A parade, hoolaulea and performances make up the many celebrations that will take place this weekend in honor of Prince Jonah Kalanianaole Kuhio, whose birthday, March 26, is observed as a state holiday on Monday (many state and county offices will be closed).
On Oahu, the Prince Kuhio Parade, which usually makes its way through Waikiki, will be held in Kapolei this year. The annual event, presented by the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and supported by Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, features marching units and floats. It steps off at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 25 from Kapolei Hale and ends at Ka Makana Alii, where there will be a hoolaulea filled with music, food and vendors. Free parking is available at Kapolei High School and Ka Makana Alii.
On the Valley Isle, the Prince Kuhio Maui Hoolaulea is 4-8:30 p.m. Friday at Queen Kaahumanu Center. The free event features entertainment from Josh Tatofi, The Kalama School Ukulele Band and Halau Kekuaokalaaualailiahi. There will also be exhibits, hands-on activities and workshops.
The hanai son of King David Kalakaua and his wife Queen Kapiolani (who was his maternal aunt), Prince Kuhio served in the U.S. Congress, and laid the foundation for the county system of government used in our state today. Also known as the "Citizen Prince," Kuhio founded the first Hawaiian Civic Club and advocated for the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, which became law in 1921.