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How this page works

History moves chronologically. Use the H2 sections below to jump from ancient O‘ahu through the Hawaiian Kingdom, the overthrow, WWII at Pearl Harbor, Statehood (1959), and modern cultural touchstones.

Pre‑Contact O‘ahu (Before 1778)

Natural & Cultural Foundations

Explore O‘ahu’s early settlements, ahupua‘a land divisions, heiau (temples), and voyaging heritage.

The Hawaiian Kingdom (1795–1893)

Overthrow, Annexation & Territorial Era (1893–1959)

Key Context

Downtown Honolulu holds many sites tied to the political changes leading to U.S. annexation and the Territorial period.

World War II & Pearl Harbor (1941)

Statehood & Modern O‘ahu (1959–Present)

People & Cultural Touchstones

Elvis in Hawaiʻi

From the 1961 USS Arizona Memorial benefit to 1973’s Aloha from Hawaiʻi broadcast.

Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole

Beloved Hawaiian singer whose “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” medley introduced millions to his voice and ʻukulele sound.

Historic Places to Visit (Quick Picks)

Learn More (AI Prompts)

Build a custom deep‑dive

Teacher/Student angle