In 1959, Hawaii officially became an American state and, as a result, the 1960s were a significant decade in Hawaiian history. From monumental volcanic eruptions and destructive tsunamis to political change and environmental activism, it is important to look to the past, to reflect on where we have been and where we would like to go. Take a look at these photos of Hawaii in the 1960s to imagine what life in Hawaii was like back then.

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Aren’t these vintage photos of Hawaii in the 1960s absolutely captivating? Which of these images inspires you most? For a glimpse of what it was like living in Hawaii even further back in time, take a look at these pictures of what Hawaii looked like 100 years ago.

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History Of Hawaii

When was Hawaii a kingdom?  

  • The Kingdom of Hawaii was established in 1795 by King Kamehameha the Great through a series of conquests that brought all of the Hawaiian Islands except Kauai and Niihau under his control.

The islands of Kauai and Niihau were ceded to Kamehameha through peaceful negotiations in 1810 and he became the undisputed ruler of the entire island chain. The Kingdom was overthrown less than 100 years later on January 17, 1893.

When did Hawaii become an American State? 

  • Hawaii became a United States Territory in 1900, though it wasn’t until August 21, 1959, that the island chain became America’s 50th State.

The history of the Hawaiian Islands dates back much, much further though: the island chain was inhabited for more than 1,000 years before English explorer Captain James Cook “discovered” the islands in 1778. Later, in 1887, the United States government was granted permission to establish a naval base in Hawaii at Pearl Harbor, but it wasn’t until after World War II that Hawaii would begin its long journey to statehood.

Where can you go to experience the history of Hawaii?

  • Puuhonua o Honaunau
  • Kalaupapa National historic park

With such a storied past, the Hawaiian Islands are undoubtedly home to countless incredible sites that tell the history of these beautiful islands. From Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, a place of refuge nestled along the coast of Hawaii Island to the Kalaupapa National Historical Park, where leprosy patients were sent to live in isolation, these 13 spots are some of the most unique historic sites in Hawaii. And if you’d rather journey back in time to the Hawaii of yesteryear for yourself, here are 13 places where you can still experience the history of Hawaii.

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