Prince Kuhio Day

Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole was born on the 26th of March 1871 although we celebrate on the nearest weekday if the 26th falls on the weekend. When the United States of America orchestrated the overthrowing of the Hawaiian Monarchy, Prince Kuhio lead a rebellion to try and restore the monarchy and Hawaii’s sovereignty as its own country. He served a year in prison for this and Hawaii was annexed into an American state by the time he was released. Demonstrating Hawaii’s close ties with England he travelled to Europe to fight for the English in the Second Boer War. On his return to Hawaii he began a career in politics, advocating for Native Hawaiians and Hawaiian Independence. He became the Hawaiian delegate to the United States Congress, which makes him the only person born into royalty to be elected to serve in this legislative body.
Prince Kūhiō Day is an official holiday in the state of Hawaiʻi in the United States. It is celebrated annually on March 26, to mark the royal birth.