From royal celebrations to reflections on statehood, Hawaiʻi’s holidays highlight the island’s unique history, cultural pride, cuisine, and community spirit. They offer a deeper look into the values, resilience, and stories that shaped the lives of people who call Hawaiʻi home.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, learning about Hawaiʻi’s state holidays adds a deeper layer to your experience. You’ll discover stories of visionary leaders, cultural resilience, and celebrations rooted in traditions that continue to thrive today. If your trip lines up with them, you’ll have the wonderful opportunity to learn, celebrate, and see the islands in a whole new light.
Royalty, Unity & Legacy: Hawaiʻi’s Island-Born Holidays
Hawaiʻi stands apart from other U.S. states by officially recognizing holidays that celebrate its unique history, monarchy, and journey to statehood. These state-specific historic holidays reflect on deep cultural pride and honor the influential figures who helped shape the islands’ identity. From royal leadership to political milestones, each observance offers a chance to reflect on Hawaiʻi’s past while celebrating its traditions.
Honoring Bravery During Prince Kūhiō Day (March)
Recognized on March 26 to mark the birth of Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, Prince Kūliō Day honors his enduring legacy and dedication to serving his people. Known as “The Prince of People,” Kūhiō served as a delegate to the U.S. Congress where he advocated for Native Hawaiian rights. One of his most influential achievements was championing for the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1921, which set aside land for Native Hawaiians and established a homesteading program.
Prince Kūhiō Day is celebrated with parades, festivals, and ceremonies that honor his legacy. If you’re on Oʻahu, you’ll want to see the exciting Prince Kūhiō parade along Kalākaua Avenue in Waikīkī that features colorful floats, marching bands, and traditional pāʻū riders on horseback.
Celebrating Influential Leadership on King Kamehameha I Day (June)
June 11 marks King Kamehameha I Day, honoring the legendary chief who unified the Hawaiian Islands under one rule in 1810. His legacy as a warrior, diplomat, and visionary leader lives on through one of the most culturally vibrant holidays in the state.
Floral parades, hula performances, and community gatherings honor him and his ideals of unity and leadership. If you happen to be visiting Honolulu during this time, make sure you experience the beautifully reverent King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremony.
Commemorating Statehood During Admissions Day (August)
Also known as Statehood Day, this holiday marks Hawaiʻi’s admission as the 50th U.S. state in 1959. For many, Admissions Day is a time to reflect on Hawaiʻi’s complex political journey from kingdom to territory to statehood. Public discussions, educational programs, and modest celebrations highlight the ongoing conversation about identity. These opportunities are a great chance to gain a deeper understanding of local perspectives on heritage, culture, independence, and belonging.
Beyond the Calendar: Important Cultural Observances
Not all significant dates in Hawaiʻi are official state holidays. Some are deeply rooted in cultural traditions and are just as widely celebrated. They’re passed down through generations, embedded in ancient customs and values that define life on the islands. Rather than marking a historical moment or political milestone, these celebrations honor the everyday beauty of Hawaiian culture. If your visit lines up with one of these traditions, it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the islands in a more personal and meaningful way.
Embracing the Spirit of Aloha on Lei Day (May 1)
The Lei is Hawaiʻi’s biggest symbol of love and appreciation. They’re made from beautiful flowers, leaves, shells, feathers, and even fruits and seeds. A day filled with creativity, connection, and bright colors, May 1 marks the celebration of Lei Day, where activities all around the islands are dedicated to embodying the spirit and meaning of these garlands.
If you’re visiting during Lei Day, you’ll feel the spirit of aloha in full bloom. There will be multiple opportunities to make your own lei that you can wear or give to someone else.
Embracing Renewal During Makahiki Season
Makahiki is a traditional Hawaiian season that celebrates Lono—the god of peace—agriculture, and fertility. Aligning with the rainy season, Makahiki lasts roughly from October through February. Traditionally, Makahiki was a time when warfare and labor ceased, allowing communities to come together in peace. Makahiki marks the Hawaiian New Year, when the star cluster Makaliʻi rises in the east during sunset. The season was filled with feasting, storytelling, games, and sacred ceremonies that gave thanks for the year’s harvest.
Today, the Makahiki focuses on rest and rejuvenation while strengthening the bonds with the people around us. Various festivals continue to bring people together across the islands featuring games and reenactments of traditional ceremonies.
Planning Your Visit During Hawaiʻi State Holidays
If you’re lucky enough to be in Hawaiʻi during a time of celebration, here’s some important things to remember and helpful tips on how to make the most of your experience:
- Expect closures: Government offices, schools, and even some local businesses will likely be closed on state holidays.
- Plan ahead: With increased crowds may come higher prices and limited availability. Book up quickly as celebrations approach.
- Join respectfully: Reverence and respect is extremely important when attending local ceremonies and events. Follow all posted guidelines, ask questions, and remember you’re being invited into traditions that hold deep meaning.
When traveling to Maui there will never be a shortage of things and places to see. Make sure you’re always abiding by local and cultural laws when exploring the natural beauty of Maui and most importantly, relax! That’s what you came to do after all.
