What are some historical facts about Hawaii?
In 1810 Kamehameha became Hawaii’s first king. The islands continued to have royal rulers into the 1880s. In 1898 Hawaii became a U.S. territory. It was named the 50th state in 1959, and to this day you can still visit Iolani Palace—the only royal building on U.S. soil.
Who discovered Hawaii first?
Captain James Cook
1,500 years ago: Polynesians arrive in Hawaii after navigating the ocean using only the stars to guide them. 1778: Captain James Cook lands at Waimea Bay on the island of Kauai, becoming the first European to make contact with the Hawaiian Islands.
When was Hawaii first inhabited?
The Hawaiian Islands were first settled as early as 400 C.E., when Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands, 2000 miles away, traveled to Hawaii’s Big Island in canoes. Highly skilled farmers and fishermen, Hawaiians lived in small communities ruled by chieftains who battled one another for territory.
What are 5 historical facts about Hawaii?
Hawaii became the 50th U.S. state on August 21, 1959.
- Date of Statehood: August 21, 1959.
- Capital: Honolulu.
- Population: 1,360,301 (2010)
- Size: 10,926 square miles.
- Nickname(s): Aloha State.
- Motto: Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono (“The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness”)
- Tree: Kukui (Candlenut)
Was there slavery in Hawaii?
On June 14, 1900 Hawai’i became a territory of the United States. This had no immediate effect on the workers pay, hours and conditions of employment, except in two respects. The labor contracts became illegal because they violated the U.S. Constitution which prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude.
Are all Hawaiians Samoan?
Outside the mainland U.S., many Samoan Americans have settled in Hawaii and Alaska. About 2.8% of Hawaiian residents are of Samoan descent, with 1.3% having full Samoan ancestry.