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. Recent years have brought renewed attention to the kingdom holiday and Lā Kūʻokoʻa is again celebrated throughout Hawaiʻi nei, at schools, universities, and in different communities. Hawaiian Independence Day falls on November 28 but is often overshadowed by the American Thanksgiving holiday. More info: Lā Kū‘oko‘a: Hawaiian Independence Day – Kanaeokana
Ululani Beurne says
Where on Big Island?
Carole Cancler says
As with many other things in the time of covid-19, there are no public events this year that we could find. Still, we wanted to put the day on our calendar and will track it from year to year. Hopefully 2022 and beyond will be different.