Hawaii’s Ke Ali’i Makaainana was born near the ocean along the south shore of Kauai at Koloa. One of three sons of Kekaulike Kinoiki II and David Kahalepouli Piikoi, Kuhio was born on March 26, 1871. When Kekaulike Kinoiki II died in 1884 all three boys were adopted by their aunt Kapiolani who along with her husband Kalakaua eventually became the ruling dynasty of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Kuhio was named heir to the throne by Hawaii’s last monarch Queen Liliuokalani.
He supported the Queen during the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdonm and even attempted to restore the kingdom that resulted in his imprisonment at Oahu Prison and his eventual exile.
He returned to the islands years later to a Hawaii that was annexed by the United States. He won a seat in the United States Congress by popular vote and lead Hawaii’s territorial delegation for more than twenty years.
Prince Kuhio was responsible for many projects in Hawaii during his time in Congress including the dredging of Pearl Harbor, the establishment of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
More importantly, he took steps to assure that native Hawaiian would forever be a part of islands by establishing the Hawaiian Homes Commission in 1920 and he was the first to pursue statehood for Hawaii.
He re-established the Royal Order of Kamehameha I a benevolent society of the descents of Hawaiian warriors and established what is now more than two dozen Hawaii Civic Clubs.
Prince Kuhio dies at the age of 50 without ever ascending the throne, but his contributions to his Hawaiian people and the state of Hawaii live on today. He is buried at the Royal Mausoleum in Nuuanu Valley. His royal bloodlines live on in the veins of the Kawananakoa family.
The territorial Legislature passed a resolution in 1949, establishing March 26 as a territorial holiday in honor of Prince Kuhio. Today the holiday is celebration throughout the islands in the form of parades, church services and more.
Here are a couple of island events that honor HRH Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole:
KAUAI
Annual Prince Kuhio Celebration
Where: Prince Kuhio Park
When: 1030a
Date: March 26, 2011
A display of respect for Ke Alii Makaainana at the site of his birth, on the anniversary of his birth. The Royal Order of Kamehameha I will be in full regalia as the celebration and ceremonies take place.
42nd Prince Kuhio Long Distance Canoe Race
Where: Kalapaki Beach
Time: 8a-1p
Date: March 19 2011
Two events are scheduled for the day. The first is the women’s and mixed event that begins at 8:00am at Kalapaki Beach. The course is to Hanamaulu and back. The second will start at 10:00am. The men’s event will begin at Kalapaki Beach and ends at Poipu Beach Park at about 1:00pm.
OAHU
Kuhio Day Parade
Where: along Kalakaua Avenue
Time: 10a-12n
Date: March 26, 2011
Marching bands, floats vehicles and more will parade through Waikiki between Saratoga and Kapiolani Park. A great opportunity to soak up the sun along with a dose of culture.
Prince Kuhio Hoolaulea and Hoikeike
Where: Kapiolani Park
Time: 10a-5p
Date: March 26, 2011
Kapiolani Park will fill with food, music and dance as Hawaiians gather to celebrate their beloved Prince.
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