Hawaiian History Timeline

Polynesians arrive in Hawai‘i.

Period: 1 CE to 500 BCE

This specific event is important because this was the very start of Native Hawaiian culture.

James Cook lands on the island of Kaua‘i

Jan 1, 1778

This is important because it was the beginning of the settlers coming to Hawaii and when Hawaiian culture began to forcefully shift.

Kamehameha I unifies the islands as an independent Kingdom

Jan 1, 1810

This event shows the unification and togetherness of the Hawaiian Island for the first time in history.

First group of American Protestant missionaries arrive

Jan 1, 1820

They established a written Hawaiian language and influenced the society with advances in education and government

First Constitutional government

Apr 12, 1840

This constitution established a new era of constitutional monarchy and solidified government structure

Māhele or Land Division allows private land ownership

Apr 12, 1848

This event introduced a more western take on land ownership and made people able to lease land

Kalākaua forced to sign the Bayonet Constitution

Apr 12, 1887

This diminished Kalakauas voice along with the Hawaiian people in government. This was a turning point in western takeover.

Hawai‘i becomes a Territory of the United States.

Apr 12, 1900

This event prevented the French or British from taking over the land, but many Hawaiians were displeased

Pearl Harbor attacked by Japan

Apr 12, 1941

Many fatalities were caused because of this event but Hawaiian people prospered and were able to keep their economy afloat by the influx of tourism.

Hawai‘i becomes the 50th state.

Apr 12, 1959

Hawaii became the 50th state because it benefitted to U.S. government drastically due to the striving economy over on the Hawaiian Islands.