- Categories:
- Cultural
- Tags:
- AmericanCultural Holidays
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every July 5
- Holiday emoji:
- 🌺
National Hawaii Day, observed every July 5, celebrates the Aloha State’s rich culture and its journey to becoming the 50th U.S. state. Explore its stunning natural beauty, vibrant traditions, and the spirit of aloha. Plan a trip, try a Hawaiian recipe, or learn about its fascinating history.
Want to sponsor National Hawaii Day? Learn how
Expected National Hawaii Day Deals
While specific 2027 promotions are yet to be announced, National Hawaii Day typically inspires a wave of travel deals and local business support. Look for airlines like Hawaiian Airlines and major carriers to offer discounted fares to the islands. Hotel chains such as Marriott and Hilton often feature special packages. Retailers like Target and Walmart might carry Hawaiian-themed apparel or food products. Local Hawaiian businesses, from small boutiques to food trucks, will likely offer unique promotions. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as July 5 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Hawaii Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalHawaiiDay. Share stunning photos of Hawaiian landscapes, food, or cultural experiences.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalHawaiiDay. Create short videos showcasing Hawaiian recipes, travel tips, or traditional dances.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalHawaiiDay. Share articles about Hawaiian history or host a community discussion about the islands.
National Hawaii Day Hero
Queen Lili'uokalani
History of National Hawaii Day
Hawaii is located in Polynesia, 2,000 miles away from the mainland U.S. It’s the only state outside North America and the only one that’s an archipelago. It’s a land of active volcanoes, pristine beaches, and abundant flora and fauna. The Polynesians were the first to arrive on the islands using only the stars as their guide while navigating the ocean. In 1778, Captain James Cook landed on the island of Kauai. He was the first European to make contact with the islands, naming the archipelago the “Sandwich Islands” in honor of John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich. Only much later on would it be collectively called Hawaii, after its biggest island. Cook published several accounts of his voyages, which attracted other European and American visitors such as traders, other explorers, and whalers.
In 1795, all inhabited islands came under one ruler. King Kamehameha the Great established the House of Kamehameha, a dynasty that would rule for many years. The Kingdom of Hawaii was autonomous from 1810 to 1893 when it was overthrown by American and European landholders who had settled in the islands. They lived as an independent republic until August 12, 1898, when it was officially made a territory of the U.S.
Today, Hawaii boasts of being the most diverse state in the United States. It has the highest percentage of Asian Americans and the lowest number of White Americans of any state. Chinese, Filipinos, Puerto Ricans, and Japanese are just some of the races that call this lovely island home.
National Hawaii Day timeline
Mark Twain pays a visit and later writes about his exotic exploits for the Sacramento Union, igniting readers' curiosity about the island.
The Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, sending the U.S. into World War II.
Musician Don Ho’s song becomes synonymous with the Hawaiian sound and stays on the Billboard Top 20 for nearly a year.
Alongside English, Hawaiian is added to the Constitution of the State of Hawaii as an official state language.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Hawaii Day
Local businesses can honor National Hawaii Day by embracing the spirit of aloha and highlighting Hawaiian culture. Restaurants could feature special menus with poke bowls, kalua pig, or tropical drinks. Travel agencies might offer exclusive deals on Hawaiian vacations or staycations with a luau theme. Retailers can showcase products from Hawaiian artisans or donate a portion of sales to Hawaiian cultural preservation efforts. Encourage employees to wear aloha shirts or host a themed lunch to celebrate.
National Hawaii Day FAQs
When is National Hawaii Day?
National Hawaii Day 2026 falls on Sunday, July 5, offering a perfect opportunity for weekend celebrations of the Aloha State.
How many people visit Hawaii annually?
Hawaii welcomes approximately 9 to 10 million visitors each year, making tourism a cornerstone of its economy and cultural exchange.
What makes Hawaii unique among U.S. states?
Hawaii is the only U.S. state located in Oceania, the only one composed entirely of islands, and the only one that was once an independent kingdom.
Is National Hawaii Day a federal holiday?
No, National Hawaii Day is not a federal holiday, though it is widely recognized and celebrated by residents and admirers of the state.
National Hawaii Day Activities
Make leis
The flower garland used as a token of greeting or farewell for visitors to the island can make a mindful craft project. Don’t have fresh flowers? Make some out of colored felt or construction paper.
Learn to dance the hula
Move to the hip-swaying beat of this traditional Hawaiian dance. Search online videos to follow at home. Better yet, sign up for a class with an instructor to show you the proper form.
Throw a Hawaiian-themed party
The dress code is Hawaiian shirts and flowers. Welcome guests with leis, and serve tropical drinks along with grilled seafood and meat. Make a playlist of songs with a Hawaiian theme like “Blue Hawaii” by Elvis Presley and the theme from “Hawaii 5-O” to get into the island spirit.
5 Fascinating Facts About Hawaii
You can mail a coconut from here
Dried out unhusked coconuts — some already decorated, some you can D.I.Y. — are sold ready for you to surprise someone in the post.
Gambling is illegal
Utah and Hawaii are the only U.S. states that prohibit gambling.
It’s rabies-free
Extremely strict quarantine laws are in place to keep it that way.
All beaches are open to the public
Both residents and tourists can enjoy the beaches anytime, including those located by resorts and hotels.
It has its own time zone
Hawaiian Standard Time runs two to three hours behind Pacific Standard Time and five to six hours behind Eastern Standard Time.
Why We Love National Hawaii Day
It’s a cultural melting pot
Racial or ethnic majorities don’t exist in Hawaii. Everyone is a minority!
It’s a rainbow state—literally
Aside from seeing rainbows on car license plates and drivers’ licenses everywhere, chances are you’ll get to see a real-life rainbow. If you’re really lucky, you may even see one once a day!
It embodies the ‘Aloha Spirit’
Hawaiian Spirit Law or the Aloha Spirit is the balance between the heart and mind within a person. It’s the practice of spreading good feelings towards others. It extends warmth and caring to others without asking for anything in return.
Social Media Tips for National Hawaii Day
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