First settled by Polynesians sailing from other Pacific Islands, Hawaii was visited in 1778 by British Captain James Cook. The Hawaiian islands were a native kingdom at that time, united by Kamehameha the Great, whose conquest of the islands brought the people of Hawaii together under one leader and one government for the first time in its history. Hawaii was ruled by royals throughout most of the 19th century until the expansion of the vital sugar industry meant increased U.S. business and political involvement. In 1893, a rebellion occurred as a result of continuing political control by Hawaiian royalty and growing American influence. After the rebellion was suppressed, Americans formed a Committee of Safety to declare the monarchy ended. In 1894 the Republic of Hawaii was established.

When explorer Cook ended Hawaii’s isolation, the islands assumed importance in the east-west fur trade and later as the center for the Pacific whaling industry. As the whaling industry waned, the first commercial production of sugar cane became prominent. Pineapple, cattle and tourism also became significant to the economy. American wealth poured into the islands and the U.S. Navy constructed its giant Pacific headquarters at Pearl Harbor. The Army also built a huge garrison at Schofield Barracks. The infamous Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor marked American’s entry into World War II and Hawaiian citizens played a major role in the conflict. Following the war, Hawaii proved eager to take on the full responsibilities of statehood and was admitted as the 50th state of the union in August 1959.

Since statehood, Hawaii is known for the most advanced telecommunications system in the world and is one of only five states with 100% digital switching for telephones. It has more fiber optic cable per mile, per capita than any other state. Other emerging industries are science, technology, film and television production, ocean research and development, health and education, tourism and defense installations.

The Hawaiian Islands are also a rich and rewarding destination with an array of sea, land and sporting activities, which are excellent vehicles to explore the environment, history and experience the culture of the different communities. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the number one visitor attraction in Hawaii. Many of the volcanoes in Hawaii erupt often, such as Mauna Loa, Kilauea, Gualala and East Maui. The “Big Island” of Kuna is the “Golf Capital of Hawaii” and also offers lush valleys and waterfalls, the large shopping centers of Hilo, Kuna and Waikoloa/Waimea, and Humpback whale watching is popular from December through April.

Described by Mark Twain as “the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean,” seamen, colonizers, adventurers, merchants and missionaries from American and Europe helped to westernize Hawaii and end its global isolation. Probably the greatest influence was a group of New England missionaries, who left a lasting imprint in the fields of religion, education, economics and politics. Later, immigrants from Asia brought other cultural values and practices that helped to fashion the unique Hawaiian culture of today.

 

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