In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States. It is commonly known as the Aloha State and it’s one of the fascinating states in the country attracting thousands of tourists from different parts of the globe annually.
Hawaii has rich culture and history. There is so much to learn about the state of Hawaii even before it entered statehood.
Early History of Hawaii
Far back as 300 BC, Hawaii had community according to records. These communities may have traveled from the Marquise Island. It shows that Tahitians settled in those lands probably around the 9th century CE.
The Hawaii people grouped and lived in smaller tribal inhabitants each with a chief appointed. To sustain the communities and provide for their families, most of the men in these were farmers and fishermen.
The European Settlers
Captain James Cook, also known as the founder of Hawaii was the first British explorer to step foot on the land. According to records, he landed on Kauai Island in 1778. And at the time, Hawaii had transformed into rich and diverse tribes.
A year later, Capt James Cook was killed on Hawaii’s Big Island by natives during a conflict. After his passing, Kamehameha I also known as Kamehameha the Great became the new king.
Under the reign of Kamehameha I, the whole island of Hawaii archipelago were brought under one rule of King Kamehameha I. The monarchs rule the people of Hawaii for 85 years after that historical incident.
Was Hawaii a British Colony?
According to records, there was a peaceful and strong relationship between Hawaii and Britian under the work done by Capt George Vancouver in 1792. The Hawaii monarchy continued peaceful operations, aiding in business transactions for whalers and traders crossing the Pacific Ocean.
In 1843, within a short period of five months, the Hawaiian islands were under the formal control of Britain by Capt Lord George Paulet, the British Naval officer. These period is known as the Paulet Affair.
Establishing US Rule
King Kalakaua, the last king of Hawaii due to wrongful political decisions lost his native’s favor and power. After Queen Liliuokalani, his successor was arrested, a group of citizens ceased Hawaii under the Kingdom.
President Gover Cleveland managed to exert total power over Hawaii by the help of the US Marine which eventually led to Hawaii becoming statehood.
Hawaii Historical Timeline
In 1500’s – The Polynesians arrived
In 1778 – Capt Cook, the arrival of the first European settler
In 1790 – Hawaii vs Maui — the Kepanwai Battle
In 1795 – King Kamehameha’s key battle campaigns were fought on the shores of Oahu for the purpose of uniting the islands.
In 1810 – Hawaii came under one rule of the King
In 1819 – The dissolution of Kapu — the taboo system of men and women not eating together
In 1820 – The arrival of the first missionaries’
In 1830 – 1848 – The western allodial system was introduced by the Great Mahele Kamehameha III. This resulted to making native locals get less than 1% of land as required even by law.
In 1845 – Honolulu becomes the new capital of Hawaii
In 1850 – Workers were brought from Portugal, China, Japan, Korea and Philippines due to the rise of Hawaii plantation production.
In 1974 – The Kamehameha reign ends and David Kalakaua is elected as Lunalilo’s successor.
In 1887 – The Monarchy loses power and the 1887 Constitution of the Kingdom of Hawaii is signed.
In 1891 – The year King David Kalakaua died and Queen Liliuokalani took the throne as successor.
In 1893: Queen Liliuokalani is under house arrest as the battle of overthrowing of the Kingdom of Hawaii begins.
In 1898 – Hawaii is annexed by the United States through the Newlands Resolution.
In 1900 – The Organic Act established the territory of Hawaii
In 1917 – Queen Liliuokalani, the last sovereign of the Monarchy died.
In 1941 – The Pearl Harbor attack
In 1959 – Hawaii becomes a state of America
In 1978 – Hawaiian became the official language under the Hawaii State Constitutional Convention
In 1990 – One of the world’s most active volcanoes — Kilauea erupted in Hawaii
In 2009 – Senator Barrack Obama who was born in Honolulu became the US first black president.
In 2018 – Kilauea volcano erupted again destroying several properties.
Hawaii After it’s Statehood
The economy and the population of Hawaii has risen according to records, however, the people of Hawaii are having difficulty keeping up with the cost of living. Some people have been driven out of their homelands because of new development projects in some part of Hawaii.
A great conflict ensued, this led the United States President — Bill Clinton to apologize for the role America played in overthrowing the Hawaii Monarchy.
Hawaii in recent years have been transformed into a tourist destination, it is one of the top places to visit for beach lovers and fascinating weather. With its subtropical climate, you might ask what is the best month to go to Hawaii?
Hawaii Historical Landmarks
Capt. Cook Landing Site (Lucy Wright Park — Kauai)
This is the smallest landmark in Hawaii but it holds the most defining influence on history. Captain Cook landing site is a place you must visit if you are a history lover.
Old Sugar Mill of Koloa (South Coast — Kauai)
This is one of the most successfully operated plantations in Hawaii. It was built in 1835 and it’s part of the Koloa Heritage Trial. The Old Sugar Mill is a 10-mile long tour and it’s amazing and fascinating. The Mill opens from 9:00am and closes by 9:00pm.
Also Read – Do Hawaii Have Monkeys
Kalaupapa Leprosy Settlement (Molokai)
Under the Hawaiian Monarchy, leprosy patients were sent to settle in isolation in this small island. It is between the ocean and an approximately 500 meters mountain. This was considered to be the ideal place because of their ailment.
At this location, there are over 2000 unmarked graves aside the marked ones. Unlike other tourist location, this island is still peaceful and quiet.
Kawaiaha’o Church (Honolulu)
This historic church is located in Honolulu, it is commonly known as Hawaii’s Westminster Abby. It was once used as the chapel for the Hawaiian Royal Family and it’s one of the oldest christian places of worship in Hawaii.
To explore the beautiful interior of this church, you’d have to wait for the church to be open for service. This is a fascinating building that attracts tourists from different parts of the world so of you are looking for some of the historic landmarks in Hawaii, you should check this place out.
US Naval Base, Pearl Harbor (Oahu)
In 1941, this historic harbor endured a lethal airstrike by the Japanese. The destruction of this place led to a series of global events that changed the course of history.
On site, you can go on a memorial tour to learn all about the incident as well as the United States involvement in World War II.
Washington Place
Over 13 Hawaiian Governors have stayed in this place. It is historically significant to the people of Hawaii. It is also the place where Queen Liliuokalani was arrested which led to the end of Hawaiian Monarchy.
It is now a museum and this nearly 200-year-old structure located in the downtown region of Honolulu is open to the public from 10:00am to 11:00pm.
Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau (Oahu)
Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau was built in the 1600s, it is a super ancient Hawaiian Temple. There are rumors that human sacrifices were offered during a political uprising. It is an incredible historical landmark in Hawaii.
