Prince Jonah Kuhio was born on 26 March 1871 into Hawaiian nobility. By the age of 13, he was an orphan as both parents had died by 1884. He was adopted by Queen Kapiʻolani, who was his aunt, making Kuhio a prince of the Kingdom of Hawai’i. 

The monarchy was overthrown in 1893 and in 1895, he participated in an ill-fated rebellion against the Republic of Hawaiʻi. For his part in the rebellion Kuhio was sentenced to a year in prison. After his release, and with Hawaii now part of the USA, Kuhio travelled in Europe and even fought for the British in the Second Boer War. 

He eventually returned to Hawaii and became active in politics, joining the Home Rule Party of Hawaii, which represented native Hawaiians and advocated Hawaiian independence.  

He went on to become a representative in the Territory of Hawaii as delegate to the United States Congress, and is the only person ever elected to Congress who had been born into royalty. 

In 1903, Kuhio reorganized the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, which led to the first observance of the Kamehameha Day holiday in 1904, which along with Prince Kuhio’s birthday is the only other holiday in the United States dedicated to royalty. 

He is remembered today not for his royal lineage but for contribution to modern Hawaii in terms of reforms. He was notable in local community work and appointed native Hawaiians into government positions, and key in promoting the Hawaii Statehood Act.  

Kuhio died on 7 January 1922. He is remembered with many streets, beaches, buildings and schools bearing his name. 

On Prince Kuhio Day, state offices will be closed as well as public schools, courts and driver licensing centers. Public transport may operate on a holiday schedule. As Prince Kuhio Day is not a federal holiday post offices will remain open.