It’s hard to imagine today, but the islands we love were once a sovereign kingdom—ruled by Native Hawaiian royalty, rich in culture, language, and tradition.
Fact: From Kingdom to Territory
In 1893, the thriving Hawaiian monarchy led by Queen Liliʻuokalani was overthrown by a group of American businessmen and supported by U.S. military forces, ending native sovereignty. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} By 1898, Hawaii was annexed, and in 1900 became a U.S. territory under the Organic Act. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Fun: A Statehood Icon
One delightful moment in statehood history features twelve-year-old Chester Kahapea—known as the “face of Hawaii statehood.” He was photographed delivering a special “Statehood” newspaper after President Eisenhower signed the Hawaii Admission Act in 1959. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} Talk about a split-second of charm and history!
Feel: Pride, Aloha, and Debate
The long road to statehood wasn’t just political—it stirred deep emotions. In a 1940 plebiscite, Hawaiians voted overwhelmingly for statehood, but concerns about loyalty and racial prejudice lingered through World War II. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Nonetheless, after decades of struggle, Congress passed the Hawaii Admission Act on March 18, 1959—and by August 21, Hawaii proudly became the 50ᵗʰ U.S. state. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Beyond Statehood: What’s Next
Even today, statehood remains a complex legacy—wrapped in aloha, identity, and calls for native empowerment. The road to reconciling that past continues to shape Hawaii’s story.
When did Hawaii become the 50th state?
Hawaii officially became the 50th state on August 21, 1959.
What was the Hawaii Admission Act?
The Hawaii Admission Act, signed by President Eisenhower on March 18, 1959, dissolved the Territory of Hawaii and established it as a U.S. state.
Who was Chester Kahapea?
Chester Kahapea was a 12-year-old paperboy whose photo delivering a “Statehood” newspaper became an iconic symbol of Hawaii’s statehood celebration in 1959.
