How Hawaii Lost Its Land

The Hawaiian Islands were settled by Polynesians around the 4th century AD, developing a thriving culture. The trajectory changed dramatically after Captain James Cook’s arrival in 1778.

Key Events

• 1793: British influence grows; by the 1840s, the Kingdom of Hawaii becomes a de facto U.S. protectorate.
• 1893: American businessmen, backed by U.S. Marines, overthrow Queen Liliʻuokalani.
• 1898: The U.S. annexes Hawaii via a joint resolution of Congress—widely viewed as illegal under international law.

Consequences

Post-annexation, the U.S. established military bases, displaced Native Hawaiians from ancestral lands, and suppressed Hawaiian language and culture. The Native Hawaiian population plummeted by an estimated 90%. The loss of land remains a profound injustice; many advocate for reparations and restoration of sovereignty.