Hawaiian Islands Facts
The Hawaiian Islands are made up of 19 islands and atolls. The islands form the U.S. state of Hawaii---America's newest and most southern state, and the only one entirely surrounded by water.
History
The first settlers of the Hawaiian Islands are said to have been Polynesians who arrived around A.D. 500. Tahitians are said to have arrived around A.D. 1000. In 1778, Captain James Cook was the first white Westerner to arrive.
Time Frame
Kamehameha unified the Hawaiian Islands into one royal kingdom in 1810. In 1893, Americans overthrew the Kingdom of Hawaii and created an independent republic, which in 1898 was declared U.S territory. Hawaii then became a U.S state in 1959.
Size
The Hawaiian Islands cover an area of 1,500 miles from the most southern to most northern point. The biggest island is the Island of Hawaii, or "Big Island."
Geography
The Hawaiian Islands were formed by volcanic activity; the island of Hawaii is home to Kilauea, the world's most active volcano.
Fun Fact
America's only royal palace is located on the Hawaiian Islands. Iolani Palace, on Oahu, was the official residence of the last two monarchs of the Hawaiian Kingdom: King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Lili'uokalani.
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