Early voyagers crossed thousands of miles of ocean, bringing with them food provisions, plants and domestic animals, as well as knowledge of ocean navigation based on the stars.
Here the Polynesians developed a new culture while maintaining the social and political structure of their homeland. The Islands were divided into small kingdoms, each ruled by its own high chief who received guidance from a council of ali'i (chiefs) and a kahuna (high priest). The distinction between those with power and the maka'ainana (commoners) was maintained through the stringent enforcement of kapu (taboos, rules).
Captain Cook
Until the late 1700s, the Hawaiians had known of people only from neighboring Pacific kingdoms. But with the arrival of Captain James Cook in 1778, the lives of the Hawaiian people were altered forever. Captain Cook happened upon the Hawaiian Islands during an expedition in search of the Northwest Passage and named them the Sandwich Islands for his patron, the Earl of Sandwich.
Hawaiian Monarchy
At about the same time, Island ali'i were battling for supremacy. In a series of decisive battles, King Kamehameha I became the first of Hawaii's great monarchs. OVer the next century, each ruler-kings and queens-added to the vibrant traditions of Hawaiian culture. Their contributions are visible today in palaces, museums and other landmarks throughout the Island.
Plantations
The Hawaiian Islands were recognized for their prime agricultural land, but agriculture also impacted the Islands' political and social structure. Plantation owners imported workers from China, Japan, Russia, Korea, Puerto Rico, Portugal, the Philippines and Europe, many of whom settled permanently and the appealing blend of Island culture (and cuisine!).
Statehood
The Islands have played a strategic role as a U.S military command center, and have offered an ever-tempting allure to visitors from all parts of the world. The Islands were formally annexed in 1898 and Hawaii became the 50th state on August 21, 1959.
Museums
From royal riches to military monuments, O'ahu's museums offer a tantalizing window through time.
The Bishop Museum
The principal museum of the Pacific and one of the world's leading scientific institutions.
Then Damien Museum
A fascinating memorial to Saint Damien de Veuster the "Martyr of Moloka'i".
Hawaii State Art Museum
One of only a few state sponsored art museums in the country, this museum presents the largest and fines collection of work by Hawaii's artists.
Hawaii's Plantation Village
The village offers a glimpse of the time when sugar cane transformed Hawaii.
Honolulu Museum of Art
The academy has outstanding collections of Asian, European, Pacific, American and African art.
Honolulu Museum of Art Spalding House
Displays imaginative works of art by celebrated international and local artists.
Iolani Palace
This historic landmark in Downtown Honolulu is one of the most precise historic restorations about Hawaiian history and heritage and remains the only royal palace on American soil.
The Mission Houses Museum
Includes the oldest existing house in Hawaii, plus Living History Program.
North Shore Surf & Cultural Museum
Promotes appreciation and preservation of surfing.
Pacific Aviation Museum
Aircraft from WWI on display plus educational interpretations of the Pearl Harbor attack.
Queen Emma Summer Palace
Once the country home of King Kamehameha IV and his wife, Queen Emma.
