The 1978 Hawaii gubernatorial election was Hawaii's sixth gubernatorial election. The election was held on November 7, 1978, and resulted in a victory for the Democratic candidate, Governor George Ariyoshi, over Republican candidate, State Senator John R. Leopold and three other candidates. Ariyoshi received more votes than any other candidate in every county in the state.
Primaries Primary elections were held on October 7, 1978.
Democratic primary Candidates and primary votes: George Ariyoshi, governor: 50.30% Frank Fasi, mayor of Honolulu: 48.91% Billy Kuaiwa: 0.53% Valentine Huihui: 0.26%
Republican primary Candidates and primary votes: John R. Leopold, state senator: 91.56% Valentine K. Wessel: 4.88% Gabriel Juarez: 3.56%
Nonpartisan primary Candidates and primary votes: Alema Leota: 58.85% Frank Pore: 41.15%
General election Results
By county County George AroyoshiDemocratic John LepoldRepublican Various candidatesOther parties Margin Total votes cast # % # % # % # % Hawaii 19,068 61.2% 11,821 37.9% 272 0.9% 7,247 23.3% 31,161 Honolulu 110,766 52.1% 98,853 46.5% 2,878 1.4% 11,913 6.6% 212,497 Kauaʻi 10,515 69.7% 4,434 29.4% 146 1.0% 6,081 40.3% 15,095 Maui 13,045 57.1% 9,502 41.6% 287 1.3% 3,543 15.5% 22,834Totals153,39454.5%124,61044.3%3,5831.3%28,78410.2%281,587
References