The exact era of when Honolulu Harbor was first settled is unknown, but based on archeological artifacts, it is believed it was first populated in the 12th century. The island was conquered by King Kamehameha I in the 1800s. England's Captain James Cook is believed to be the first European to discover the area in 1778 and was subsequently killed on a return visit in 1779. Captain William Brown, also from England, was the first European to enter Honolulu Harbor in 1794. During the 1800s, settlements were established in Honolulu by Americans and Europeans, and by 1900, the United States Congress officially made Hawaii a United States' territory.
The population of Honolulu Harbor grew quickly as new technology was invented and the sugar and pineapple-based economy began to grow. As the harbor became of hub of ships importing and exporting goods, the population grew; by 1920, there were more than 50,000 people.
America officially entered World War II when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, which is in Honolulu Harbor. More than a year before the attack, a fleet of battleships was moved to Pearl Harbor as a way to deter the growing aggression from the Japanese. When Pearl Harbor was attacked, five of eight battleships were destroyed and the rest were damaged.
Since the attack of Pearl Harbor, Honolulu Harbor as grown tremendously and is made up of more than 200 acres of container yards and more than 30 berth facilities. In 2005 alone, the harbor welcomed more than 500,000 cruise ship passengers. The various piers at Honolulu Harbor include dock and storage space and have the ability to handle ships of all sizes.
