Hawaiʻi State and Federal Holidays Calendar 2025–2026

Learn the meaning behind Hawaiʻi’s federal and state holidays and why they matter across the islands.

Hawaiʻi observes a mix of federal and state holidays—fourteen in total—that mark national milestones and events unique to the islands’ history and culture. Knowing when these days occur can help you plan travel, activities, and visits to public offices or schools.

Most businesses in resort areas remain open, so vacations are rarely interrupted. Instead, holidays are an opportunity to see local traditions, ceremonies, parades, and community gatherings that reflect Hawaiʻi’s heritage.

This article outlines Hawaiʻi’s federal and state holidays and lists the observed dates for 2025–2026.

Hawaiʻi Federal Holidays

Federal holidays are set by the U.S. government and observed nationwide. On these dates, federal offices, banks, and post offices typically close, and many companies follow suit.

• New Year’s Day (1 Jan)
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (3rd Mon in Jan)
• Presidents’ Day (3rd Mon in Feb)
• Memorial Day (Last Mon in May)
• Independence Day (4 Jul)
• Labor Day (1st Mon in Sep)
• Veterans Day (11 Nov)
• Thanksgiving Day (4th Thu in Nov)
• Christmas Day (25 Dec)

Hawaiʻi State Holidays

State holidays are declared by state or local government and are observed only within Hawaiʻi. These days commemorate events and figures important to the islands’ culture and history. On state holidays, state offices and public schools close.

• Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Day (26 Mar)
• Good Friday (Friday before Easter)
• King Kamehameha I Day (11 Jun)
• Statehood Day (3rd Fri in Aug)
• General Election Day (1st Tue in Nov following the 1st Mon in even-numbered years)

Hawaiʻi Observed Holidays in 2025-26

Below are the dates Hawaiʻi observes these holidays in 2025 and 2026.

• New Year’s Day — Wed, 1 Jan 2026
• Martin Luther King Day — Mon, 19 Jan 2026
• Presidents’ Day — Mon, 16 Feb 2026
• Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Day — Thu, 26 Mar 2026
• Good Friday — Fri, 3 Apr 2026
• Memorial Day — Mon, 25 May 2026
• King Kamehameha I Day — Thu, 11 Jun 2026
• Independence Day — Sat, 4 Jul 2026
• Statehood Day — Fri, 15 Aug 2025
• Labor Day — Mon, 1 Sep 2025
• Veterans’ Day — Tue, 11 Nov 2025
• Thanksgiving — Thu, 27 Nov 2025
• Christmas — Thu, 25 Dec 2025

Hawaiʻi Observed Holidays Explained

Here’s a concise explanation of each federal and state holiday and how you might experience it on Oʻahu.

New Year’s Day

Observed on January 1, New Year’s Day marks the start of the calendar year. It’s typically a quiet public holiday on Oʻahu, with many people enjoying time off and retailers running post-holiday sales.

Martin Luther King Day

Held on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King Day honors the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In Oʻahu, the day is marked by parades, community events, and educational programs that celebrate his legacy.

Presidents’ Day

Presidents’ Day, on the third Monday in February, honors George Washington and other U.S. presidents. The long weekend is popular for travel and major retail sales across the islands.

Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Day

Observed on March 26, Prince Kūhiō Day recognizes the contributions of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, an important Hawaiian leader who advocated for Native Hawaiian welfare. Local festivals and cultural events commemorate his legacy.

Good Friday

Good Friday falls on the Friday before Easter and commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Churches hold services, families attend church events and Easter weekend activities, and many businesses run holiday promotions.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, honors Americans who died in military service. The day is marked by ceremonies, parades, and memorial events at sites around Oʻahu, as well as family gatherings and outdoor activities.

King Kamehameha Day

On June 11, King Kamehameha Day celebrates the monarch who united the Hawaiian Islands. The holiday features cultural pageantry, lei-draping ceremonies at statues, floral parades, and community festivals.

Independence Day

Independence Day on July 4 commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Oʻahu hosts picnics, BBQs, concerts, parades, and fireworks displays that draw locals and visitors alike.

Hawaiʻi Statehood Day

Statehood Day, on the third Friday in August, marks Hawaiʻi’s admission as the 50th state. The day is observed with official ceremonies and events, though perspectives on the holiday vary within the community.

Labor Day

Labor Day, on the first Monday in September, honors working Americans and signals the unofficial end of summer. It’s a popular long weekend for local outings, sales, and short getaways to the islands.

General Election Day

Held in even-numbered years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, General Election Day is when Hawaiʻi voters elect federal, state, county, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs representatives.

Veterans’ Day

Observed on November 11, Veterans’ Day honors military veterans. Oʻahu hosts memorial events and ceremonies at locations such as national cemeteries and memorial sites.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, on the fourth Thursday in November, is a day for friends and family to gather and give thanks. Many restaurants offer special buffets, and the following day—Black Friday—is a major shopping day.

Christmas

Christmas on December 25 celebrates the birth of Christ. In Hawaiʻi, traditions blend island life with the season: families gather, gift-giving is common, and greetings of “Mele Kalikimaka” are shared.

*Source: State of Hawaiʻi Department of Human Resources Development

Whether visiting for a national holiday or a Hawaiʻi-specific celebration, understanding these dates and traditions will help you make the most of your trip.