A Few Facts About Prince Kūhiō – Prince Kūhiō Day March 26, 2025

A Few Facts About Prince Kūhiō – Prince Kūhiō Day March 26, 2025

Early Life & Education

Young since Kuhio – Public Commons

• Born on March 26, 1871, in Kukuiʻula, Kauaʻi, Kingdom of Hawaiʻi
• Descendant of Kaumualiʻi, last ruling chief of Kauaʻi
• Given the nickname “Prince Cupid” due to his cheerful demeanor
• Studied at ʻIolani School, Punahou School, and later in California and England
• First to introduce surfing to California (1885) and the British Isles (1890)

Role in Hawaiian Monarchy & Overthrow

• Adopted by King Kalākaua and Queen Kapiʻolani, making him a Prince of Hawaii
• Held a government post before the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom
• Participated in the 1895 Wilcox rebellion against the Republic of Hawaiʻi; sentenced to one year in prison

Political Career

Congressional Delegate – Picture Public Commons

• Became active in Hawaiian politics after U.S. annexation (1898)
• Elected as Hawaii’s delegate to the U.S. Congress (1903–1922), serving ten consecutive terms
• Advocated for Hawaiian self-governance and land rights
• Helped establish county-level government in Hawaii
• Introduced Hawaii’s first Statehood Act (1919), though statehood was not achieved until 1959
• Instrumental in women’s suffrage efforts in Hawaii (1915-1919)

Hawaiian Homes Commission Act (1921)

• Championed the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, securing land for Native Hawaiians
• Despite Kūhiō’s wishes the act included required blood-quantum verification and provided land leases instead of ownership, leading to ongoing controversies

Personal Life & Legacy

• Traveled widely after annexation, including South Africa during the Second Boer War
• Married Elizabeth Kahanu Kaʻauwai
• Passed away on January 7, 1922, at age 50
• Buried at the Mauna ʻAla Royal Mausoleum
• Honored through Prince Kūhiō Day (March 26, Hawaii state holiday), street names, schools, and the Prince Kuhio Federal Building

Have you celebrated Prince Kuhio Day?  Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!

(Picture Credit tPublic Commons. Credit Source: Wikipedia)

Day-Trip to Lāna‘i

A day-trip to Lānaʻi is an easy ferry ride from Maui, departing from Maalaea Harbor.  You can book your day trip itinerary with Lost on Lānaʻi that includes your round trip Maui to Lānaʻi ferry and transfers at the same price as doing it independently. With the added time saving convenience of not having to book the ferry and call the shuttle yourself. Visit the Lāna‘i Cat Sanctuary, Lāna‘i City or Hulopo‘e Beach.