Hawaiian History

Hawaiians can trace their origins back to their early Polynesian ancestors from as early as AD 400. Carrying animals, plants, rudimentary survival tools and whatnot in huge canoes, people from Marquesa and Tahiti rowed their way across the Pacific to land on what is now the State of Hawaii. With the help of their navigational and survival skills, these first Hawaiians settled in their new land, bringing with them their customs, beliefs and rituals.

Captain James Cook stumbled upon the group of islands in 1778, officially “discovering” and establishing Hawaii. By the time of his arrival, Hawaii already had its own ruling system and social hierarchy. Kingdoms on each island practiced feudalism, and it was not until 1810 that all of the islands were united into a single Hawaii. King Kamehameha I was responsible for this, and he and his family continued as monarchs of Hawaii, to be followed by other reigning households.

The Kingdom of Hawaii ended with the overturning of Queen Liliuokalani's power in 1893. The United States took over the islands, creating a Republic of Hawaii in 1894 under the presidency of Sanford B. Doyle. Hawaiians then saw the change from their country's being a republic to a US territory in 1900. The State of Hawaii, consisting of the entire Hawaiian Island Chain, was officially admitted into the United States Union in 1959, the 50th and last of the United States of America.

Hawaii now enjoys a stable economy, growing industry and urbanization with tourism as one of its strongest points. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is responsible for the management and promotion of the native Hawaiian language and of the country's culture.