Hawaii Public Holidays

Hawaii State Holidays

Searching for the public holidays in Hawaii? Most public holidays in Hawaii are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Hawaii employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Hawaii and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

Hawaii, the 50th state of the United States, is known for its unique blend of cultural traditions, beautiful landscapes, and rich history. Its public holidays reflect this diversity, combining federal observances with state-specific holidays that honor Hawaii’s indigenous people, history, and culture.

Federal Holidays in Hawaii

New Year’s Day (January 1)

New Year’s Day is a federal holiday celebrated across Hawaii to mark the beginning of the new year. The holiday is observed with parties, fireworks, and gatherings of family and friends. As the first day of the year, it is a time for reflection, resolutions, and relaxation after the holiday season. New Year’s Day in Hawaii also brings a spirit of renewal, with many people taking time off to enjoy the scenic beauty of the islands or indulge in outdoor activities.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, though some tourist areas remain open.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a key leader in the American civil rights movement. The holiday is recognized throughout Hawaii with events, parades, and community service activities that promote racial equality and justice. Schools, community organizations, and local governments often hold programs focused on King’s teachings and the importance of equality.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open in most cases, although some close early.

Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)

Presidents’ Day celebrates the birthdays of U.S. presidents, especially George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. In Hawaii, this holiday is generally observed with educational programs, sales, and discussions about the roles presidents have played in shaping the nation’s history. Although Hawaii does not have specific traditions for this day, it is often used as an opportunity for learning and community engagement.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open, with some participating in sales.

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

Memorial Day honors the memory of U.S. military personnel who have died in service to their country. In Hawaii, this holiday is deeply significant due to the state’s large military presence. The day is observed with ceremonies, parades, and moments of reflection at various war memorials, including those at Pearl Harbor. Many people take part in community events that reflect on the sacrifices of military service members.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open, though some may close early or operate with reduced hours.

Independence Day (July 4)

Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. In Hawaii, the holiday is marked by fireworks, parades, barbecues, and family gatherings. Honolulu hosts one of the largest Fourth of July fireworks displays in the Pacific, and many communities hold celebrations that reflect the state’s unique cultural heritage.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, although some tourist areas remain open.

Labor Day (First Monday in September)

Labor Day honors the contributions of American workers and the labor movement. In Hawaii, this day is often celebrated with family activities, outdoor events, and public gatherings. Many people use the long weekend to relax, enjoy outdoor adventures, or participate in local festivals. The holiday also serves as the unofficial end of summer, with many residents taking advantage of the final warm days before fall.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open, although some may close early or operate with reduced hours.

Veterans Day (November 11)

Veterans Day is a federal holiday to honor all U.S. military veterans who have served in the armed forces. Hawaii, with its significant military presence, observes this day with ceremonies, parades, and events. Many towns and cities hold public ceremonies to recognize the service of veterans, and the state’s military communities often participate in special events.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed in some areas.
• Private businesses: Open, though some businesses may hold special events for veterans.

Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)

Thanksgiving Day is a time for people to come together and give thanks for the blessings of the past year. In Hawaii, Thanksgiving is celebrated with large family meals, often featuring turkey and traditional side dishes. The day is also marked by community service events, with many people volunteering to help the less fortunate. The holiday weekend is typically filled with family gatherings, travel, and reflection.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, although some may open for limited hours in the evening.

Christmas Day (December 25)

Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely observed across Hawaii. The holiday is marked by family gatherings, gift exchanges, religious services, and festive meals. The state’s tropical climate brings a unique flavor to the holiday season, with beach outings and luaus often part of the celebrations. Hawaii’s public and private spaces are often decorated with holiday lights, and communities come together for Christmas events.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, particularly retail stores and government offices.

State Holidays in Hawaii

In addition to the federally recognized holidays, Hawaii has its own set of state-specific holidays that reflect the state’s rich history, culture, and heritage.

Statehood Day (Third Friday in August)

Statehood Day commemorates Hawaii’s admission as the 50th state of the United States on August 21, 1959. This day is celebrated with events and activities that reflect Hawaii’s unique place in U.S. history. Festivities include parades, cultural performances, and educational programs that highlight Hawaii’s journey to statehood and its diverse cultural identity.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Generally open, though some cultural events may be observed.

King Kamehameha Day (June 11)

King Kamehameha Day honors the legacy of King Kamehameha I, who unified the Hawaiian Islands in 1810. This holiday is one of the most important in Hawaii, celebrated with parades, hula performances, and flower leis. The day includes a royal procession, music, and events that celebrate Hawaiian culture and heritage. It is a time to reflect on Hawaii’s royal history and the leadership of King Kamehameha.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Many businesses close for the day, particularly those that celebrate Hawaiian culture.

Hawaiian Renaissance Day (October 1)

Hawaiian Renaissance Day is a holiday to celebrate the resurgence of Hawaiian culture, language, and traditions in the 20th century. This observance is dedicated to the revitalization of Native Hawaiian practices, and many communities hold cultural events and educational programs focused on Hawaiian heritage.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off in some sectors.
• Schools: Observed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open in most areas.

Holidays Observed by Specific Groups

Some holidays are observed by specific communities or religious groups in Hawaii. These holidays reflect the state’s cultural diversity and the importance of various traditions.

Good Friday (Date Varies)

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is observed by many Christian communities in Hawaii, with church services and processions taking place in some areas. Although not a public holiday, some businesses close or operate with reduced hours.

Observance:

• Government employees: Not observed.
• Schools: Closed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Closed in some sectors.

Easter Sunday (Date Varies)

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is widely observed in Hawaii, especially in Christian communities. Families often attend church services, hold festive meals, and engage in family-oriented activities. While it is not a public holiday, many people take the day off to celebrate the religious significance of Easter.

Observance:

• Government employees: Not observed.
• Schools: Closed in some areas.
• Private businesses: Closed in some sectors.

Obon (Date Varies, usually in July)

Obon is a traditional Japanese Buddhist holiday that honors the spirits of ancestors. Although it is not a public holiday, Obon is widely celebrated in Hawaii due to the state’s large Japanese population. The holiday is marked by dance festivals, cultural performances, and ceremonies at Buddhist temples to welcome the spirits of ancestors.

Observance:

• Government employees: Not observed.
• Schools: Closed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open in most areas, though some businesses may close in observance.

Summary Table of Public Holidays and Observances in Hawaii

Holiday	Date	Government Employees	Schools	Private Businesses
New Year’s Day	January 1	Yes	Closed	Varies
Martin Luther King Jr. Day	Third Monday in January	Yes	Closed	Varies
Presidents’ Day	Third Monday in February	Yes	Closed	Varies
Memorial Day	Last Monday in May	Yes	Closed	Varies
Independence Day	July 4	Yes	Closed	Varies
Labor Day	First Monday in September	Yes	Closed	Varies
Veterans Day	November 11	Yes	Varies	Open
Thanksgiving Day	Fourth Thursday in November	Yes	Closed	Varies
Christmas Day	December 25	Yes	Closed	Varies
Statehood Day	Third Friday in August	Yes	Closed	Open
King Kamehameha Day	June 11	Yes	Closed	Many close
Hawaiian Renaissance Day	October 1	Yes (in some areas)	Varies	Open
Good Friday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Easter Sunday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Obon	Varies (usually in July)	Not observed	Varies	Varies