Lā Kūʻokoʻa was first celebrated on November 28, 1843 after France & Great Britain officially recognized the independence of the Hawaiian Kingdom in the Anglo-Franco Proclamation. During the reign of aliʻi Kauikeaouli Kamehameha III he sought diplomatic recognition of Hawaii's sovereignty. Three people were sent on this mission namely, Hawaii's royal secretary ke aliʻi Timoteo Haʻalilio, alongside William Richards and George Simpson. The United States was the first to recognize Hawaii as a legitimate nation, Great Britain and France were the first to follow hence the name of the Anglo Franco Proclamation. During the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom on January 17th,1893, Lā Kūʻokoʻa was replaced with the colonial holiday of "Thanksgiving." The celebration of Hawaiiʻs Independence on a national scale was suppressed. The revitalization of this special day and other events (like Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea, Sovereignty Restoration Day) began to resurface in the 1980ʻs with the help of Dr. Kekuni Blaisdell who had been researching it at the time. We as a lāhui are reintegrating these important events and holidays to our lives to ensure that we celebrate in the manner of our kūpuna. Please enjoy this free download to help celebrate!
To learn more about the history of Hawaiʻi and how to support aloha ʻāina efforts please head to these great resources:
FREE Hauʻoli Lā Kūʻokoʻa Kāleka Download, click here
All free downloads should be printed on Letter size paper (8.5 x 11 in). Kāleka size when folded is 4.25 x 5.5 in and can fit a A2 size envelope (if needed)