Hilo, Hawaiʻi – Residents on Hawaiʻi Island planning to include firecrackers in their Fourth of July celebrations are reminded that permits will be issued by the Hawaiʻi Fire Department until 8 p.m. on Friday, July 4, 2025. Permit sales began on Monday, June 30, and are available at designated locations across the island.
Each permit costs $25 and allows the holder to purchase up to 5,000 individual firecrackers. Permits are non-transferable, non-refundable, and will only be issued to individuals 18 years of age or older. Novelties and paperless firecrackers do not require a permit.
Permits and firecrackers can be purchased exclusively at the following TNT Tent locations:
- Hilo: Safeway Parking Lot, 381 E. Makaala St.
- Kona: Walmart Parking Lot, 75-1015 Henry St.
- Keaʻau: Greenhouse Specialist Parking Lot, 16-711 Milo St.
Permitted firecrackers and other consumer fireworks are allowed to be set off only during the approved hours of 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4th.
The Fire Department strongly cautions the public about the illegality of Aerial Luminary Devices, such as Sky Lanterns and Hawaiʻi Lanterns. It is unlawful to buy, sell, possess, or set off these devices. Anyone currently in possession of such devices who wishes to dispose of them with amnesty can contact Fireworks Auditor William Aiona via email at fireprevention@hawaii.gov or by phone at 808-932-2911.
The Hawaiʻi Fire Department reminds residents that it is illegal to:
- Remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework(s).
- Throw firework(s) from a vehicle.
- Set off any firework(s):
- Outside the approved time period.
- Within 1,000 feet of any operating hospital, nursing home, home for the elderly, or animal hospital.
- In or on any school building or property.
- On any highway, alley, street, sidewalk, or other public way; in any park; or within 1,000 feet of a church during services.
- Offer for sale, sell, or give any firework(s) to minors.
- For any minor to possess, sell, set off, ignite, or otherwise cause to explode any firework, except under the immediate supervision of an adult.
To prevent fires and injuries, the Fire Department also advises everyone to:
- Have a water hose connected to a water source or a fire extinguisher readily available. If necessary, wet down surrounding brush before setting off fireworks.
- Ensure children playing with fireworks are under adult supervision at all times, as even small fireworks can cause serious injuries.
- Set off fireworks in a safe area, away from dry grass, buildings, vehicles, and flammable materials.
- Properly dispose of used fireworks by soaking them in water prior to disposal.
For those preferring to enjoy professional displays, public fireworks shows are planned for:
- Hilo Bay: Off-shore barge near Moʻoheau Bandstand from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Oneo Bay (Kona): Barge located off-shore near Huggo’s Restaurant from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
For more information on purchasing fireworks permits or tips on safe fireworks use, contact Fireworks Auditor William Aiona at fireprevention@hawaii.gov or 808-932-2911.