Hawaii Statehood Day 2022

The third Friday in August is Hawaii Statehood Day, to celebrate the day when Hawaii was
officially admitted into the Union as its 50th state, in 1959. The day has come with a bit of controversy and debate to it, with some locals believing that there should be large celebrations on this day, and others pushing for this holiday to be observed as a silent day. There are also some who believe that this holiday is culturally insensitive to native Hawaiians.

Hawaii Statehood Day is a public holiday in Hawaii, which means that schools and some businesses remain closed.  

Background Hawaii Statehood Date

In 1849, initiatives to admit Hawaii as a state to the Union were first made. Hawaii was
strategically seized by the United States in 1898 during the Spanish-American War, and Hawaii was retained as a military command post throughout World War II. After the war, the majority of people supported Hawaii's admission as a state of the US, while many locals opposed the US's illegitimate conquest of Hawaii and supported Hawaiian sovereignty. Due to Hawaii's high ethnic diversity and the fact that the southern states of the USA were still segregated, there was also considerable opposition.

Over the years, several statehood proposals for Hawaii were proposed, the first of which was made in 1919 by Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole. After a referendum in which 94% of Hawaiians voted in support of Hawaii becoming a state, Congress only passed the statehood measure in 1959. On August 21, 1959, President Eisenhower formally recognized Hawaii as the 50th state of the Union.

This holiday was initially observed in 1969, and until 2001 it was known as Admission Day before being renamed Hawaii Statehood Day. 

Public Life

Hawaii’s Statehood Day is a state holiday so government offices are closed, as well as schools and major universities. Some bus companies may observe the public holiday, while others operate seven days a week, including all holidays. Ferries may also operate on the holiday. People planning to use public transit services on this day should check with the local public transit service providers prior to traveling.

How Hawaii Statehood Day is Celebrated

Hawaii Statehood Day is primarily marked as a solemn holiday because it is such a
contentious day, hence there aren't any major celebrations to mark it. A number of protestors showed up to the event as a state senator tried to have a modest celebration at the Iolani Palace to voice their displeasure with the holiday's celebration.

Since most individuals have the day off, a lot of people gather with friends and family in parks and on the beaches to enjoy their time off of work and school.

Symbols

Hawaii was a symbol of a new frontier when it became the 50th state of the United States of America in 1959 after many years of heated political debates and discussions.

Other Celebrations

Aug 01 Colorado Day

Aug 04 Barack Obama Day

Aug 07 Purple Heart Day

Aug 08 Victory Day

Aug 16 Bennington Battle Day

Hawaii Statehood Day - Next years

Friday, 18 August 2023

Friday, 16 August 2024

Friday, 15 August 2025