History of Hawaii

The state of the Hawaii is one of the most recent to be annexed into the United States. Today it is a thriving economic area and a popular tourism destination, boasting a gorgeous climate, fascinating wildlife and beaches. The state is highly ranked for quality of life and the state has several prominent universities and businesses. Vacationers will visit Hawaii to get a massage, sit on the beach and experience the lovely environment. Hawaii, however, has had something of a chaotic past.

Before Hawaii became the place for vacationers to visit the beach and get a massage, it was a country of its own.  There is sign that the islands of Hawaii have been populated as far back as 300 CE. The people of Hawaii had their own government, religion and culture until their first contact with Europe in 1778. Like in many cases of European explorers meeting natives for the first time, the outcome was disastrous. The people of Hawaii had no resistance to European diseases like smallpox, and their population quickly shrank. The Europeans were also, in keeping with tradition, startlingly disrespectful. They took an idol and some fencing from a temple for firewood and then abducted a King in hopes of getting ransom. The people of Hawaii, instead of meekly handing over the ransom, fought back, and many of the European explorers were killed.

In 1887, the then King of Hawaii was forced to sign the Constitution of the Kingdom of Hawaii, which stripped the King of his authority and granted the right to vote, but only to the wealthier white inhabitants of the islands. In 1898 Hawaii was officially annexed into the United States, and it was a territory until 1959 when it became an official state. In 1993 a joint Apology Resolution was made by the United States Government apologizing for overthrowing the Hawaiian monarchy.

Today, Hawaii is a part of the United States. Through its difficult past it has become one of the most beloved destinations in America, attracting tourists, surfers and students. Hawaii also has a draw for scientists because of its rich marine life and ecosystem. It is also one of the few places in the United States that contains active volcanoes. People who visit Hawaii can enjoy beautiful beaches, the wildlife and the other various perks of vacation, like hotels that offer spas where they can get a massage. When visiting the Hawaii of today it is hard to imagine its difficult history and its conflict with the United States. Now the conflict is over and it is a relaxing place to enjoy a massage and sit on a beach.