July 4: A holiday with two histories in Hawaii

News admin June 30, 2026 0 Comments

July 4: A holiday with two histories in Hawaii

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – In Hawai‘i, July 4 carries two different historical meanings.

For years, the Kingdom of Hawai‘i observed America’s Independence Day — a tradition reflected in old newspaper headlines.

But after Queen Liliʻuokalani was overthrown and the Republic of Hawai‘i was established on July 4, 1894, many observe the date as a way to remember a kingdom that was taken from her people.

“As a Hawaiian, it makes me very emotional and one day, I look forward to the relationship of the Hawaiian flag to the American flag to be put back in a rightful place,” said Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong, a Hawaiian community leader.

Others plan to mark the holiday with events tied to America’s 250th birthday.

Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts — which operates the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Sheraton Waikiki, Moana Surfrider, and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani — will host Fourth of July weekend events, including fireworks, food and Americana music.

The day begins on Waikīkī Beach with the annual Walter J. Macfarlane Memorial Canoe Regatta.

Micah Suderman, Sheraton Waikiki general manager, encouraged kamaʻāina to arrive early, saying crowds are expected because of the America 250 celebration.

“It’s just an amazing time to just unplug, refresh yourself, treat yourself,” Suderman said. “Enjoy it. Let your kids experience it and really show them why Waikīkī became such a special place in the heart of our country.”

Suderman said Sheraton Waikiki will offer lunch specials, with an Americana band scheduled to play from 3 to 6 p.m.

As night falls, the Waikīkī fireworks show will serve as the weekend’s main celebration.

“It really is one of a kind and it’s amazing for us to reconnect with that, that beautiful place that these beaches have, all the stories these beaches have told for generations,” Suderman said.