King Kamehameha l

    King Kamehameha gained control of the island Hawaii after a 10-year war. By 1795 he became ruler of most of the eight main islands.
 

Captain James Cook

    In 1788 Captain James Cook, a British naval explorer,  reached Hawaii. His discovery led European traders to the islands.
 

Hawaii Achieved Statehood

    In 1898, the United States annexed Hawaii. Annex means to take control of another country. Hawaii became U.S. territory two years later. People from Hawaii became United States citizens. Hawaii became the 50th state.