UPDATE: July 3, 2017

Although the Kailua-Kona fireworks are set to kick off at 8 p.m., event officials have disclosed that despite generous donations, funding has come up short for this year’s extravaganza.

“Our cost for this professional show over Kailua Bay is $35,625.00 for a 10-minute show,” said Kailua-Kona Community Parade Association member Barbara Kossow. “Currently, we have $26,500 in hand through the generosity of our sponsors [see below].”

“Folks may question the cost of the fireworks display, but keep in mind it includes the barge, permits, insurance, transportation, security and of course the fireworks and personnel running the show,” said Kossow.

SPONSORED VIDEO

“For hundreds of years, even before Francis Scott Key wrote about ‘the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,’ folks of all ages have been awed by the bright lights and loud noise of fireworks,” Kossow added. “Kailua Kona is no exception. Fireworks are an integral part of our Independence Day celebration.”

It is not too late to make an online donation: visit www.paradesinkona.com.

call the Kona Mayor’s Office at (808) 323-4444 for more information.

PREVIOUS POST: June 25, 2017

Get set for Fourth of July fun in Kona on Tuesday, July 4.

The Kailua-Kona Community Parade Association’s 22nd Annual Kailua-Kona Independence Parade will begin at 6 p.m. at Kona Kekuaokalani Gym (near the Kona Old Airport) and proceed down Kuakini Highway and Palani Road to Ali‘i Drive, finishing at Coconut Grove Marketplace.

The theme of the parade is “Stars and Stripes Forever!”

This year’s Grand Marshal is Command Sgt. Major James K. Hussey, U.S. Army (retired), of Kailua-Kona.

The fireworks show by Hawai‘i Explosives & Pyrotechnics Inc. will kick off at 8 p.m.

The 10-minute show is produced off a barge in Kailua Bay, with widespread visibility.

Sponsors of the fireworks include the County of Hawai’i, Kona Commons, Royal Kona Resort, King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, McDonalds, Manini Holdings, Ironman Foundation, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Coconut Grove Marketplace and SVN Clark Commercial Group.

For more information, or to become a sponsor, visit www.paradesinkona.com.

You may also call the Kona Mayor’s Office at 323-4444 for more information.

Event attendees should park at Kona Old Airport, where spaces are plentiful.

There are many places to park and walk to the village area to enjoy the parade and the fireworks.