Lā Kū‘oko‘a (Independence Day) November 28 commemorates Hawai’i’s sovereignty

Lā Kūʻokoʻa (Independence Day) is a Hawaiian Kingdom holiday that commemorates Hawai’i’s sovereignty and independence. On November 28, 1843, at the Court of London, the British and French Governments formally recognized Hawaiian independence that was later also recognized by the United States on July 6, 1846. The independence of Hawaiʻi was celebrated for the next five decades and the sovereign nation entered into treaties and trade agreements with countries around the world. After the hostile takeover and unlawful overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom in 1893 by American business interests and subsequent “official” annexation of Hawaiʻi by the United States in 1898, the holiday fell into memory. n April 19, 2023, Gov. Josh Green signed a new bill (SB731 (hawaii.gov)) into law acknowledging that Hawaiian Independence Day will be held annually on November 28. In Senate Bill 731, La Kuokoa is not recognized as an official state holiday, associated with paid leave for government employees, but is designated as a day of remembrance on the islands. This day is intended to symbolize the pride and identity associated with Hawaii, and is celebrated already with marches, music, pule and other cultural forms. More info: Lā Kū‘oko‘a: Hawaiian Independence Day – Kanaeokana

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