Elementary, Kainalu Elementary, Kailua Elementary, and Kailua Intermediate. There is also free shuttle service starting at 3:30 that stops at the old Macy’s parking lot, Kailua Elementary, and Kailua Beach Park every 20 to 30 minutes. The last shuttle before the fireworks display is at 7:20 and the last shuttle of the night is at 10:20.
Ko Olina
92-1480 Ali’inui Dr, Kapolei, HI 96707
A fireworks show will begin at 8:30 p.m. from the Ko Olina lagoons. However, the public parking at each lagoon will close as normally at sunset, so the best way to view the fireworks is to either be visiting any of the resorts and restaurants or staying at any of the resorts.
Schofield Barracks
Weyand Field, Schofield Barracks
Previously being limited to military personnel, the 4th of July Spectacular at Schofield Barracks is now open to the public. The all-day celebration lasts from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and includes game booths, pony rides, a petting zoo, food booths, and a craft fair. There will also be live musical performances by Natalie Imbruglia, Tyler Farr, and more. The fireworks show begins at 8:30 and the rest of the event’s schedule can be found here. Those who are not military personnel or with military personnel must park through Foote Gate and take a shuttle to the event.
Joint Base Pearl Harbor – Hickam
850 Ticonderoga St, Pearl Harbor, HI 96860
Pearl Harbor’s Picnic on the Pier event allows families and friends to enjoy a dazzling fireworks display near the majestic USS Missouri. Tickets to the event are available online for $10 ($5 for kids) or at the door for $15 ($10 for kids). The celebration is “Bring Your Own Food and Drinks” style, though there will be food and beer available to purchase (with cash only) courtesy of Chef Gordon Biersch. The event starts at 6:00 p.m. and will have live music to entertain attendees until the fireworks display shortly after 9:00. Parking is available at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center for those without base access.
Military Only: Ward Field
Pearl Harbor side of base inside Nimitz Gate, JBPHH, HI 96860
This Fourth of July Celebration, sponsored by USAA, is open to only Department of Defense ID cardholders and their guests. The event goes from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m and includes games, rides, an Xpress Train, and a car show. Live music begins at 5:00 and the fireworks display starts at 9:00. More information on this event can be found here.