With lots of festivities, patriotic sights to see, one of the biggest firework displays in the nation, and more, Hawaii is one of the best places to celebrate the 4th of July. You're presented with the unique opportunity to enjoy attractions with regular hours on either weekend, as well as special events mid-week to celebrate the holiday. Looking for Oahu 4th of July ideas? Check out some of these local activities and fun things do in Oahu in July, including...
- Take a Tour of Pearl Harbor
- Fireworks at Ala Moana Center
- Prince Lot Hula Festival at the Iolani Palace
- Da Hui Independence Day Paddleboard Race
- and more...
Take a Tour of Pearl Harbor
Take a Tour of Pearl Harbor
Get in the patriotic spirit by exploring the significant role Hawaii played in World War II. Take a tour and discover the history of Pearl Harbor, the site of the attack that sparked the U.S. entry into World War II, and Honolulu. A fully narrated tour covers all the major landmarks and is a great way for first-time visitors to get to know the city of Honolulu.
When: Daily at 6:30 AM (reservations required: call (808) 971-4323)
Head to Secret Island Beach
Head to Secret Island Beach
If you want to get some beach time in on your July vacation to Oahu (and of course you do), then you'll want to head up to Kualoa Ranch to spend some time at one of the island's most delightful places -- Secret Island Beach. Come here to enjoy sunbathing and swimming, as well as plenty of family-friendly attractions and activities like beach volleyball, kayaking, canoeing, and so much more. The perfect way to celebrate your 4th of July holiday!
42nd Prince Lot Hula Festival
42nd Prince Lot Hula Festival
Truly immerse yourself in authentic Hawaiian culture with a visit to one of the region's most popular summer festivals. The Prince Lot Hula Festival invites hula groups from across the entire state to celebrate the magic and beauty of this traditional dance form. You will also enjoy free concerts, a craft fair, food for sale, and much more. It's a great family-friendly event! The event will take place on the grounds of the gorgeous Iolani Palace; an attraction definitely worth coming back to explore and tour another time -- perhaps the weekend before or after the holiday?
Where: Iolani Palace
Fireworks and Celebrations at Ala Moana Center
Fireworks and Celebrations at Ala Moana Center
Head to the Ala Moana Center and Ala Moana Beach Park for fireworks, live entertainment, and shopping specials for their annual 4th of July celebration. The Ala Moana Center boasts one of the nation's largest fireworks displays and the biggest in the state of Hawaii. From July 4th through the 7th, guests can also enjoy exclusive deals and discounts plus live entertainment at the Ala Moana Center itself. If you're in search of some shopping opportunities, this is a good chance to save big on your purchases and get yourself in a festive holiday mood!
Insider tip: Tune in to KSSK, AM590/FM92.3 for a live fireworks soundtrack that accompanies the show.
Where: Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96814 (fireworks will be at the Ala Moana Beach Park)
Kailua Fourth of July Parade, Fireworks, & Airshow
Kailua Fourth of July Parade, Fireworks, & Airshow
Make a day of the festive Kailua 4th of July fun. Kick off the Independence Day celebrations by watching the parade, packing a cooler, and spending the rest of the day right on Kailua Beach to secure the best spot to watch the air show and fireworks display. Please note that the exact information for this year is still TBD; I'm providing the info for previous years as a point of reference.
When:
- Parade: 10AM, starts at the intersection of Kainalu Drive and Palapu Street to Kailua Intermediate School
- Airshow: 6PM
- Fireworks: July 4, from 8PM - 8.30PM
Where: Kailua Beach, Kailua, Hawaii 96734
First Friday Honolulu Art Walk in Chinatown
First Friday Honolulu Art Walk in Chinatown
Browse through hip art galleries, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants that feature art exhibits and free entertainment in Chinatown. Spend the evening exploring the trendy bars and nightlife that Chinatown is known for.
Where: Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest
Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest
This delightful summer festival is a local celebration of Japanese and Hawaiian culture. Held each year in one of Honolulu's most historic neighborhoods, this fun, family-friendly festival features dancing, crafts, food, and more.
Insider Tip: Park at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Lower Campus lot and take the free shuttle to the event.
Where: 1110 University Ave
There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Oahu in July to help you plan your 4th of July itinerary. Ready for more Oahu inspo? Discover some of the most Instagrammable spots on the island and get the lowdown on cool things to do in Chinatown.
Step up your sightseeing with Go City®
We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.
See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® - just choose a pass to get started!
