Around The World
Hawaii Timeline
Travel through our timeline of major events in Hawaii's history.
200-500
Polynesians, probably from the Marquesas Islands, arrive in Hawaii.800-1200
Another wave of settlers, this time from Tahiti, invades the islands.1778
British explorer Captain James Cook anchors in Waimea Bay near Kauai. He names the islands the Sandwich Islands after Britain's Earl of Sandwich.
HERBERT KAWAINUI KANE—NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC/GETTY IMAGES
1795
The fierce warrior Kamehameha I conquers many of the islands and establishes the Hawaiian monarchy. In 1819, he dies and his son becomes Kamehameha II.1816
King Kamehameha I commissions the Hawaiian Flag. The design, which is now Hawaii's state flag, has eight red, white, and blue stripes to represent Hawaii's eight major islands. It also includes a small version of Great Britain's flag, known as The Union Jack, to symbolize Hawaii's longstanding friendship with Britain.1820
American traders searching for sandalwood and whales begin to arrive in Hawaii. They are followed by American missionaries who settle on the islands to spread the teachings of Christianity.1839-48
Kamehameha III signs a series of measures that form the foundation of a constitutional government.1850
Kamehameha III proclaims Honolulu as the capital of Hawaii. The city remains the capital to this day.1885
The first Japanese immigrants arrive in Hawaii on February 9. Asian laborers continue to move to Hawaii to work on sugar plantations.1898
The U.S. Congress passes a resolution to annex Hawaii.1900
Hawaii becomes a U.S. territory on February 22nd.1922
Jim Dole buys the island of Lanai and turns it into the world's biggest pineapple plantation.1941
On December 7, the Japanese military attacks U.S. forces in Pearl Harbor. The U.S. enters World War II.
AP
1959
On March 18, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs a bill acknowledging Hawaii's statehood. On August 21, Hawaii becomes the 50th, and last, state to join the union.1970s and 1980s
Two popular television shows draw attention to the beautiful scenery in Oahu. Both Hawaii Five-O and Magnum P.I. take place on the beaches of the tropical island.
NFL PHOTOS/AP