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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."
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The first coffee and sugar plantations are started in Mānoa Valley by John Wilkinson.
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The first public streets are laid out in Honolulu.
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Commoners are given the right to claim lands.
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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.
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President McKinley signs a joint resolution of Congress on July 7 that annexes Hawai‘i to the United States.
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The first cars appear on the streets of Honolulu when Henry P. Baldwin and Edward D. Tenney take possession of their new automobiles.
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President McKinley signs the Organic Act, making Hawai‘i a territory of the United States.
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The U.S. Senate confirms the appointment of Sanford B. Dole as governor of Hawai‘i May 9.
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The first-ever O‘ahu county election is held choosing among a sheriff, county clerk, county auditor, county attorney, and county treasurer.
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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.
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The U.S. Congress passes Hawaii's "Bill of Rights."
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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.
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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.
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The 25th anniversary of statehood for Hawaii.
