contrasting Fourth – Across Hawaii, July 4 carried two starkly different messages: speeches and reenactments at Iolani Palace honoring the Hawaiian Kingdom and sovereignty, and residents across Oahu celebrating with family, beaches, and fireworks.
HONOLULU — On the Fourth of July, the usual sounds of barbecues, beaches, and fireworks could be heard across Hawaii.
But for some people, the day sounded different.
At Iolani Palace, organizers gathered for an event built around Hawaiian history and sovereignty. Speeches and historical reenactments focused on the Hawaiian Kingdom. shifting the holiday away from American Independence Day celebrations and toward the question of who has the right to claim the story of the islands.
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.
The message was sharper from another organizer, Imai Winchester, with Kalahoi Hoi Ea. For Winchester, July 4 is not a tradition to join—it’s a reminder.
“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.”
The event’s organizers also held an anti-American Independence Day protest in Kailua.
Shaw said the Iolani Palace gathering was meant to honor resilience while continuing 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.
Hawaii also has its own Independence Day, La Kuokoa, on Nov. 28. That day commemorates the 1843 recognition of the Hawaiian Kingdom as a sovereign nation by Great Britain and France.
Winchester said organizers hope to keep 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.
On Oahu, though, the holiday’s mood looked different in day-to-day life. Many residents spent July 4 celebrating with family and friends at beaches, parks, and community events.
Honolulu resident Todd Nolen said he saw 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 flaws, but said he still felt 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.
Fourth of July Hawaii Iolani Palace Hawaiian Kingdom sovereignty independence day La Kuokoa Hui Aloha Aina o Honolulu Pele Kikena Kalahoi Hoi Ea Noel Shaw Imai Winchester Kailua protest Todd Nolen Harry Brown
So are they protesting July 4 or just reenacting stuff? Kinda confusing.
I get wanting Hawaiian sovereignty but saying they “don’t celebrate” feels like they’re mad at everyone having a barbecue. Like, I was at the beach and people were just trying to have fun.
The Palestine genocide line is wild. I don’t even know why that’s connected to fireworks in Hawaii though. Also 250 years as a nation?? I’m pretty sure Hawaii was always a US thing, or at least that’s what my grandpa said.
Honestly it’s sad either way. Like part of me thinks celebrate the Fourth, let people enjoy their family, but then Iolani Palace doing history and “occupation” talk… I don’t know, it makes my head spin. And then there’s another Independence Day in November like La Kuokoa?? So do they still do fireworks then or is it all speeches? I just saw a clip where someone said imperialism and now I can’t stop thinking about it.