The Hawaiian islands were not always united.
The Hawaiian Islands are an archipelago of eight major islands and numerous smaller islands and atolls with a human history that likely dates back to 100 AD. The islands were unified in 1810, and became part of the United States on Aug. 21, 1959.
Geography
The islands are located southwest of the United States.
The Hawaiian Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean. They were formed from underwater volcanic activity nearly 70 million years ago. The islands consist of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island; Kahoolawe; Maui; Lanai; Molokai; Oahu; Kauai and Niihau.
Early History
Pigs are among the first animals brought to the islands.
The Polynesians are among the earliest ancestors to inhabit the islands. They exclusively occupied the islands for centuries. They brought plants and animals such as bananas, taro, pigs and small dogs. The Tahitians arrived on the islands around 1000 AD.
Modern History
Kamehameha I, commonly referred to as King Kamehameha the Great, was a great warrior and statesman during the 19th century. The islands spent many years engaged in civil war; however, Kamehameha I united the islands of Hawaii, Molokai, Maui, Oahu and Kauai during 1810. This unification placed the islands under one ruling authority. Nearly a century later, Hawaii became a U.S. territory and then became the 50th state in America.
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