Aloha ~ As many of you know, Kailua has traditionally had one of the best 4th of July Fireworks displays on the island of Oahu. Unfortunately, each year, the Kailua fireworks must be funded privately, by our community. The outcome of the fireworks display, in the past, has often been uncertain until just shortly prior to the 4th, when enough funds have been contributed. And, in 2012, there were no fireworks in Kailua at all.
4th of July in Kailua is very festive. It starts with the only 4th of July Parade on the island of Oahu. Floats, put together by schools, businesses, and other community organizations, can be found traveling down Kainalu Avenue beginning around 10:00 am. Kailua residents, tourists, and residents from all around Oahu line the street, to watch and participate in a relatively small, local, yet still very colorful, parade. Fourth of July afternoons in Kailua are usually spent at Kailua or Lanikai Beach, or in neighborhood backyards and house parties, where residents and visitors cook out and spend time with friends and family. The culmination of the Kailua Independence Day festivities is the Kailua Independence Day Fireworks Show. Usually, the fireworks are set off from the ocean, at Flat Island, off of Kailua Beach. The show can be seen from the beach and from many homes and rooftops. Some people also watch fireworks from the informally conducted boat parade on the Kaelepulu Stream. Thousands of people usually attend Kailua Fireworks.
The goal for Kailua Fireworks is to raise $80,000 this year. The funds are being collected at local businesses, such as the Kalapawai Market. You can also donate at the Kailua Fireworks Website.
The Kailua Chamber of Commerce recently had a really fun fundraiser, held at the Kaelepulu Streamfront home of Don and Jana Holden.
It was a beautiful setting, with great food and drinks, a raffle, and a silent auction. There were also boat rides on the Kaelepulu Stream, to help raise additional funds.
However, Kailua Fireworks still needs more help from the community to raise enough for the Kailua Fireworks in 2014.
Please help in any way you can and join us for a great time on the 4th of July!