First Inhabitants
Polynesians were the first to arrive in the Hawaiian Islands. They traveled to Hawaii by canoe around 500 AD. These primitive people cultivated the land and fished for food. Each settlement was ruled by a chief named Ali’i. People’s lives were full of strict rules called ‘Kapu’, and the chief’s word was law.
Information about Hawaii State:
| Capital | Honolulu |
| Population | 1,440,196 (Source: 2022 U.S. Census) |
| Major Cities | Honolulu, Hilo, Kailua, Kaneohe, Waipahu |
| Borders | Does not border any other U.S. state, Pacific Ocean |
| Gross Domestic Product (GDP) | $98,218.8 million (2022 U.S. Department of Commerce) |
| Key Industries | Agriculture including sugarcane, pineapples, macadamia nuts, and bananas Tourism is the primary industry |
Flag of Hawaii State:
Europeans Arrived
The first recorded European visit to Hawaii was made by British explorer Captain James Cook in 1778. At first, locals treated Mr. Cook like a god. They brought him and his crew many gifts. Cook named these islands the Sandwich Islands after the Earl of Sandwich. During his subsequent visit to the island, Cook’s crew got into a fight with a local resident and Cook died.
King Kamehameha
For most of Hawaii’s history, each island has been ruled by a different chief. In the late 17th century, Chief Kamehameha began to rise to power. One by one he occupied the islands. By 1810 he ruled all the islands and became the first Hawaiian king.
Hawaii State Symbols
- Hawaii State Nickname: Aloha State
- Hawaii State Slogan: The Islands of Aloha
- Hawaii State Motto: Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka Aina I Ka Pono (The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness)
- Hawaii State flower: Hawaiian hibiscus
- Hawaii State bird: Nene or Hawaiian Goose
- Hawaii State fish: Reef triggerfish
- Hawaii State tree: Kukui or Candlenut
- Hawaii State mammal: Humpback whale
- Hawaii State foods: Coconut Muffin
Missionaries Arrive
In 1820 Christian missionaries came to Hawaii. They opened a school and taught English to Hawaiians. They also created a Hawaiian alphabet that had never been written before.
Whalers
Almost at the same time as the missionaries arrived, so did the whaling ships. Whalers caught whales in the waters surrounding the island. Over the next 50 years, whaling ships came to Hawaii. They brought money, new ideas, and disease. Many Hawaiians died from new diseases brought by Europeans. Many Hawaiian traditions, including the Kapu method, also came to an end during this time.
The Geography of Hawaii State:
- Total Size of Hawaii: 6,423 sq. miles (source: 2003 Census)
- Geographical Low Point of Hawaii: Pacific Ocean at Sea Level (source: U.S. Geological Survey)
- Geographical High Point of Hawaii: Pu’u Wekiu, Mauna Kea at 13,796 feet, located in the county/subdivision of Hawaii (source: U.S. Geological Survey)
- Central Point of Hawaii: Located approx. off the southwestern shore of Molokai west of Lanai (source: U.S. Geological Survey)
- Counties of Hawaii: 4 (source: National Association of Counties)
- Bodies of Water of Hawaii: Pacific Ocean, Hanalei River, Anahulu River, Wailuku River, Salt Lake
Sugarcane
In the mid-18th century, sugar cane cultivation was Hawaii’s most important industry. Many people immigrated to Hawaii from countries such as China and Japan to work in the sugar cane fields. Many U.S. companies became involved in the sugar cane industry, and soon the Kingdom of Hawaii and the U.S. entered into close ties and commercial agreements.
Becoming a U.S. Territory
In 1893, the Kingdom of Hawaii collapsed and the Republic of Hawaii was established. A few years later, in 1898, Hawaii became a US territory. Over the next several years, the United States established military bases on islands, including Pearl Harbor.
Pearl Harbor and World War II
When World War II began, the United States did not participate in the fighting. It was hoped that the United States would not enter the war. However, on December 7, 1941, Japanese forces attacked the US naval base at Pearl Harbor. Many U.S. ships were sunk, including the battleship Arizona, and about 2,500 people lost their lives.
The attack came as a complete surprise to the American public. The United States then entered the war and helped overthrow the Axis powers, including Germany and Japan.
Becoming a State
After World War II, many began to recognize Hawaii as a state. It took several years, but on August 21, 1959, Hawaii became her 50th state to join the Union.
Famous People of Hawaii State:
| NAMES | PROFESSIONS |
| Michelle Wie | Professional golfer |
| Manti Te’o | Professional football player |
| Nicole Scherzinger | Singer |
| Kyla Ross | Gymnast |
| Barack Obama | The 44th President of the United States |
| Nicole Kidman | Actress |
| Don Ho | Singer |
| Tia Carrere | Actress |
Interesting Facts of Georgia State:
You can enjoy skiing on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Hawaii was once called the Sandwich Islands.
Aloha means love, affection and mercy. It is used for greetings and farewells.
The Union Jack, the flag of the United Kingdom, is drawn in the upper left corner of the Hawaiian state flag. After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, America entered World War II.
King Kamehameha the Great united the islands in 1810.
The Hawaiian alphabet has only his 12 letters including he five vowels and he seven consonants (H, K, L, M, N, P, W).
This is the only state where coffee is grown.
The state of Hawaii consists of eight major islands, including Maui, Niihau, Lanai, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Kahoolawe and Hawaii.
The islands are actually the summits of very tall volcanoes. Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world when measured from the base of the ocean floor.
Timeline Overview:
500 – Polynesians first arrive in the Hawaiian Islands.
1778 – British explorer Captain James Cook visits the island.
1779 – Captain James Cook is killed in a skirmish with islanders. 1793 – Cows are introduced to Hawaii.
1810 – King Kamehameha the Great captures all the islands and establishes the Kingdom of Hawaii.
1819 – Whalers begin hunting off the islands.
1820 – Christian missionaries arrive on the island.
1826 – United States and Hawaii sign Treaty of Friendship. 1835 – The first sugar plantation is built.
1893 – The Kingdom of Hawaii is overthrown and the Republic of Hawaii is established.
1898 – Hawaii becomes a territory of the United States.
1900 – Massive fire breaks out in Chinatown.
1901 – James Dole founded the Hawaiian Pineapple Company. 1935 – Amelia Earhart is the first pilot to fly solo from Hawaii to the mainland United States.
1941 – Pearl Harbor is bombed by a Japanese military surprise attack. The United States enters World War II.
1959 – Hawaii becomes the 50th state of the United States.