History Of Hawaii

By Author: Howie Welfeld
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The Aloha State became the 50th United State in 1959 but Hawaii already enjoyed a proud and magical history. More than 15 centuries ago, Polynesian explorers and settlers first arrived in big canoes from the Marquesas Islands more than 2000 miles away.

500 years later, Tahitians arrived. With the new settlers came Tahiti's strict traditional social hierarchy based upon the kapu or taboo system and the Tahitian's strong beliefs in gods and demigods. A strong Hawaiian culture laden with fierce territorial and boundary disputes between chieftains and their tribes soon emerged.

Captain James Cook arrived at Kauai at Waimea Bay in 1778. Cook promptly named the archipelago after the Earl of Sandwich. Cook's discovery opened the Sandwich Islands' doors to trade and settlement from the west. Captain Cook was killed a year after his discovery in Kealakekua Bay on Hawaii's big island.

In 1791 Kohala united the Big Island's warring tribes. Kohala proved a masterful negotiator and politician who knew how to use a big stick when necessary. Kohala used these skills to unify the Hawaiian Islands into one royal ...
... kingdom in 1810. In 1819, Kohala's son and ruling monarch, Liholiho abolished the kapu or taboo system.

In 1820, the first Protestant missionaries settled on the Big Island. Gradually, Hawaii became a popular port for seafarers, seamen, traders and whalers. With the influx of foreigners came western diseases. the Hawaiian population suffered heavy death tolls for many years.

American colonists controlled much of Hawaii's economy. In 1893, these colonists overthrew the native governance and in a peaceful, but complex coup took control of the islands. During the coup, Queen Liliuokalani was deposed. American Sanford B. Dole was voted in as President of the Republic of Hawaii in 1894. In 1898, Hawaii was annexed by the United States and was declared a U.S. territory in 1900.

During the 20th century the islands received international attention for their convenient location as well as for the prosperous success of the sugar and pineapple plantations. Immigrants arrived from Portugal, the Philippines, China and Japan. Meanwhile, the U.S. built and maintained a mammoth naval base at Pearl Harbor on Oahu Island.

On December 7th, 1941, the Japanese launched a devastating attack on Pearl Harbor. Four years later, Japan signed an unconditional surrender aboard the Battleship Missouri. As a remembrance, the battleship still resides at Pearl Harbor.

the beautiful Hawaiian Islands have a magical allure. Blessed with mild tropical temperatures, cane sugar, pineapple, flowers and nursery products are the main exports of the state.

Visitors and natives enjoy with interest the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii, Maui's Haleakala National Park, Hawaii's Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu, and the Pearl Harbor Memorial. the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific on Oahu and the Bishop Museum in Honolulu are well-known museums. Honolulu also features Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the Untied States, and the romantic beaches of Waikiki.

Honolulu on Oahu Island is the capital of the state. the current governor is Republican Linda Lingle. Her term expires in 2010. the Lieutenant Governor is Republican James Aiona. State Senators are Democrat Daniel K. Akaka and Democrat Daniel K. Inouye.

Aptly nicknamed the Aloha State, Hawaii consists of 5 counties with Honolulu having the largest population (905,266). Hawaii is the biggest county with 4,028 square miles. the islands feature 52 state parks and 19 natural area reserves.

Honolulu is the largest city on the islands and is followed by Hilo, Kailua and Kaneohe. the population of Hawaii is 1,275,194.

Romance, arts and local culture have made Hawaii a tourist mecca. Each island tells its own story and has its own allure. the beaches, the music, the food and the healthy surroundings make Hawaii a treasured spot to live and visit.
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Plan your hawaii wedding on the white sand beach across from Pukalani Falls. Visit Rev./Capt. Howie Welfeld online at http://www.hawaiiweddings.com/ for all the details to planning a spiritual and unique wedding.