Hawaii's Path to Statehood

Hawaii's path to statehood was a complex journey that involved a series of political and social changes. Initially a sovereign kingdom, Hawaii was overthrown in 1893 by American businessmen. It became a U. S.

territory in 1898, largely due to its strategic location in the Pacific Ocean. Hawaii finally achieved statehood on August 21, 1959, becoming the 50th state of the United States, which allowed it to exercise greater self-governance.