As one of Hawai'i's most personal holidays, Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana’ole Day is celebrated across the islands as a way to pay tribute to Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana’ole, a royal prince of the House of Kalākaua at the turn of the century. The Prince established multiple doctrines that influenced native Hawaiians for the better, including the Hawaiian Civic Club movement, the Hawaiian Homestead Act of 1920, and the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1921. 

As a forward-thinking leader, the prince helped elevate his citizens' social, economic, and intellectual status, encouraging them to become leaders of their own communities. So beloved was he by his people that they established his birthday, March 26, as a public holiday. Now, every year, festivals, parades, and various other celebrations are held in the prince's honor. 

Generally, if March 26 falls on a weekday, schools and many work establishments close. And if the holiday falls on a Sunday, the Monday after is usually observed as part of the holiday (like it will be this year). O'ahu will be hosting a ten-day Prince Kūhiō Festival from March 18 to March 27 that will feature a variety of educational programs, live music and dancing events, and the Prince Kūhiō Commemorative Parade. 

To learn more about Prince Kūhiō or the festival set to be thrown in his honor, click here. No matter whether you decide to have a luau with your family, visit a parade, or attend a memorial service this Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana’ole Day, remember to keep "the citizen prince" in your thoughts.