Prince Kuhio Day is celebrated every year on March 26th, on the birthday of Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, known as the Prince of the People. Prince Kuhio is an important figure in Hawaii’s history and is most known for advocating for the rights of Hawaiians, the Hawaiian Homes Act, and championing the bill that would later make Hawaii an official state of the US. This year, Prince Kuhio Day falls on a Wednesday
About Prince Kuhio
Prince Kuhio, born on March 26, 1871, was the heir to the Hawaiian throne. In 1893, however, the Hawaiian Kingdom was overthrown by a coalition of US and European businessmen. Attempts were made to restore the monarch, but those proved unsuccessful. As a result, Prince Kuhio was charged with treason and imprisoned for one year.
After serving his full jail term, Prince Kuhio and his wife sent themselves on a self-imposed exile and traveled throughout the United States and Europe. He eventually returned to Hawaii in 1901 and began his career as a statesman. His contributions in this landscape include the Hawaiian Homes Act, the establishment of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kilauea National Park, building the foundation for Hawaii’s modern government structure, and much more. He is a beloved figure in Hawaiian history, and his contributions to his people are still felt today.
Is Prince Kuhio Day a state holiday?
Yes! As such, many businesses and community centers are closed, as well as county offices and recreation spaces like the swimming pools at Waimea and Kapaa. Kids will also be out of school so they can enjoy the local celebrations.
How to Celebrate Prince Kuhio Day
As Kauai is the birthplace of Prince Kuhio, you'll find a variety of ways to celebrate this special day when you visit the Garden Isle. The Kauai Outrigger Association holds an annual race on Prince Kuhio Day where every canoe racing club sends their team to compete. All races start and end at Kukuiula Boat Harbor.
You can also visit Prince Kuhio Park, a small park in Koloa that honors the People’s Prince. Here, you’ll find the foundations of his family home, a royal fishpond, and a heiau (shrine) to pay tribute to Prince Kuhio.
Additionally, parades and other celebrations will take place throughout the area, so be sure to find your way to one so you can mingle with locals and learn more about this important Hawaiian figure.
If you find yourself in Kauai during this special holiday, consider attending a local event to learn more about Prince Kuhio and his impact on Hawaiian culture that can still be felt today.
5 Fun Facts About Prince Kuhio
- He was the last Prince of Hawaii
- He was a veteran of the British Army in the Second Boer War which was fought in South Africa
- He and his brothers were among the earliest surfers in California, paving the way for the sport on the mainland
- He and President Obama attended the same school, granted, many years apart from one another: Oahu College
- He had a private Men's Club in DC called the Bird's Nest
Celebrate Prince Kuhio Day in Kauai This Year
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