Public Holidays and Observances in Hawaii 2026
Hawaii holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays and unique Hawaii state holidays like King Kamehameha Day, Prince Kūhiō Day, and Admission Day.
Hawaii combines all 11 federal holidays with unique state holidays that honor Hawaiian heritage and statehood. This guide covers the 2026 schedule for workforce planning across the islands.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Hawaii 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19 | Monday |
| Presidents’ Day | February 16 | Monday |
| Memorial Day | May 25 | Monday |
| Juneteenth | June 19 | Friday |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Saturday |
| Labor Day | September 7 | Monday |
| Columbus Day | October 12 | Monday |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Wednesday |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday |
Note: Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Federal and state offices will observe it on Friday, July 3.
What Are the State Holidays in Hawaii 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prince Kūhiō Day | March 26 | Thursday | Honors Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole |
| King Kamehameha Day | June 11 | Thursday | Celebrates the unifier of the Hawaiian Islands |
| Admission Day | August 21 | Friday | Marks Hawaii becoming the 50th state in 1959 |
| Election Day | November 3 | Tuesday | State holiday for general elections |
Hawaii is the only state that observes Prince Kūhiō Day and King Kamehameha Day as official paid holidays.
What Are the Major Observances in Hawaii?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lei Day | May 1 | Hawaiian cultural celebration; no office closure |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Not a state holiday; some businesses close early |
| Buddha Day (Vesak) | April or May (varies) | Observed by Buddhist communities |
| Discoverers’ Day | Second Monday of Oct | Coincides with Columbus Day |
| Pearl Harbor Day | December 7 | Memorial observance; no official closure |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Hawaii?
Government offices close on all federal and state holidays. Hawaii state employees receive paid time off on Prince Kūhiō Day, King Kamehameha Day, and Admission Day in addition to federal holidays.
School districts follow the Hawaii Department of Education calendar. Key breaks include:
- Spring Break: March 16–20, 2026 (includes Prince Kūhiō Day week)
- Summer Break: Late May through early August
- Fall Break: Week of October 12, 2026
Check the Hawaii DOE calendar for specific dates.
Banks close on federal holidays but remain open on Hawaii-specific state holidays like Prince Kūhiō Day and King Kamehameha Day.
Private businesses in Hawaii’s tourism-driven economy typically stay open year-round. Hotels, restaurants, and attractions on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island operate through state holidays with shift differentials for employees working peak periods. Retail businesses may adjust hours around cultural celebrations like Lei Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prince Kūhiō Day in Hawaii?
Prince Kūhiō Day honors Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, a Hawaiian prince and delegate to Congress who worked to preserve Hawaiian culture and land rights. It’s observed on March 26, his birthday.
When is King Kamehameha Day 2026?
King Kamehameha Day is June 11, 2026 (Thursday). This state holiday honors King Kamehameha I, who unified the Hawaiian Islands. Celebrations include parades and the draping of his statue with lei.
Is the post office open on King Kamehameha Day?
Yes, the post office is open on King Kamehameha Day. USPS follows the federal holiday schedule, and King Kamehameha Day is a Hawaii state holiday only, not a federal holiday. Mail delivery operates normally.
Do Hawaii hotels charge more on state holidays?
Hawaii hotel rates are typically driven by tourism seasons rather than state holidays. However, Admission Day weekend in August and holidays that create long weekends may see slightly higher occupancy and rates.
Are Hawaii state employees paid for state holidays?
Yes, Hawaii state employees receive paid time off for all state holidays including Prince Kūhiō Day, King Kamehameha Day, and Admission Day, in addition to federal holidays.
Summary
Hawaii observes all 11 federal holidays plus unique state holidays in 2026, including Prince Kūhiō Day, King Kamehameha Day, and Admission Day. Tourism businesses generally remain open, while government offices and schools close on both federal and state holidays. Plan staffing around these dates, especially for hospitality and retail operations.
Need help managing holiday schedules? Explore our US Federal Holidays guide, learn about floating holidays, or streamline your time off requests.
