Strong chief Kamehameha eliminated kingdoms in 1785-1795 but the missionaries made a deception of the authority of the Hawaiian rulers and in 19th century became Hawaii into the political vacuum.
The increasing role of Americans made that Hawaii lost its political independence. In 1898 Hawaii was accepted as a territory and in 1959 became the 50th U.S. State.
Sugar and pineapples fuelled the Hawaiian economy for many decades after 1860´s. Now only 1 worker in 30 is employed in agriculture. Hawaii is the biggest supplier of pineapples and its annually production is 650.000 t.
By contrast 1 worker in 4 is an employee of the military (military personnel represent over 10% of Hawaiian population). Military controls 25% of Oahu, including the land around Pearl Harbor.
The major industry is tourism (4.5-million people/ year).



Hawaii – Big Island high volcanoes, treeless land; sugar and cattle ranching; tourism
Kanai tropical vegetation, canyons, high cliffs, waterfalls, lowlands
Maui narrow central flat separating mountains
Molokai flat; ranchland
Oahu broad central valley and coastal lowlands; heavily populated
Niihau privately owned – residents are native Hawaiians
Lanai & Kahoolawe dry (no permanent streams); military exercises.