Essay Database

History of the Hawaiian Islands Events and people in Hawaii's history have received a lot of attention in recent years -- the fact that you're reading this is evidence of that. There are many differing interpretations of what Hawai'i was like before western contact, the abilities and accomplishments of the rulers in leading the people of the islands into relationships with the wider world after centuries of near isolation, and what actually happened during the …

…keep these things in mind. What we know of Hawaii's history is in as much flux as the times themselves. Much of what has been written would have us believe that the rulers were incompetent, and that the overthrow and ultimately annexation was good for Hawai`i, that it's what Hawaii's people wanted and that it's what the people of the United States wanted. As is often the case, it depends on who you ask!