This week in 1959, Congress passed the Hawaii Admission Act, which President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed into law. But this is only a small part of the islands' rich history.
The state is located in the center of the Pacific Ocean and encompasses nearly the entire volcanic Hawaiian archipelago, which is hundreds of islands over thousands of miles. There are eight main islands that many know as the actual state. These include Ni'ihau, Kaua'i, O'ahu, Moloka'i, Lāna'I, Kaho'olawe, Maui, and the Island of Hawaii or the "Big Island". The scenery is very diverse including a warm, tropical climate, many public beaches, oceanic surroundings, and active volcanoes. Because of its scenery, location and many other attributes, the islands have been a big tourist destination of many especially those looking to escape the brutal snow.
Hawaii is a site of rich history, religion, and culture. While the original Hawaiian religion is not as prominent due to other religious movements, many locals still practice their religion and other traditions handed down through generations. There was a great dynasty that was established in the late 1700s by Kamehameha the Great. This dynasty would stand until the overthrow of the kingdom in 1893.
In Hawaii's most recent history, the island of O'ahu was the site of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by Imperial Japan on December 7, 1941. This attack launched the involvement of the United States during World War II.
The island may be thousands of miles away but many can see the beauty of the islands just by watching their TVs. In 2010, CBS premiered a reboot of the 1968 television series Hawaii Five-O. Steve McGarrett's famous line "Book em' Danno" once again delighting audiences. In 2018, CBS announced a reboot of the 1980 television series Magnum, P.I. The original series featured Tom Selleck as the leading man. With both shows have made their return, there is an abundance of island life to behold in the comfort of your living room on Friday nights.
Hawaii may be the 50th state but it is also an adventure for many who venture there. It's somewhere out there…beyond the sea.
