The Isolated State of Hawaii and How it Became a State

First Visited By James Cook

Nov 10, 1778

British Navyman James Cook discovered these islands while looking for a Naval dock the British Navy could use. He called these islands the "Sandwich Islands."

English colonization takes place.

Nov 11, 1825

The first coffee and sugar plantations are started in Mānoa Valley by John Wilkinson.

Roads are paved.

Nov 11, 1837

The first public streets are laid out in Honolulu.

Bringing in new Citizens

Nov 17, 1849

Commoners are given the right to claim lands.

Exchanges with Hawaii

Nov 16, 1876

The U.S. Senate ratifies the Reciprocity Treaty on August 15, allowing sugar and other products to enter the United States from Hawai‘i without customs duties.

Annexation of Hawaii

Nov 16, 1898

President McKinley signs a joint resolution of Congress on July 7 that annexes Hawai‘i to the United States.

New Transportation Systems

Oct 8, 1899

The first cars appear on the streets of Honolulu when Henry P. Baldwin and Edward D. Tenney take possession of their new automobiles.

Hawaii is now a territory

Apr 30, 1900

President McKinley signs the Organic Act, making Hawai‘i a territory of the United States.

Governor of Hawaii

Nov 16, 1900

The U.S. Senate confirms the appointment of Sanford B. Dole as governor of Hawai‘i May 9.

Setting up Polls

Jun 20, 1905

The first-ever O‘ahu county election is held choosing among a sheriff, county clerk, county auditor, county attorney, and county treasurer.

Hawaii's Bill of Rights

Nov 17, 1923

Hawaii's legislature passes a "Bill of Rights" addressed to the U.S. Congress. The bill asks for higher appropriations of federal funds on grounds that the territory, while not a state, is still an integral part of the country.

U.S. Congress Passed Hawaii's Bill of RIghts

Nov 17, 1924

The U.S. Congress passes Hawaii's "Bill of Rights."

A Day Which Will Live in Infamy

Dec 7, 1941

Japanese planes attack the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor. The U.S.S. Arizona and other ships are sunk. More than 2,500 lives are lost.

Hawaii joins the U.S.

Mar 18, 1959

Alaska is officially proclaimed the Forty-ninth State. Statehood for Hawai‘i is approved by the U.S. Senate and by the House. An act signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower designating Hawai‘i the fiftieth state becomes law.

Hawaii Celebrates

Mar 18, 1984

The 25th anniversary of statehood for Hawaii.