Hawaii (HI) State Holidays [year]

Aloha and welcome to a land of sunshine, surf, and celebration!

In Hawaii, every month of the year brings a unique state holiday that honors the rich culture and history of these tropical islands.

Each holiday offers a glimpse into the traditions and customs that make Hawaii so special.

Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, these state holidays provide the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Hawaii.

So grab your grass skirt and your ukulele, and let’s dive into the festive world of Hawaii state holidays!

When are the state holidays in Hawaii?

Hawaii celebrates several state holidays throughout the year, which are recognized as official holidays by the state government. These holidays are either based on historical events or cultural traditions that are significant to the people of Hawaii.

Hawaii (HI) State Holidays in 2023

Monday, 2 January 2023 – New Year’s Day
Monday, 16 January 2023 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, 20 February 2023 – Washington’s Birthday
Friday, 7 April 2023 – Good Friday
Monday, 29 May 2023 – Memorial Day
Monday, 19 June 2023 – Juneteenth
Tuesday, 4 July 2023 – Independence Day
Monday, 4 September 2023 – Labour Day
Friday, 10 November 2023 – Veterans Day
Thursday, 23 November 2023 – Thanksgiving Day
Monday, 25 December 2023 – Christmas Day

Hawaii (HI) State Holidays in 2024

Monday, 1 January 2024 – New Year’s Day
Monday, 15 January 2024 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, 19 February 2024 – Washington’s Birthday
Friday, 29 March 2024 – Good Friday
Monday, 27 May 2024 – Memorial Day
Wednesday, 19 June 2024 – Juneteenth
Thursday, 4 July 2024 – Independence Day
Monday, 2 September 2024 – Labour Day
Monday, 11 November 2024 – Veterans Day
Thursday, 28 November 2024 – Thanksgiving Day
Wednesday, 25 December 2024 – Christmas Day

What are the official Hawaii state holidays and how are they celebrated?

New Year’s Day – January 1st: This is a nationwide holiday that is observed in Hawaii as well. It marks the first day of the Gregorian calendar and is celebrated with parades and fireworks displays.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Third Monday in January: This holiday is observed on the third Monday of January and honors the legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. It is celebrated with community events, parades, and educational programs.
Presidents’ Day – Third Monday in February: This holiday is observed on the third Monday of February and honors the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, two of the most famous U.S. presidents. It is celebrated with patriotic events and sales in retail stores.
Prince Kuhio Day – March 26th: This holiday honors the birthday of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana’ole, a Hawaiian prince and statesman who fought for Hawaiian rights and was instrumental in the passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. It is celebrated with parades, hula performances, and other cultural events.
Good Friday – The Friday before Easter Sunday: This holiday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is observed by many Christians around the world, including in Hawaii.
Memorial Day – Last Monday in May: This holiday honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. It is observed with parades, speeches, and other patriotic events.
King Kamehameha Day – June 11th: This holiday honors King Kamehameha I, the first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii who united the islands under one rule. It is celebrated with parades, hula performances, and other cultural events.
Independence Day – July 4th: This is a nationwide holiday that is observed in Hawaii as well. It marks the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and is celebrated with fireworks displays and barbecues.
Statehood Day – August 19th: This holiday commemorates the day that Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States in 1959. It is celebrated with parades, speeches, and other patriotic events.
Labor Day – First Monday in September: This holiday honors the contributions of American workers and is celebrated with parades and other community events.
Veterans Day – November 11th: This holiday honors all U.S. military veterans who have served in the Armed Forces. It is celebrated with parades, speeches, and other patriotic events.
Thanksgiving Day – Fourth Thursday in November: This holiday is celebrated nationwide and is observed in Hawaii as well. It is a time for families and friends to gather and give thanks for their blessings.
Christmas Day – December 25th: This is a nationwide holiday that is observed in Hawaii as well. It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated with religious services, gift-giving, and other festivities.

In addition to these state holidays, there are also many other cultural and religious celebrations that are observed in Hawaii throughout the year, including Chinese New Year, the Japanese festival of Obon, and the Hawaiian festival of Makahiki. These events reflect the rich cultural diversity of the Hawaiian Islands and are an important part of the state’s heritage.

Last Updated on 03/03/2023