Timeline of Hawaii's State History

Pre-1778

• Polynesian settlers arrive

1778–1810

• Captain James Cook arrives
• Kamehameha I unifies the islands

1810–1893

• Kingdom of Hawaii established
• American missionaries arrive
• Sugar becomes main export

1893–1959

• Monarchy overthrown
• US territory established
• Pearl Harbor attack (WWII)
• Hawaii becomes 50th state (1959)

1959–Present

• Tourism boom
• Diversified economy
• Climate change and sea-level rise challenges