In 1778, Captain James Cook discovered Hawaii. Cook was a member of the British Navy. He named the islands the Sandwich Islands. Many other traders and explorers went to the Hawaiian Islands after Cook's discovery.

Seven kings and one queen ruled the Hawaiian Islands from 1795 to 1893. In 1893, a revolution led by Americans, overthrew the Queen. Sanford Dole was named as the President of the newly established Republic of Hawaii. The Territory of Hawaii was established in 1900. This made all the islanders United States citizens.

 Hawaii became the 50th state on August 21, 1959.

Visit Explore the States for more information on the history of Hawaii.