Who Is the President of Hawaii? (Trick Question)

Hawaii does not have a president. It is the 50th state of the United States of America.

Who Leads Hawaii?

• Head of State: President of the United States (currently Joe Biden). The US President is head of state for all 50 states.
• Head of Government (State): Governor of Hawaii (currently Josh Green, M.D., Democrat, since Dec 5, 2022). Elected statewide, 4-year term (max two).
• Legislature: Hawaii State Legislature (25 Senate, 51 House) – part-time, convenes annually.
• Federal Representation: 2 US Senators (Schatz, Hirono), 2 US Representatives (Case, Tokuda).

Why the Confusion?

• Hawaii was an independent Kingdom (1810–1893) with a Monarch (Kamehameha line, then Kalākaua, Liliʻuokalani).
• Then a Republic (1894–1898) with a President (Sanford B. Dole).
• Then a US Territory (1898–1959) with an appointed Governor.
• Statehood: August 21, 1959.

Native Hawaiian Sovereignty

Many Native Hawaiians (Kānaka Maoli) advocate for self-determination—ranging from federal recognition (like Native American tribes) to full independence. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) manages trust lands. But no separate presidency exists under US or international law.