Captain Cook's crew was the first to voyage to Hawaii. Captain Cook named the islands the Sandwich Isles in honor of his sponsor, Earl of Sandwich. When they arrived it was during a Makahiki, honoring the god Lono. The Hawaiians thought he was the god.
King Kamehameha the great first took control of his home island, Hawaii. He then went on to conquer Maui, Molokai and Oahu through bloody battles. The King of Kauai chose to peacefully surrender the island to prevent anymore bloodshed.
Liholiho, son of Kamehameha was ruler of Hawaii at this time and decided to end the Kapu system. He did so by inviting all of the lead chiefs and a few foreigners to a feast. While eating dinner, Liholiho walked over to the women's table and began eating with them. Thus, breaking the Kapu system.
The first missionaries to arrive were from Puritan, New England. They introduced to the Hawaiians, the written language and taught them to read. Schools were soon established all over Hawaii. They also presented, Western medicine and held Hawaii's first census.
Lahainaluna school was initially built to be a Protestant Missionary school. It wasn't until about 150 years after being built that the school became coed. On the grounds, a printing house or Hale Pa'i was built, printing Hawaii's first paper currency.
The first written constitution was written by King Kamehameha III and Kekauluohi. It was written mostly based of Christian values and beliefs. A large part of the constitution was about equality for everyone and the the rights of the people.
The Great Mehele act was passed by King Kamehameha III. The act allowed the land to be privately owned by anyone, native or foreign, who bought the land. The native Hawaiians didn't understand this concept of privately owning land. They believed in everyone sharing the land and it's resources, spreading the wealth. But because of this mentality, the majority of the islands were owned by foreigners.
On January 17 the Hawaiian monarchy was ended and overthrown by America. A small group of American, armed men began demanding the land. And followed close behind was the American troops landing ashore from a warship in Honolulu Harbor. Queen Lili`uokalani surrendered her throne to the United States in order to avoid bloodshed. She also had hopes that the U.S. would do the right thing and provide for her Hawaiian people.
From 1894 to 1898 Hawaii was run as a Republic. The United States took over and changed it from a Monarchy to a Republic. The Republic was led by men of European ancestry, they all had strong ties to the United States (Financial, political etc.)
In the 1800’s, the United States realized that Hawaii was becoming an important commercial export resource and it was a strategic location for defense in the Pacific. The United States were worried that Hawaii would become a part of the European nation's empire. So when Queen Liliuokalani suggested a new Hawaiian constitution in 1893, where Hawaii would gain back the power of the Hawaiian monarchy they decided to take action. In 1898 the United States President signed a bill that caused the Annexation.
The Organic Act was a United States law that was enacted to provide a government for the territory of Hawaii.
Women in Hawaii weren't allowed to vote until the 1920's. And, only if they were a citizen in the United States, were they allowed the right to the 19th Amendment.
Hawaii became a state when the United States President signed a proclamation allowing Hawaii to be the 50th state. The president also issued an order for an American flag featuring 50 stars.
Once the Hokule'a was built, she went on her first long voyage, from Hawai`i to Tahiti and back. This took place in 1976 as a part of the Bicentenniel Celebration of American Independence.
President Clinton wrote an apology to the Native Hawaiians on behalf of those from the United States for the Kingdom overthrow. He also apologized for the violation of rights of the Hawaiian people and all of the problems they had caused for the natives.
Under a congressional act in and presidential order, Kaho‘olawe was returned to the State of Hawai‘i in 2003
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