Everyone loves celebrating holidays. Whether you hang out with your family or prefer a quieter tradition, there’s a holiday for everyone’s tastes.
Hawaii has a unique culture that’s unlike anything on the mainland. Because of that, we also have a few holidays that our mainland friends don’t typically celebrate. Here’s your guide to uniquely Hawaiian holidays.
Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Day - March 26th
Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole was born on March 26th, 1871. He was the son of High Chief David David Kahalepouli Pi‘ikoi and Princess Kinoiki Kekaulike (the youngest daughter of the last King of Kauai). Basically, he was born into quite the exceptional family.
In 1902, Kūhiō began serving as the non-voting delegate from Hawaii to the U.S. House of Representatives (since Hawaii wasn’t an official state yet). As a delegate, Kūhiō helped build Hawaii into what it is today, creating the basis of the entire modern government. Not only did he create the county system that’s still in place today, but he also sponsored the first bill to get Hawaii to become a state in 1919.
As if all that wasn’t enough, Kūhiō was also instrumental in helping revitalize the Hawaiian culture. He helped form the first Hawaiian Civic Club and restarted the Royal Order of Kamehameha I. He even served as its leader until his death.
To say Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole is an important person in Hawaiian history is an understatement. He was basically the bridge between traditional Hawaii and what it is today. To honor all his accomplishments, March 26th (his birthday) is celebrated as Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole day.
King Kamehameha I Day - June 11th
Everyone knows there are a few Hawaiian Islands, but did you know that they were once entirely different kingdoms? Before 1810, each Island had its own monarchy, government, and culture.
Unfortunately, the different Islands didn’t always get along. There was near-constant war and skirmishes between the kingdoms, making life hard for those who lived in Hawaii. It wasn’t quite the paradise it is now!
In the early 17th century, King Kamehameha I—also known as Kamehameha the Great—set out on an ambitious campaign: to conquer all the other islands and unite them into one kingdom. As a fearless warrior, highly respected leader, and wise diplomat, Kamehameha achieved his goal and united the Islands in 1810, leading to a long period of peace and prosperity.
Every year on June 11th, Hawaiians from all islands celebrate the beloved king. There are parades, hulas, and festivals to celebrate everything the fearless king did for the Hawaiian Islands and its people. There are six statues of King Kamehameha throughout the Islands, and every year on King Kamehameha day, lei are draped over the statues as a thank you for what he did. It’s one of the most important holidays that Hawaiians celebrate.
Admissions Day (also called Statehood Day) - Third Friday in August
Although Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole sponsored the first Hawaiian statehood bill in 1919, it took a little longer for it to be approved. In the end, it took an extra 40 years of campaigning and struggling for the bill to be passed by Congress!
While it might have taken a few years (decades), Hawaii did eventually become the 50th state of the United States on August 21st, 1959. To celebrate the momentous occasion, Hawaiians celebrate Admissions Day every year on the third Friday in August. You might also see it called Statehood Day, but most Hawaiians use the name Admissions Day.
Lei Day – May 1st
While many other countries around the world are celebrating May Day, Hawaiians celebrate Lei Day. Lei Day is an annual holiday that takes place on May 1st, celebrating the Hawaiian Lei.
Because lei symbolize peace, love, and friendship, that’s what Lei Day is all about! Every year, Hawaiians celebrate Lei Day with singing, dancing, parades, and festivals. There’s also a grand procession of the Lei Day Court.
To create the Lei Day Court, students elect a king and queen to represent their island. The 16 representatives (two from each main island) then make the procession wearing a flower and colored lei that’s distinct to their island. They finish out the grand procession with a special hula performance by each. It’s a day filled with love and togetherness, reminiscent of what the lei is all about.
Want to Celebrate Hawaiian Holidays as a Local?
There are plenty of Hawaiian holidays to celebrate throughout the year, but you can’t enjoy them all in one visit. To really see what these Island celebrations are all about, you have to live here!
There are plenty of properties available on the Big Island. Perhaps its time to finally take that jump and start living your best life in Hawaii. If you’re ready to begin your search for the perfect Big Island dream property, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help potential buyers find their tropical paradise. Then, you can celebrate these holidays as a local—which is always the best way to celebrate!
Aloha, and welcome to Hawaii.