Hawaii Timeline

The Polynesians are here!

250

The very 1st Polynesians arrive in Hawaii. They traveled in large canoes, and used the stars to find their way from island to island.

Hello, Captain Cook!

Jan 18, 1788

Captain James Cook reaches Hawaii. He named the islands the Sandwich Islands after his friend the Earl of Sandwich.

Thank You, King Kamehameha!

Jun 11, 1810

King Kamehameha unites all the islands as the kingdom of Hawaii.

Thank You, Queen Kaahumanu!

Apr 7, 1819

Queen Kaahumanu helps bring an end to the Kapu System. The Kapu System was a system that had rules for things you could or couldn't do.

Here Come the Missionaries!

Mar 30, 1820

The 1st protestant missionaries arrive in Hawaii. Churches sent missionaries to Hawaii to try to convert the Hawaiians to Chritianity.

Sugar is Famous!

Feb 20, 1865

Sugar becomes a big business on the islands. They imported workers from other countries such as China, Japan, Germany, Tahiti, and Portugal.

Hawaii is Making its way to Statehood!

Aug 12, 1898

Hawaii becomes a possession of the US.

Uh Oh, Here Come the Japanese!

Dec 7, 1941

Japanese bombers attack Pearl Harbor, bringing the US into WWI.

Tsunamis are Bad!

Apr 1, 1946

A tsunami hits the big island, flooding the downtown area of Hilo, and killing 159 people.

Hooray for Hawaii!

Aug 21, 1959

Hawaii becomes the 50th state!