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500 BCE
Polynesians discover Hawaii
This was the first discovery of the Hawaiian Islands. The Polynesians were the first to the islands, therefore they had the most influence on this land. They brought our plants and animals over, named the Islands, and influenced the Hawaiian culture. -
First outsiders come to Hawaii
Captain cook came to Hawaii. The Hawaiians believed the white people were gods. When they found out they were mortal and brought plagues, the relationship between the Hawaiians and Haole's became strained. This being the Hawaiians first experience with white people, did not set them up for good relations in the future. -
Kamehameha unifies the Islands
This was the first time all of the islands were under the rule of one king. This strengthened the nation. -
First missionaries come to Hawaii
Missionaries came to Hawaii because they heard about a race of "heathens". They believed the Hawaiian's way of living was wrong and they came to convert them to Christianity. In turn, they began to try and change Hawaiians thus destroying the culture. -
Queen Liliuokalani is crowned
Liliuokalani was Hawaii's last monarch. Under the constitution she had very little power and each time she tried to gain power she was shot down. American forces forcefully took over and made the queen withdraw her power. This illegal annexation caused much tension between the Hawaiians and America -
The Great Mahele
This constitution was made to ensure Hawaiians didnt loose their land. Because of the Great Mahele, land was given back to the Hawaiians making it harder for foreigners to take over. -
Small Pox comes to Hawai
Small pox killed 5,ooo Hawaiians weakening the nation. -
The first sugar plantation in Hawaii
The start of the sugar cane industry was very important for Hawaii's economic history. It became a huge part of hawaii and was the main cash crop. People from all over the world came to work on plantations. This brought in lots of money along with lots of people. This has a large cultural influence on Hawaii as well. -
David Kalakaua is crowned
King Kalakaua restored Hawaiian culture that had been suppressed for so long under the missionaries rules. He was a lover of dance and music, and because of this was nicknamed the Merrie Monarch. -
The pineapple industry is established
This brought money into Hawaii's weakening economy.