History of Hawaii in Timeline

Hawaii is a U.S. state located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 2,000 miles southwest of the continental U.S. It is unique as one of two non-contiguous states, the only state not on the North American mainland, the only archipelago state, and the sole state situated within the tropics. This makes Hawaii geographically and climatically distinct within the United States.

1900: Hawaiʻi Granted Self-Governance

In 1900, Hawaiʻi was granted self-governance and retained ʻIolani Palace as the territorial capitol building.

1901: Puerto Ricans Living in Hawaii

By 1901, more than 5,000 Puerto Ricans were living in Hawaii, likely working on sugarcane plantations.

1903: First wave of Korean immigration

In 1903, the first wave of Korean immigration to Hawaiʻi began.

1920: Decline of Indigenous Hawaiian Population

By 1920, the Indigenous Hawaiian population had fallen to 24,000 due to foreign diseases.

1923: Population Composition in Hawaii

In 1923, 42% of the population of Hawaii was of Japanese descent, 9% of Chinese descent, and 16% Native Hawaiian descent.

1924: End of the First Korean Immigration Wave

The first wave of Korean immigration to Hawaiʻi ended in 1924.

April 27, 1931: Warmest Temperature Recorded

On April 27, 1931, the warmest temperature recorded in Hawaii was 100 °F (38 °C) in Pahala.

December 7, 1941: Attack on Pearl Harbor

On December 7, 1941, Hawaii was attacked by Japan, an event that brought global and historical significance to the territory and contributed to the United States' entry into World War II.

1947: OR&L Main Line Abandonment

In 1947, the main line of the Oahu Railway and Land Company (OR&L) was officially abandoned.

1948: Omission of Marks in Hawaiian-Language Newspapers

Hawaiian-language newspapers (nūpepa) published from 1834 to 1948 and traditional native speakers of Hawaiian generally omit the marks in their own writing.

1949: Drafting of the State Constitution

In 1949, the Constitution of the State of Hawaii was drafted, predating the use of diacritics in modern Hawaiian orthography.

March 1959: Hawaiʻi Admissions Act Passed

In March 1959, Congress passed the Hawaiʻi Admissions Act, which U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed into law. Palmyra Atoll was excluded from statehood.

June 27, 1959: Referendum on Statehood

On June 27, 1959, a referendum asked residents of Hawaiʻi to vote on the statehood bill; 94.3% voted in favor of statehood and 5.7% opposed it.

August 21, 1959: Hawaii becomes a U.S. state

On August 21, 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state to join the United States.

1959: Hawaii Tourism Industry Began To Grow With Statehood

It was with statehood in 1959 that the Hawaii tourism industry began to grow.

1959: Tourism as Largest Industry After Statehood

Since Hawaii's statehood in 1959, tourism has been the largest industry.

1960: Hawaii's First Presidential Election

In 1960, Hawaii participated in its first presidential election, supporting the Democratic candidate.

1961: Hawaii Islanders in Pacific Coast League

The Hawaii Islanders, a Triple-A minor league baseball team, played at the Pacific Coast League from 1961 to 1987.

1964: Hiram Fong Seeks Nomination

In 1964, Senator Hiram Fong of Hawaii sought the Republican presidential nomination.

1965: Sony Open in Hawaii Golf Tournament

Hawaii has hosted the Sony Open in Hawaii golf tournament since 1965.

1965: Second wave of Korean immigration

In 1965, after President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which removed racial and national barriers and resulted in significantly altering the demographic mix in the U.S, the second wave of Korean immigration to Hawaiʻi began.

1970: Hiram Fong Last Republican Senator

In 1970, Hiram Fong was the last Republican elected to represent Hawaii in the U.S. Senate.

1970: Population Demographics

In 1970, the Census Bureau reported Hawaii's population was 38.8% white and 57.7% Asian and Pacific Islander.

1970: U.S. Navy Buys and Operates Part of OR&L

In 1970, the U.S. Navy ceased operating part of the OR&L line, which it had purchased after the main line's abandonment in 1947.

1972: Hawaii Supports Nixon

In 1972, Hawaii supported Republican Richard Nixon in a landslide reelection victory.

1972: Patsy Mink Runs in Oregon Primary

In 1972, Patsy Mink ran in the Oregon primary.

1973: Honolulu Marathon

Hawaii has hosted the Honolulu Marathon since 1973.

1974: The Hawaiians in World Football League

The Hawaiians played at the World Football League in 1974 and 1975.

1975: Damaging Tsunamis

In 1975, slope instability generated damaging earthquakes and related tsunamis.

1975: The Hawaiians in World Football League

The Hawaiians played at the World Football League in 1974 and 1975.

1977: Hawaii's Senators Both Democrats

Since 1977, both of Hawaii's U.S. Senators have been Democrats.

1977: Team Hawaii in North American Soccer League

Team Hawaii, a North American Soccer League team, played in 1977.

1978: Ironman World Championship Triathlon Race

Hawaii has hosted the Ironman World Championship triathlon race since 1978.

1978: Hawaii's Official Languages Listed in State Constitution

In 1978, English and Hawaiian were listed as Hawaii's official languages in the state's constitution, Article XV, Section 4.

1978: Hawaiian Added as Official Language

In 1978, Hawaiian was added to the Constitution of the State of Hawaii as an official state language alongside English.

1978: Hawaiʻi State Constitutional Convention

The Hawaiʻi State Constitutional Convention of 1978 created institutions such as the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to promote indigenous language and culture.

May 1979: Record Low Temperature Observed

In May 1979, Hawaii's record low temperature was 12 °F (−11 °C), observed on the summit of Mauna Kea.

1980: National Football League's Pro Bowl

Hawaii hosted the National Football League's Pro Bowl from 1980 to 2016.

1983: Ultraman Triathlon

Hawaii has hosted the Ultraman triathlon since 1983.

1984: Hawaii Supports Reagan

In 1984, Hawaii supported Republican Ronald Reagan in a landslide reelection victory.

1987: Hawaii Islanders in Pacific Coast League

The Hawaii Islanders, a Triple-A minor league baseball team, played at the Pacific Coast League from 1961 to 1987.

1993: Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement March

In 1993, 17,000 Hawaiians marched to demand access and control over Hawaiian trust lands as part of the modern Hawaiian sovereignty movement.

1993: Apology Resolution Passed by Congress

In 1993, Congress passed a joint Apology Resolution regarding the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi, acknowledging the historical significance of the event and the active participation of U.S. agents and citizens.

1993: U.S. Apology for Overthrow of Hawaiian Government

In 1993, the U.S. government formally apologized for its role in the overthrow of Hawaii's government, spurring the Hawaiian sovereignty movement and leading to ongoing efforts to obtain redress for the indigenous population.

1993: US Congress Passes Apology Resolution

In 1993, the US Congress passed the Apology Resolution, which is cited as a major impetus by the movement for Hawaiian sovereignty.

1997: Tourism Contribution to Hawaii's Gross State Product

In 1997, tourism contributed 24.3% of the gross state product (GSP) in Hawaii.

1999: Tournament of Champions Golf Tournament

Hawaii has hosted the Tournament of Champions golf tournament since 1999.

2000: Religious Distribution in Hawaii

According to data provided by religious establishments, religion in Hawaii in 2000 was distributed as follows.

2000: English Spoken at Home in Hawaii

As of the 2000 Census, 73.4% of Hawaii residents age 5 and older exclusively speak English at home.

2000: FINA World Open Water Swimming Championships

Hawaii hosted the 2000 FINA World Open Water Swimming Championships.

2000: Median Home Value in Hawaii

In the 2000 U.S. Census, the median home value in Hawaii was US$272,700, the highest of all states.

2000: Projected Lifespan in Hawaii

The average projected lifespan of people born in Hawaii in 2000 is 79.8 years.

2003: Pacific Buddhist Academy Founded

Pacific Buddhist Academy, the second Buddhist high school in the U.S. and first such school in Hawaii, was founded in 2003.

2003: Hawaii's Gross Output

The state of Hawaii's gross output for 2003 was US$47 billion.

2004: John Kerry Wins Hawaii

In 2004, John Kerry won Hawaii's four electoral votes by a margin of nine percentage points, securing 54% of the vote.

August 2005: Hawaii Schools Failed to Reach Federal Minimum Performance Standards

In August 2005, reports indicated that of 282 schools across the state of Hawaii, 185 failed to reach federal minimum performance standards in mathematics and reading.

2005: Kamehameha Schools Enrollment

In 2005, Kamehameha Schools enrolled 5,398 students, representing 8.4% of the Native Hawaiian children in the state.

June 15, 2006: Proclamation of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

On June 15, 2006, President George W. Bush proclaimed the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, covering roughly 140,000 square miles of reefs, atolls, and shallow and deep sea.

2006: Total Speakers of Hawaiian Language in Hawaii

According to the United States Census, in 2006–2008, there were more than 24,000 total speakers of the Hawaiian language in Hawaii.

December 2007: Hawaii Superferry Launch

In December 2007, the Hawaii Superferry began operating between Oʻahu and Maui.

February 19, 2008: Obama Wins Hawaii Democratic Caucus

On February 19, 2008, Barack Obama won the Hawaii Democratic caucus with 76% of the vote.

November 4, 2008: Obama Elected President

On November 4, 2008, Honolulu-born Barack Obama was elected the 44th president of the United States.

2008: Percentage of Hawaii Residents Speaking English at Home

According to the 2008 American Community Survey, 74.6% of Hawaii's residents older than 5 speak only English at home.

2008: Total Speakers of Hawaiian Language in Hawaii

According to the United States Census, in 2006–2008, there were more than 24,000 total speakers of the Hawaiian language in Hawaii.

2008: Pan-Pacific Championship Soccer Tournaments

Hawaii hosted the 2008 Pan-Pacific Championship and 2012 Hawaiian Islands Invitational soccer tournaments.

March 2009: Hawaii Superferry Service Ends

In March 2009, the Hawaii Superferry ceased operations due to protests and legal challenges related to environmental impact statements.

2009: Health Care System in Hawaii

As of 2009, Hawaii's health care system insures 92% of residents.

2009: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Adherents in Hawaii

In 2009, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had 68,128 adherents in Hawaii.

2009: United States Military Spending in Hawaii

In 2009, the United States military spent US$12.2 billion in Hawaii, accounting for 18% of spending in the state for that year.

2010: Native Hawaiian Ancestry

In 2010, 156,000 residents declared themselves to be solely of Native Hawaiian ancestry.

2010: Israel Kamakawiwoʻole Named "The Voice of Hawaii"

In 2010, Native Hawaiian musician and Hawaiian sovereignty activist Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, famous for his medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World", was named "The Voice of Hawaii" by NPR.

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2010: Catholic Church Adherents in Hawaii

In 2010, the Catholic Church was the largest religious denomination in Hawaii by membership, with 249,619 adherents.

2010: Number of Same-Sex Couple Households in Hawaii

In 2010, the number of same-sex couple households in Hawaii was 3,239, representing a 35.5% increase from a decade earlier.

2010: Median Sale Price of Single Family Home in Honolulu

Research from the National Association of Realtors places the 2010 median sale price of a single family home in Honolulu, Hawaii, at US$607,600.

2010: Population Increase

The population in Hawaii increased by 60,190 (4.42%) since 2010.

2011: U.S. Military Personnel

As of 2011, the U.S. military reported it had 42,371 personnel on the islands.

2011: Hawaii Public and Charter Schools Enrollment

During the 2011–2012 school year, Hawaii public and charter schools had an enrollment of 181,213, while private schools had 37,695.

November 6, 2012: Obama Re-elected President

On November 6, 2012, Barack Obama was re-elected for a second term as president of the United States.

December 26, 2012: Brian Schatz Appointed Senator

On December 26, 2012, Brian Schatz was appointed as a United States Senator from Hawaii by Governor Neil Abercrombie, following the death of Senator Daniel Inouye.

2012: LGBTQIA+ Adults in Hawaii

A 2012 Gallup poll found that Hawaii had the largest proportion of LGBTQIA+ adults in the U.S., at 5.1%, an estimated 53,966 individuals.

2012: Hawaii Public and Charter Schools Enrollment

During the 2011–2012 school year, Hawaii public and charter schools had an enrollment of 181,213, while private schools had 37,695.

2012: Lotte Championship Golf Tournament

Hawaii has hosted the Lotte Championship golf tournament since 2012.

2012: Non-Hispanic White Population Under Age 1

In 2012, 14.5% of the resident population under age 1 in Hawaii was non-Hispanic white.

2012: Mazie Hirono Wins Senate Seat

In 2012, Mazie Hirono won the election for Senator in Hawaii, succeeding Daniel Akaka.

2012: Value of Seeds Yielded in Hawaii

In 2012, seeds yielded US$264 million in Hawaii, supporting 1,400 workers.

2013: Hawaii Millionaires Per Capita

According to a 2013 study by Phoenix Marketing International, Hawaii at that time had the fourth-largest number of millionaires per capita in the United States, with a ratio of 7.2%.

2013: Hawaii Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

In 2013, Hawaii became the fifteenth U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage, reportedly boosting tourism by $217 million.

October 2014: Average Electricity Prices in Hawaii

Average electricity prices in Hawaii in October 2014 (36.41 cents per kilowatt-hour) were nearly three times the national average.

2014: Brian Schatz Wins Special Election

In 2014, Brian Schatz won the special election to retain his seat as a U.S. Senator for Hawaii.

2014: Hawaii expected to be a majority-minority state

In 2014, Hawaii was expected to be one of three states, along with California and New Mexico, without a non-Hispanic white plurality.

2014: Per Capita Income for Hawaii Residents

In 2014, the per capita income for Hawaii residents was US$54,516.

December 2015: Unemployment Rate in Hawaii

As of December 2015, the state of Hawaii's unemployment rate was 3.2%.

2015: Land Ownership Statistics

According to scholar Winona LaDuke, as of 2015, 95% of Hawaiʻi's land was owned or controlled by just 82 landholders, including over 50% by federal and state governments, as well as the established sugar and pineapple companies.

2015: Large Asian Ancestry in Hawaii

As of 2015, a large proportion of Hawaii's population has Asian ancestry, especially Filipino, Japanese, and Chinese, many of whom are descendants of immigrants who worked on sugarcane plantations in the mid-to-late 19th century.

2015: Hawaiian Pidgin Recognized as Official Language

In 2015, the U.S. Census Bureau recognized Hawaiian Pidgin as an official language in Hawaiʻi.

2016: National Football League's Pro Bowl

Hawaii hosted the National Football League's Pro Bowl from 1980 to 2016.

2016: Brian Schatz Wins Regular Election

In 2016, Brian Schatz won the regular election in Hawaii as Senator.

2016: Passenger Ferry to Molokai Ends

In 2016, passenger ferry service to Molokai was discontinued.

May 30, 2017: Honolulu International Airport Renamed

On May 30, 2017, Honolulu International Airport was officially renamed Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, in honor of the late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye.

2017: Political Trends in Hawaii and Alaska

As of 2017, Hawaiʻi almost always votes Democratic, while Alaska typically votes Republican, contrary to initial predictions.

May 2018: Kīlauea Eruption

In May 2018, Kīlauea erupted, opening 22 fissure vents on its eastern rift zone, destroying at least 36 buildings and necessitating the evacuation of more than 2,000 inhabitants.

2018: Ed Case Elected to 1st Congressional District

In 2018, Ed Case was elected as the representative for Hawaii's 1st congressional district.

2018: Mazie Hirono Re-elected Senator

In 2018, Mazie Hirono was re-elected as Senator in Hawaii.

2018: Top Countries of Origin for Immigrants

In 2018, The top countries of origin for immigrants in Hawaii were the Philippines, China, Japan, Korea and the Marshall Islands.

2018: Hawaii Population Estimate

In 2018, the United States Census Bureau estimated the population of Hawaii to be 1,420,491, a decrease of 7,047 from the previous year, but an increase of 60,190 (4.42%) since 2010.

2019: Tourism in Hawaii

According to the Hawaii Tourism: 2019 Annual Visitor Research Report, a total of 10,386,673 visitors arrived in 2019 which increased 5% from the previous year, with expenditures of almost $18 billion. In 2019, tourism provided over 216,000 jobs statewide and contributed more than $2 billion in tax revenue.

2020: United States Census Data

According to the 2020 United States Census, Hawaii had a population of 1,455,271.

2020: Plastic Pollution Report on Kamilo Beach

In 2020, the Center for Biological Diversity reported on the plastic pollution of Hawaii's Kamilo beach, citing "massive piles of plastic waste".

2020: Hawaii Ranked Among Easiest States to Vote In

In a 2020 study, Hawaii was ranked as the 6th easiest state for citizens to vote in.

January 2022: Proposed Department of Law Enforcement

In January 2022, state officials proposed legislation to create a new Department of Law Enforcement, consolidating the sheriff department and the criminal investigation division to create a statewide police agency.