Independence Day is a time of celebration, and many, especially in Hawaii, take those celebrations to the beach. Whether it’s to take in an offshore fireworks show or just a picnic with some ocean fun, Fourth of July festivities often leave a lot of trash in the sand and sea.
That’s why Surfrider Foundation has scheduled five beach cleanups across the state on Sunday, July 5, a day the organization has designated the “Dirtiest Beach Day of the Year”:
- Oahu – Kailua Beach Park, Kailua, 9-11 a.m., sign up here
- Maui – Maalaea Bay Place, Wailuku, 9-11 a.m., sign up here
- Maui – 1900 S. Kihei Road, Kihei, 9-11 a.m., sign up here
- Kauai – Kumu Camp, Poha Road, Anahola, 9-11:30 a.m., sign up here
- Kauai – Hanalei Pier, Hanalei, 8:30-11 a.m., sign up here
The Surfrider Foundation said in a news release that its 50 coordinated cleanups across the county last year — staffed with 1,400 volunteers — removed more than 50,000 pounds of litter from beaches and coastal waterways in one day.
According to Maureen Brock, chair of the Surfrider Foundation Maui Chapter, the two Maui locations are the same that they cleaned last year.
“We are joining Pacific Whale Foundation for their Maalaea Harbor cleanup,” she told Spectrum News in an email. “The harbor was selected due to the high level of debris. There is boating and roadway debris, in addition to the typical beach/ocean debris. For the 2025 cleanup, there was a total of 28 volunteers; 160 pounds of trash was collected.”
Fireworks litter left behind on the beach. (Pacific Whale Foundation via Surfrider Foundation)
She noted that the locations are intentionally selected.
“Kalama Beach Park is a favorite of South Maui residents and visitors, this is a large park with a playground, skatepark, BBQ grills, picnic tables, showers and sports courts. This park was selected not only for its high use but because we typically get many ‘walk-in’ volunteers the day of the event. On July 5, 2025, 48 volunteers collected 243 pounds of trash in Kihei,” Brock said.
Brock added that walk-in volunteers are welcome, and they can sign up at the event. Volunteers should bring a refillable water bottle and sun protection. All other cleanup gear is provided.
The Surfrider Foundation offers tips for beachgoers to keep our shorelines as clean as possible:
- Choose to reuse: When preparing for your Fourth of July celebrations, use sustainable, durable, reusable foodware instead of single-use plastic
- Think natural or recyclable: If you aren’t able to incorporate reusables, opt for recyclable or natural materials, such as aluminum, hay, bamboo, etc.
- Leave no trace: Everything you bring to the beach with you, remember to take back home
Brock added a warning about fireworks. “Firework debris can be dangerous,” she said. “Please exercise caution and dispose of your fireworks correctly. Bring a bucket and fill it with water. Thoroughly soak all used and unused fireworks to completely saturate them, double-wrap in plastic before disposing.”
Lianne Bidal Thompson is the digital producer for Spectrum News Hawaii. She writes about community and general news.