U.S.S. Arizona Memorial

Historical marker location:
1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, Hawaii

War Memorial of the Pacific. Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

Loading...
The island of Kauai is home to Waimea Canyon, often called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." The canyon is over 10 miles long and up to 3,000 feet deep, with dramatic red and brown cliffs and lush green vegetation.
Honolulu County, located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The region was initially settled by Polynesians, who established small, self-sustaining communities and developed advanced agricultural practices. These early settlers thrived for generations, creating a unique cultural identity that still influences the region today.

In the late 18th century, European explorers, led by British Captain James Cook, arrived in Hawaii, introducing Western influence to the islands. The Kingdom of Hawaii was established in 1810 under the reign of King Kamehameha I. Under his leadership, Honolulu began to flourish as an important trading port and became the capital of the Kingdom in 1845.

In the late 19th century, Honolulu experienced significant growth and development due to the sugar and pineapple industries. Immigrants from China, Japan, and the Philippines were brought in to work on the plantations, contributing to the multicultural makeup of the county. In 1898, Hawaii was annexed by the United States, leading to further development and modernization in Honolulu County.

During World War II, Honolulu was a strategic military base for the United States in the Pacific. The attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 marked a pivotal moment in the county's history, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life. However, Honolulu quickly recovered and continued to grow, becoming a bustling metropolis and a renowned tourist destination.

Today, Honolulu County is a vibrant and cosmopolitan area, known for its beautiful beaches, diverse community, and rich cultural heritage. The county has evolved into a major economic and cultural hub in the Pacific, attracting visitors from around the world and serving as a gateway to explore the wonders of Hawaii.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Honolulu County, Hawaii.

  • 1778 - Captain James Cook lands in Waimea, Kauai, becoming the first recorded European to visit the Hawaiian Islands.
  • 1795 - King Kamehameha I, after several years of conflict, unifies the islands of Hawaii, including the area that would later become Honolulu County.
  • 1809 - The town of Honolulu is established on the island of Oahu by King Kamehameha I.
  • 1845 - Honolulu becomes the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii.
  • 1893 - The Kingdom of Hawaii is overthrown by a group of American businessmen, leading to the establishment of the Republic of Hawaii.
  • 1898 - Hawaii is annexed by the United States, becoming a territory.
  • 1905 - The government of the Territory of Hawaii establishes Honolulu County, encompassing the island of Oahu and several smaller islands.
  • 1959 - Hawaii becomes the 50th state of the United States, maintaining Honolulu County as its principal county.