As the 50th State of the USA, Hawaiʻi has Federal and State Observed Holidays. Most businesses in resort areas (like Waikīkī) and the major tourist attractions will choose to stay open on these days.
Hawaiʻi Federal Holidays
Federal Holidays are determined by the United States government and are nationally recognized. U.S. government offices, banks and post offices are usually closed on these days. Most corporate companies will also shutdown in observance of these national holidays.
- New Year’s Day (1 January)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (3rd Monday in January)
- Presidents’ Day (3rd Monday in February)
- Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
- Independence Day (4 July)
- Labor Day (1st Monday in September)
- Veterans Day (11 November)
- Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November)
- Christmas Day (25 December)
Hawaiʻi State Holidays
State Holidays are declared at a State or Local government level and are only observed in those specific states, counties or cities. Hawaiʻi’s State Holidays mark culturally and historically significant occasions. On these days, State government offices and public schools are closed.
- Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaʻole Day (26 March)
- Good Friday (Friday preceding Easter Sunday)
- King Kamehameha I Day (11 June)
- Statehood Day (3rd Friday in August)
- General Election Day (1st Tuesday in November following 1st Monday of even numbered years)
Hawaiʻi Observed Holidays in 2024-25
To check what actual date the Hawaiʻi Observed Holidays fall in 2024 and 2025, please see below.
- New Year’s Day 2025, Wednesday 1 January
- Martin Luther King Day 2025, Monday 20 January
- Presidents’ Day 2025, Monday 17 February
- Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Day 2025, Wednesday 26 March
- Good Friday 2025, Friday 18 April
- Memorial Day 2024, Monday 27 May
- King Kamehameha I Day 2024, Tuesday 11 June
- Independence Day 2024, Thursday 4 July
- Statehood Day 2024, Friday 16 August
- Labor Day 2024, Monday 2 September
- General Election Day 2024, Tuesday 5 November
- Veterans’ Day 2024, Monday 11 November
- Thanksgiving 2024, Thursday 28 November
- Christmas 2024, Wednesday 25 December
Hawaiʻi Observed Holidays Explained
Ever wondered what the Hawaiʻi Federal and State Holidays represent? Read on for an explanation of why these days of the year are important plus ideas on how you can celebrate them on Oʻahu.
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day on the 1st of January heralds the start of a new year according to the Gregorian calendar. It’s the day after New Year’s Eve, a day-off work for the general population. It’s a relatively quiet day on Oʻahu, apart from a sales storm that hits local shopping centers.
Martin Luther King Day
Martin Luther King Day honors the life of Martin Luther King Jr., an American civil rights leader. It falls on the third Monday in January, close to his birth date. Join Hawaii’s annual MLK Celebration Parade and Festival, it begins at Magic Island and through Waikīkī to Kapiʻolani Park.
Presidents’ Day
Presidents’ Day remembers America’s first leader George Washington but is also widely accepted as a celebration of all U.S. presidents. It’s held on the 3rd Monday in February, close to Washington’s birthday. This long weekend is popular for trips and one of the biggest sales of the year.
Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Day
Prince Kūhiō Day (for short) is a Hawaiʻi-specific holiday on 26 March. It honors Prince Kūhiō, a prominent leader in Hawaiʻi’s history remembered for his great efforts to improve the lives of Native Hawaiians. Attend a variety of events during the Prince Kūhiō Festival.
Good Friday
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter, a holy day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Spend Easter weekend on Oʻahu attending a local Easter church service, taking part in a Easter egg hunt, enjoying Easter Sunday brunch or shopping ’til you drop in the Easter sales.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a time for remembering all Americans who lost their lives in military service. Held on the last Monday in May, this long weekend is big for outdoor gatherings and retail sales. Events include a Memorial Day Ceremony at Punchbowl, a Parade and a Lantern Floating Festival.
King Kamehameha Day
King Kamehameha Day on the 11th of June pays tribute to Hawaii’s first King who unified the islands to form the Kingdom of Hawaii. The pageantry displayed during this cultural festival is superb. Don’t miss the statue lei draping ceremony, floral parade and Waikiki block party.
Independence Day
Independence Day, also known as 4th of July, commemorates the Declaration of Independence, a statement declaring freedom from England that led to the birth of the United States as an independent nation. Oʻahu is full of picnics, BBQs, street parades, concerts and firework shows.
Hawaiʻi Statehood Day
Hawaiʻi Statehood Day, also called Hawaiʻi Admission Day, on the 3rd Friday in August marks the period when Hawaiʻi, after 66 years of occupation by the United States, officially became the 50th State of America. It’s a controversial “celebration” especially amongst Native Hawaiians.
Labor Day
Labor Day on the 1st Monday in September is the unofficial end of summer. The premise of this holiday is to recognize American workers. Locals are out and about taking advantage of the three-day weekend, shops are on fire sale and U.S. mainlanders book short Hawaiʻi getaways.
General Election Day
General Election Day takes place in even-numbered years, usually on the 1st Tuesday in November following the 1st Monday in November. This is the day set for voters in Hawaiʻi to select Federal, State, County and Office of Hawaiian Affairs candidates.
Veterans’ Day
Veterans’ Day honors and thanks military veterans for their service in the Armed Forces. It’s always on the 11 November, regardless of what day of the week it falls. Memorials are held at several locations on Oʻahu including Punchbowl, Pearl Harbor and the War Memorial Natatorium.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving began in 1621 and is celebrated annually on the 4th Thursday in November. Family and friends spend time together giving thanks for life’s blessings. Book a Thanksgiving buffet! The day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year in Hawaiʻi.
Christmas
Christmas on the 25th of December celebrates Christ’s birth. Hawaiʻi traditions include Santa leaving gifts under a tropical Christmas tree and families spending time together. There’s no-snow, Santa wears surf shorts and “Mele Kalikimaka” (Merry Christmas) is the seasons greeting!
*Source: State of Hawaiʻi Department of Human Resources Development
