Key facts about Hawaii

The state covers almost all Hawaiian archipelago, 137 islands, spread over 2,400 km.  Volcanic archipelagoes are part of Oceania Polynesia sub-region physiographically and ethnologically.   At the southeast end of the archipelago there are eight main islands from northwest to southeast: Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui and Hawaiʻi.  The last is the largest island in the group;  To avoid confusion with the state in the archipelago, it is often called "Big Island" or "Hawaiʻi Island".

 As a result of relations with Europe, some kings have tried to take control of all Hawaiian islands.  For example, famous Kamehameha traded with Europeans to obtain gunpowder from them.  With unknown gunpowder technology in Hawaii, Kamehameha was able to gradually occupy all the islands.  Some tribes who opposed him found the cure jumping from high cliffs, as they could not protect their country with arrows and spears.  They saw suicide as a better solution than surrender.

 The lands that Kamehameha won only lasted until 1893.  The last king, Liliuokalani, was destroyed by the Hawaii Reform Party of the Hawaiian Kingdom.  After the last dictatorship, a republic was established and closed to foreign countries, Hawaii trade has greatly improved its production and trade by joining the world economy.  It finally came under the auspices of America in 1898, and in 1959 it became the 50th and last state of the United States with a referendum.  In addition, Hawaii is affiliated to the United States and is the only state to bear the UK's flag.