Oahuhistory

Oahu History

The history of the Hawaiian Islands dates back to around 300 A.D. when it is believed that other peoples from around Polynesia first settled there. Settlements at first were separate and ruled by local chiefs who were extremely territorial and protective of their realms. In 1778, British explorer Captain James Cook arrived on the islands and is credited with their official discovery.

The territoriality of the tribes unsurprisingly led to discord among them, and clashes threatened to tear the islands apart. The internal wars among the different tribes were finally brought to an end in 1795, and the Hawaiian Islands were united under the House of Kamehameha, a dynasty begun by King Kanehameha the Great, and which was is power until 1872. For the 2 decades that followed, several elected kings and queens came and went, as the political climate on the Hawaiian Islands grew more and more unpredictable.

The issue of Hawaii being annexed as a United States territory was first raised by President Grover Cleveland. When William McKinley was elected in 1896, the issue was raised again, and the President signed and submitted a treaty of annexation to the Senate the following year. In March of 1959, the Hawaiian Islands were officially granted statehood by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Oahu has become known as the “Gathering Isle”, due in part to the fact that more than 75% of all of Hawaii’s population lives there. In addition to being the most populated island in the state, it is the third largest island in the chain. The state’s capital, Honolulu, is located there, and it is the main port of Hawaii.

The island of Oahu was not visited by the European explorers until 1779, when Captain Clerke landed at Waimea Bay. In 1845, King Kamehameha moved the capital of his empire there from Lahaina, Maui.

Oahu is known prominently for the Japanese attack on the U.S. military base Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. This surprise attack, which killed 2500 servicemen and civilians, was the start of World War II for the United States. The Pearl Harbor Memorial site on Oahu is among the most popular attractions there today.

Over 5 million people come to Oahu every year to experience the beautiful stretches of beach, the diverse landscapes, the famous Hawaiian hospitality and culture, and just to get a taste of a tropical paradise.