Ellington

On July 5th, National Hawaii Day is celebrated annually on June 11 in the United States. This day is dedicated to celebrating the culture, history, and people of the 50th state. It is a day to recognize the unique and diverse culture of the Hawaiian Islands and to honor the contributions of the 

American involvement In 1789, the American merchant ship Columbia became the first United States vessel to visit Hawaii. 

In the early 19th century, American missionaries went to Hawaii to spread Christianity and by mid-century, American traders and whalers had already made significant impact on the Hawaiian economy. In 1843, following pressure from the United States and Britain, King Kamehameha III declared Hawaii a sovereign and independent nation. The United States recognized Hawaii as an independent kingdom in 1844. 

By the late 19th century, American sugar planters had become the dominant political and economic force in Hawaii, leading to the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893 with the help of the US government. In 1898, the United States annexed Hawaii as a US territory. In the early 20th century, Hawaii's economy continued to be dominated by the sugar industry, with American corporations controlling most of the land and resources. In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States, following a plebiscite and congressional approval. Statehood brought an influx of American tourists and investment, leading to significant economic growth and modernization in Hawaii. However, the state's indigenous Hawaiian population faced challenges and discrimination, leading to the rise of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement in the 20th century. 

Today, Hawaii remains a popular tourist destination and a melting pot of cultures, with a diverse population and a unique blend of American and indigenous Hawaiian traditions and customs.