Do you know what year Prince Kuhio was born? The legacy of one of the most beloved monarchs of the state of Hawaii, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, is celebrated and observed every year on March 26. Among his life achievements, he is probably best known for introducing a bill in 1919 that would make Hawaii a state, which happened 40 years later in 1959.

While the official state holiday falls on Prince Kuhio’s birthday, various events are held throughout the state during the last two weeks of March, especially on his birth island of Kauai. Entertainment options include observing cultural traditions, attending luaus, sampling local foods, and watching a rodeo or outrigger canoe race. For a full listing of this year’s events, many of which are free, click here: http://princekuhio.net/PrinceKuhioEventDetails.html
On Oahu, the main highlight for many is the Prince Kuhio Commemorative Parade, which was held on Saturday, March 22. Participants included various Native Hawaiian community groups, halau hula and marching units.
If you missed the parade, a listing of other Oahu events that are part of the 2014 Prince Kuhio Festival can be found on the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs website here: http://aohcc.org/index.php/kuhio-festival-2014.

Happy Birthday, Prince Kuhio!

Photo Credit: “Prince Kuhio Parade – Waikiki” by Daniel Ramirez