The History of Hawaii

Hawaii was first settled by the Polynesians somewhere between 300 and 600 AD.  It was visited much later by British captain James cook who referred to the group of islands as the Sandwich Islands. Hawaii ruled itself throughout most of the nineteenth century until they expanded sugar production on the islands and became increasingly involved with the United States, both politically and financially.  In 1893, Queen Liliuokalani was removed from her thrown and Hawaii became a United States Territory by the year 1900.  The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was directly responsible for U.S entry in to World War II.  Finally, in 1959 it became the fiftieth state in the Union.

The islands are located 2,390 miles from California; 3,850 miles from Japan; 4,900 miles from China; and 5,280 miles from the Philippines.  While the main exports of Hawaii are orchids, macadamia nuts, pineapples, sugar and coffee, their main source of outside income is tourism.  This has to do with the many unique activities, sight seeing tours and cultural venues that can be experienced while on the islands.  Major points of interest include the Bishop Museum, the Lolani Palace, the National Historic Parks, the Polynesian Cultural Center, The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, and the memorials of Pearl Harbor.

Family Activities

Not every day needs to be spent in the sun.  Especially if you are traveling with a family, you may experience sunburn.  Besides, Hawaii isn’t all beaches and surfing.  There are many natural wonders to behold on the many sight seeing tours that are offered on the islands.  You will find a variety of exciting work being done in astronomy, vulcanology, oceanography, ecology, renewable energy, and cold-seawater aquaculture.  The Big Island also has more coastline than any other of the islands, making it the perfect location for whale watching and other ocean adventures.

Hawaii also means romance.  Many newlyweds honeymoon on these islands and some couples even get married here.  If you decide to do both, get ready to enjoy an experience that you will remember for the rest of your lives.  The ceremonies and receptions are quite spectacular, especially when set against the spectacular backdrop of an island sunset.

If you haven’t ever been to Hawaii, it will be like nothing you have ever experienced before.  However, to enjoy your trip thoroughly, remember to plan ahead.  There are so many different things to experience on the island.  Even if you had two weeks, you couldn’t do everything.  So make sure you pick the places you want to go beforehand and you will enjoy your trip to the South Pacific that much more.

If you woud like to rent a vacation home in Hawaii - take a look HERE