Kamehameha united all of the Hawaiian Islands in 1810, establishing the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi. King Kamehameha I ruled as Hawaii's first king until his death in 1819. The Kamehameha Dynasty continued through four more monarchs, ending with King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa). Lot was succeeded by Lunalio, grand-nephew of Kamehameha I and the first elected King of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Two more monarchs followed, King David Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani before the … [Read more...] about King Kamehameha the Great
HI state holiday
Prince Kūhiō Day March 26 celebrates Ke Aliʻi Makaʻāinana (Prince of the People)
Prince Kūhiō Day was established by Hawaiian territorial Legislature resolution in 1949 to honor the birthday of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, born on March 26, 1871. Prince Kūhiō is often referred to as Ke Ali’i Makaainana ("Prince of the People"). Heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawai’i, he was a ten-term elected delegate to the U.S. Congress. He died on January 7, 1922. He is remembered with many streets, beaches, buildings, and schools bearing his … [Read more...] about Prince Kūhiō Day March 26 celebrates Ke Aliʻi Makaʻāinana (Prince of the People)
Hawaii state holidays 2025: What’s closed and open
Hawaiʻi State Government offices and facilities observe the following state holidays, while federal offices and facilities are open. If the holiday falls on Saturday, the holiday is observed on Friday. And, if the holiday falls on Sunday, it is observed on Monday. What’s closed and open on state holidays Closed: All state government offices including satellite city halls and driver licensing, libraries, and public schools. Most banks are closed. Other … [Read more...] about Hawaii state holidays 2025: What’s closed and open
List of Holidays (by month) for 2025
Besides federal government and Hawaii State employee holidays there are many other holidays, observances, and special events that occur throughout the year. Popular holidays are often recognized by communities with celebrations such as festivals, parades, shopping discounts, and other revelry. 2025 Holidays & Observances Listed below are current year dates for federal holidays (in bold) along with Hawaii State holidays and popular public observances. For … [Read more...] about List of Holidays (by month) for 2025
Polynesian Discoverers’ Day in the Hawaiian Islands (2nd Monday in October)
The second Monday in October is observed federally as Christopher Columbus Day and elsewhere as Indigenous People's Day. However, throughout Hawaiʻi it is known as Discoverers' Day, in recognition of the Polynesian discoverers of the Hawaiian Islands. While the event is observed on this day, Discoverers' Day is not a Hawaiʻi State holiday. Since Discoverers' Day is also the federal holiday Columbus Day, it is observed by federal employees as a day off and … [Read more...] about Polynesian Discoverers’ Day in the Hawaiian Islands (2nd Monday in October)
