A Brief History of the Hawaiian Islands

 

The Hawaiian Islands were first settled by skilled Polynesian voyagers hundreds of years ago. They built a rich culture with chiefs, temples, surfing, and strong traditions connected to nature.

In 1778, James Cook became the first recorded European to arrive. Foreign contact brought trade, Christianity, and diseases that greatly affected Native Hawaiians.

Later, Kamehameha I united the islands into the Kingdom of Hawaii. In 1893, the Hawaiian monarchy led by Liliʻuokalani was overthrown with support from American interests. Hawaii was later annexed by the United States and became the 50th U.S. state in 1959.

Today, Hawaii is famous for its culture, beaches, volcanoes, and efforts to preserve Native Hawaiian traditions.