Fourth of July brings contrasting perspectives across Hawaii
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – While many across Hawaii spent the Fourth of July at barbecues, beaches and fireworks celebrations, others gathered at Iolani Palace to reflect on Hawaiian history and sovereignty.
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The event featured speeches and historical reenactments focused on the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Noel Shaw, president of Hui Aloha Aina o Honolulu Pele Kikena, said many at the gathering do not view the holiday as a celebration.
“In Hawaii, that history of 250 years as a nation is not ours to claim,” Shaw said.
Imai Winchester, an organizer with Kalahoi Hoi Ea, said the Fourth of July serves as a reminder of Hawaii’s history.
“We don’t celebrate July Fourth in Hawaii,” Winchester said. “It is a reminder of the continued imperialism and occupation of our own country, as well as other countries, such as Palestine, which the United States of America continues to fund genocide.”
Organizers also held an anti-American Independence Day protest in Kailua.
Shaw said the event was intended to honor resilience and continue advocacy for Hawaiian self-governance.
“There’s a feeling of gratitude to still be here. And there’s a feeling of heightened necessity to resist, to stand up, and to re-establish the rightful governing systems in place so we can take care of folks,” she said.
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Hawaii also observes its own historical Independence Day, La Kuokoa, on Nov. 28. The day commemorates the 1843 recognition of the Hawaiian Kingdom as a sovereign nation by Great Britain and France.
Winchester said organizers hope to continue educating people about that history.
“As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, we are here to remember, to reclaim our own sovereignty, our own independence, which we continue to push for in legal realms, in education, our true history of Hawaiian independence and sovereignty and the occupation of our nation,” he said.
Across Oahu, however, many residents spent the holiday celebrating with family and friends at beaches, parks and community events.
Honolulu resident Todd Nolen said he viewed the day as an opportunity to celebrate the country.
“So 2026 has been a year of coming together as a nation and kind of showing that solidarity for what the country is. So I think we can celebrate that,” Nolen said.
Kailua resident Harry Brown acknowledged the country’s imperfections but said he remains proud to celebrate.
“We’re not perfect, but there’s a real reason why. People from other countries want to come here. So we have a lot to offer and we know we can get better and it’s up to all of us to do that,” Brown said.
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