Kuhio Day

Kuhio (Prince) Day

Monday on or near March 26Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole (1871-1921) was a young man when the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893. As a member of the royal family, he fought for the restoration of the monarchy and spent a year as a political prisoner. He lived abroad for a number of years after his release, but eventually returned to his native land and was elected as the first delegate to represent the Territory of Hawaii in the U.S. Congress in 1903. He was reelected and served 10 consecutive terms until his death in 1921.
Because he worked so hard to preserve the old Hawaiian customs and traditions and to take care of the dwindling number of Hawaiian natives, Prince Kuhio has been revered by his people. His birthday is commemorated on the island of Kauai, where he was born, with a week-long Prince Kuhio Festival during the latter part of March. The festival pays tribute to him by featuring such traditional Hawaiian events as outrigger canoe races, hula dancing, and performances of Hawaiian music.
CONTACTS:
Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
2270 Kalakaua Ave., Ste. 801
Honolulu, HI 96815
800-464-2924 or 808-923-1811; fax: 808-924-0290
www.hvcb.org
SOURCES:
AmerBkDays-2000, p. 236
AnnivHol-2000, p. 51
BkHolWrld-1986, Mar 26
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