300 - 750 A.D.

Polynesians arrive by outrigger canoe from Tahiti.  These lovely islands were discovered by the Polynesians, who gave them the name Hawaii.

1778

British explorer Captain James Cook discovers the Hawaiian Islands and names them Sandwich Islands after Britain's Earl of Sandwich.

1779

Captain Cook is killed in a Big Island dispute at Kealakekua Bay, near Kona.

1810

King Kamehameha the Great unites all the Hawaiian Islands into one kingdom.

1813

The first pineapple plants are introduced from Spain.

1816

First Hawaiian flag is sewn.

1816

Volcano House opens for tourists on the Island of Hawaii, $1 per person for lodging.

1817

Coffee is first planted.

1892

Macadamia nut trees are first planted.

1900

           One pound of sugar costs 7 cents.

1946

A killer "tsunami" (tidal wave) hits Hilo on the island of Hawaii. 1946 - Great tsunami hits Hilo, killing over 100 people and causing $25 million in damage.

1983

Kilauea volcano erupts on the Big Island. It is still erupting today.

1995

The last sugar plantation on the Big Island (the island of Hawaii) closes.