In Hawaiʻi, Statehood Day is celebrated annually on the third Friday in August. It commemorates the anniversary of the state's 1959 admission to the Union. Statehood bills for Hawaii were introduced into the U.S. Congress as early as 1919 by Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole. In 1959, Congress approved the statehood bill and on August 21, 1959 (the third Friday in August), President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proclamation making Hawaiʻi the 50th state. Celebrate with us as we feature uniquely Hawaiian items! As always, your purchases benefit parks.