Historical Markers in
Hawaii County, Hawaii

1st BN., 141st Infantry Regiment A Sanctuary for Humpback Whales Ahu'ena Heiau Ala Loa Ala Mauka Makai Ancient Foot Trail Birthplace of Kauikeaouli Camp Henry C. Drewes Camp Tarawa 1943-1945 Clues from the Past... The Archaeology of Lapakahi Countless are the Accomplishments of Roosevelt's Trusty "Tree Army" Discovering Kaloko-Honokohau Explosive eruptions rock Kīlauea volcano Farming the Land, Fishing the Sea First Christian Service in Hawaii Greenwell Store Habitation Site Hale Mua Hale o Kapuni Heiau Hawaiian Trail Hawaiians learned to survive on this harsh volcanic land High Chiefess Keōpūolani Hilo -- Pu'u'ō'ō Trail (Ka'ūmana Trail) Hilo Bay: In the days of Kamehameha Hilo Town Plantation Bell Tower Honokohau Settlement Hula Kahiko Hulihe‘e Palace Hulihe‘e Palace / Moku‘aikaua Church Humu'ula and Kala''i'ehā Humu'ula Sheep Station Imu Fishing Area In Memory of Captain James Cook, R.N. Inikiwai Ku'ula Heiau Kamakahonu Kamakahonu / Kailua Pier Kamehameha at Hilo Bay Kamehameha I Kamehameha II Kamehameha III Kamehameha IV Kamehameha V Kauikeaouli and Nāhi'ena'ena Kauikeaouli, Kamehameha III Kauila and the Sea Turtles of Punalu'u Keauhou - Kahalu'u Heritage Corridor Keauhou Bay Kilauea Ki'ope Pond Kuemanu Heiau Kuhina Nui Ka'ahumanu Kumukea/Kumukēhu Point Kupe'e Concentration Laupahoehoe Point Lonoikamakahiki Residence Lyman House Memorial Mailekini Heiau Marine Life Mauna Loa Mauna Ulu Mokuaikaua Church Mokumanamana is a place of spiritual and geologic transition Mo'oheau Park and Bandstand Nature's Untamed Forces Unite to Sculpt Sea Arches Niumalu Beach / Kailua Bay Offshore Ko'a Moi Once in their lifetime, silverswords erupt in flowers Onomea Bay Pelekane Preserved within Pu'uloa are the stories and memories of the Native Hawaiian people Princess Bernice Pauahi Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological District Pu'uhuluhulu Pu'ukohlā Heiau Pu'ukoholā Heiau Pu'ukohola Heiau Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site Pu'u'ō'ō - Volcano Trail Pu‘uhona O Hōnaunau - Place of Refuge Queen Emma Queen Kalama Queen Kapi'olani Queen Lili'uokalani Queen Victoria Kamāmalu Remembrance Bell Royal Center at Keauhou Bay Saddle House - Hale Noho Lio Site of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory South Point Complex Stephen Tyng Mather The First Hawaiian Christian The Hawaiian Cowboys The islands of Hawai'i begin here The Kamehameha Dynasty The Legend of Twin Rocks The Lei Makers The spirit of Pu'uloa now surrounds you The Spiritual Power of Stones The Volcano House reigns as one of America's great lodges The Waikoloa Petroglyph Field The 'Ōhi'a Wing will soon be home to the park's collection of artwork and artifacts The "Firepit" of Halema'uma'u These simple impressions embody the essence of Pu'uloa Vast coral reefs create a world of abundance Waiakea Social Settlement Clock Waiakea Town (Yashijima) Waiomina Centennial Waiulu Kīpuka William Charles Lunalilo "KU" - Hawaiian God
The Hawaiian Islands are some of the most isolated landmasses in the world, with the closest landmass being over 2,000 miles away. As a result, Hawaii has a unique flora and fauna, with many species that are found nowhere else in the world.
Hawaii random facts
Hawaii County, also known as the Big Island, is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands. The history of Hawaii County is shaped by the arrival of Polynesians, Europeans, and the eventual annexation by the United States.

The Polynesians were the first to settle in Hawaii County, arriving around 1,500 years ago. They brought with them their culture, traditions, and agricultural practices. They established a flourishing society based on fishing, farming, and trade. The island was ruled by chiefdoms, and their hierarchical structure was based on the division of labor and a system of religion and customs.

In 1778, British Captain James Cook arrived on the island, introducing Europeans to Hawaii County. Cook's arrival brought both curiosity and conflict. While Cook's initial visit was peaceful, tensions escalated on subsequent visits, leading to his death in 1779. European influence grew as more explorers, traders, and missionaries arrived in Hawaii County, bringing new technologies, diseases, and religious beliefs.

In the late 19th century, Hawaii County faced significant changes. Influenced by the economic interests of American businesspeople, the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893, leading to the establishment of a provisional government and later the Republic of Hawaii. In 1898, the United States annexed Hawaii County as a territory, primarily driven by strategic military interests.

In 1959, Hawaii County became the 50th state of the United States. Since then, it has experienced growth in both population and tourism. The island's diverse landscapes, including active volcanoes, pristine beaches, and lush tropical forests, have made it a popular destination for visitors from around the world. Hawaii County continues to embrace its rich cultural heritage while evolving into a modern and vibrant place to live and visit.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Hawaii County, Hawaii.

  • Hawaii Island, also known as the Big Island, is believed to have been settled by Polynesians around 1,500 years ago.
  • In 1778, British explorer Captain James Cook became the first recorded European to visit the island during his third Pacific voyage.
  • In 1790, the famous Battle of Kepaniwai took place between forces of the Hawaiian Kingdom and Maui warriors near present-day Hilo.
  • In 1791, the American merchant vessel "Eleanor" became the first recorded foreign ship to anchor in Hilo Bay, marking the beginning of increased foreign trade and influence on the island.
  • In 1840, Hilo was designated as the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii by King Kamehameha III.
  • In 1885, the first sugarcane plantation was established in Puna, marking the beginning of large-scale sugarcane cultivation on the island.
  • In 1893, the Kingdom of Hawaii was overthrown by a group of American and European businessmen, leading to the establishment of a provisional government dominated by foreign interests.
  • In 1900, Hawaii became a territory of the United States, and Hilo became the county seat of Hawaii County.
  • In 1946, the Hilo tsunami, caused by an earthquake near the Aleutian Islands, struck the island and devastated many coastal areas.
  • In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States.
  • In 1983, the eruption of Kilauea volcano started, which has continued to shape the landscape of the island throughout the years.