Many cities in Hawaii are offering a day of festivities this year including free fireworks displays. Some areas will be launching their fireworks from barges floating in the ocean, or on the bay, and even Pearl Harbor will be launching their fireworks over their fleet of Navy ships. It seem that no matter where you live in Hawaii, you will likely be able to see at least one fireworks display lighting up the sky. In Hawaii, the 4th of July is celebrated 2 nights in a row starting on the 3rd. This ensures that no matter what you have planned, or where you will be during those two days, you will most likely catch the festivities of the holiday.

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For the best fireworks display, book an evening cruise out of Honolulu and you will see all the fireworks displays on the island from the ocean! This is a little pricier, but it will be a night you will never forget! Some people like to see some fireworks that don’t light up the sky, but lights up the water instead… the lava flow on the big island of Hawaii. In recent years, the lava has been flowing through underground tubes directly into the water causing steam to arise. It is one of the most

beautiful natural events in the world and is on the south coast of the big island in the Volcanoes Park. That is my definition of MEGA fireworks!

One of the biggest special events scheduled for July 4th this year is the Konishiki Kids Foundation, celebrating the 4th of July at the Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park in Kapolei, HI. The celebration will feature games, prizes, dances, activities, entertainment and of course, a huge fireworks show accompanied by a famous Okinawan drum band! Everyone is invited - there is an admission fee, but it’s for a good cause!

Click [HERE] for a of other special July 4th celebrations on the islands of Hawaii

ANOTHER INDEPENDENCE
In the last few dozen years, the sovereignty movement in Hawaii has divided a lot of residents, those who have the Hawaiian blood, and the melting pot of other international races. The Hawaiians have been lobbying to get the rights of their land given back to them and to return to being an independent country. These Hawaiians celebrate their independence day on or around November 26th each year. The original celebration of Hawaii's independence took place during the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1843, after England and France recognized Hawaii as a member of the European family of nations, and as an independent country equal to England, France, and the United States. The day continued to be an annual celebration from about 1844 to 1895, and for some years afterward, unofficially.

YET… ANOTHER INDEPENDENCE!
Another independence that is celebrated on July 4th is Turtle Independence Day. Animal preservation activists have timed their "independence day" to coincide with the celebration of U.S. independence. Groups of turtles are raised in the ponds of Mauna Lani. Upon reaching an age of maturity, around three to four years, they are released into the ocean, where they flourish with other turtles. Over the past dozen years or so, this project has been quite successful in its mission to preserve the lives of the beloved marine animals. Not surprisingly, it has also gained quite a bit of popularity with humans. The Hawaiian Seat Turtles are one of the biggest attractions for tourists and can be found basking in the sun year round on all the islands of Hawaii.

However you celebrate the 4th of July, have a safe and happy time!

Aloha and mahalo!
Joy Kuoha
of Kuoha Designs Ink!

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