The 18th Annual Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade will take place on Thursday, July 4, at 5:30 p.m., starting at the Kekuaokalani Gym/Pool Complex on Kuakini Highway. It will proceed south on Kuakini Highway, to Palani Road, to Ali’i Drive, and then south on Ali’i Drive to Walua Road just past Coconut Grove Marketplace.   Applications are available here or at the Kona side Mayor’s office at the West Hawaii Civic Center.   You may also get an application by contacting Chauna Reese via email or calling her at 313-0025.

The parade operates with an all-volunteer committee with the support of the Rotary Clubs of Kona.   The parade will be limited to around 65 entrants, with the deadline of June 24 (or sooner if capacity is reached).  All are welcome, whether neighborhood and community groups, nonprofit groups or commercial entries. The theme is “Celebrate Freedom".  This year’s Grand Marshal is formal County Council-member Angel Pilago. Angel served the U.S. Armed Forces with distinction, as a member of the U. S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division.

Musical entries and floats of all kinds are encouraged.  There will be multiple color guards and numerous members of our armed services as part of the parade. The parade will be a fun, festive community event and draw thousands of spectators.

Following the parade, there will be a grand Fireworks Extravaganza over Kailua Bay, provided by Hawaii Pyrotechnics and Explosives, starting at 8:00 p.m.  

The fireworks and parade are possible because of the generous support from several local businesses. Hawaii County is providing funds from its fireworks sales fees, and many other generous local businesses and individuals provide funding for both the parade and the fireworks. Sponsors are needed for both the parade and the fireworks. Information about sponsoring is available here, or contact Barbara Kossow at the Mayor’s West Hawaii Office at 323-4448.