Planning a trip to Hawaiʻi’s Big Island is not only a journey into one of the most diverse and lush natural environments on the planet but also a chance to explore the rich history of how this island paradise became part of the United States. For families and explorers alike, understanding Hawaiʻi’s path to statehood offers deeper appreciation for the lands and culture you’ll experience on your visit.
The Hawaiian Kingdom
Long before it became the 50th U.S. state, Hawaiʻi was an independent kingdom. In 1810, King Kamehameha the Great unified all the major Hawaiian Islands under one rule, beginning a nearly century-long period of sovereign Hawaiian monarchy. The Big Island holds special significance as the home of King Kamehameha and the heart of this unification. You can still visit many sites related to his legacy, such as Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site and the Kamehameha statue in Hilo.
Annexation of Hawaiʻi
In the late 19th century, global political shifts and economic interests focused increased attention on Hawaiʻi. American missionaries and businessmen had been influential in the islands for decades, especially in the sugar industry. In 1893, a group of American and European residents orchestrated the overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani with support from the U.S. military.
This eventually led to the annexation of Hawaiʻi by the United States in 1898 through the Newlands Resolution. Notably, this annexation occurred without a vote from the Hawaiian people, a point still discussed today regarding Hawaiian sovereignty and Native Hawaiian rights.
Path to Statehood
After more than 60 years as a U.S. territory, momentum grew for Hawaiʻi to gain full statehood. Multiple bills were introduced to Congress, with significant debate over representation, politics, and demographics. Finally, in 1959, following a public vote in which over 93% of Hawaiʻi’s population supported statehood, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the proclamation admitting Hawaiʻi as the 50th U.S. state.
Hawaiʻi’s statehood allowed it to gain full representation in Congress and provided U.S. citizenship to its residents, but it’s important for visitors to know this history remains sensitive. Native Hawaiians continue to advocate for cultural preservation, land rights, and recognition of Hawaiʻi’s complex past.
Why This Matters for Your Visit
Understanding the historical journey from Hawaiian Kingdom to U.S. state helps visitors approach the islands with greater cultural respect. When traveling to the Big Island, you’re not just seeing stunning waterfalls or walking on volcanic landscapes—you’re stepping into a place with deep historical significance and enduring cultural heritage.
Be mindful of sacred sites, support local culture, and take time to learn from museum exhibits or guided cultural tours. Institutions like the Lyman Museum in Hilo and the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park offer expansive educational resources on both natural and human history.
Traveling Responsibly
Whether you’re snorkeling on the Kona Coast or exploring tide pools near Hilo, eco-conscious decisions make a difference. Coral reefs surrounding the Big Island are sensitive ecosystems that need protection. That’s why it’s crucial to use reef-safe sunscreens that don’t harm marine life.
Products like Coco Botanicals’ reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreen are a perfect choice for families who care about both their skin and the environment. Made from natural ingredients and free from oxybenzone and octinoxate—two chemicals banned in Hawaiʻi due to their harmful impact on coral reefs—Coco Botanicals helps you protect what makes the Big Island so beautiful.
The Takeaway
The story of how Hawaiʻi, and especially the Big Island, became part of the U.S. is layered with history, resilience, and continued cultural vibrancy. As you plan your family getaway, take time to connect with this history and consider how your trip can be respectful and enriching for both you and the local community.
Beyond beaches and volcanoes, Big Island offers a living history that invites exploration and respect. So pack your hiking shoes, a good guidebook, and don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen as you experience everything the heart of Hawaiʻi has to offer.