The question “What state was Hawaii?” often invites two distinct interpretations: its chronological order in the United States and its previous political “state” or condition as a sovereign nation. Hawaii officially became the 50th state of the United States on August 21, 1959. However, before it was a star on the American flag, it existed as the Kingdom of Hawaii and later as a United States territory. The physical remnants of this complex evolution are etched into the islands’ landscape through its extraordinary landmarks. To understand what Hawaii “was” and what it has become, one must look at the architecture, historical sites, and natural monuments that define the Pacific Ocean archipelago.
The Royal Legacy: Landmarks of the Hawaiian Kingdom
Before it was the 50th state, Hawaii was a recognized sovereign monarchy with diplomatic ties across the globe. The landmarks from this era are unique within the United States, as they represent a history of royalty and indigenous governance that predates American influence.
Iolani Palace: The Seat of Monarchy
Located in downtown Honolulu on the island of Oahu, Iolani Palace stands as the only official royal palace on American soil. Built in 1882 by King Kalakaua, the palace was a marvel of its time, featuring electricity and telephone lines before the White House in Washington DC. This landmark is not merely a museum but a symbol of Hawaiian national identity. Its architecture, known as American Florentine, blends European palace influences with native Hawaiian motifs. Visitors can walk through the throne room and the private suites, gaining insight into a time when Hawaii was a central player in Pacific diplomacy.
Aliiolani Hale and Kawaiahao Church
Directly across from the palace is Aliiolani Hale, which currently houses the Hawaii State Supreme Court. Historically, it served as the administrative center of the Kingdom of Hawaii. In front of this building stands the iconic gilded statue of King Kamehameha I, the monarch who first unified the islands. Nearby, the Kawaiahao Church, often called the “Westminster Abbey of the Pacific,” was constructed from 14,000 coral slabs harvested from the ocean reefs. As the first Christian church on Oahu, it represents the era of the “Great Awakening” and the significant cultural shifts that occurred as Hawaii moved toward a more Westernized state structure in the 19th century.
The Path to Statehood: Military and Political Landmarks
The transition from a kingdom to a territory, and eventually to the 50th state, was heavily influenced by Hawaii’s strategic location. The landmarks from this middle period tell a story of global conflict, American expansion, and the eventual integration of the islands into the United States political fabric.
Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial
Perhaps the most globally recognized landmark in Hawaii is Pearl Harbor. While the events of December 7, 1941, are a dark chapter in history, they were instrumental in the eventual push for statehood. The USS Arizona Memorial, a graceful white structure spanning the sunken hull of the battleship, serves as a place of pilgrimage and reflection. Nearby, the Battleship Missouri Memorial represents the end of the conflict where the Empire of Japan signed the surrender documents. These sites highlight why Hawaii was considered so vital to the United States and why its status as a territory was no longer sufficient for the burgeoning superpower.
Washington Place
Located near the state capitol, Washington Place is a landmark that bridges the gap between the monarchy and statehood. Once the private residence of Queen Liliuokalani, the last reigning monarch, it later became the official residence of the Governor of Hawaii. This site is deeply poignant; it was here that the Queen was arrested during the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893. Today, it stands as a testament to the endurance of Hawaiian leadership through various political “states”—from royalty to territorial governors to the executive branch of the 50th state.
Natural Landmarks That Shaped the 50th State
While man-made structures provide historical context, the natural landmarks of Hawaii are the true foundation of its identity. These sites are not just tourist attractions; they are geological wonders that explain the physical “state” of the islands.
Diamond Head State Monument
Rising prominently over the Waikiki skyline, Diamond Head State Monument (known in Hawaiian as Leahi) is one of the most photographed landmarks in the Pacific Ocean. Formed about 300,000 years ago during a single explosive eruption, this volcanic tuff cone was used as a coastal defense lookout by the United States Military in the early 20th century. Hiking to the summit provides a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, illustrating why this island chain has been a coveted geographical landmark for centuries.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
On the Big Island, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers a glimpse into the literal creation of the state. Home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes, this park is a living laboratory. The landscape here is ever-changing, with molten lava occasionally adding new land to the United States. Landmarks within the park, such as the Thurston Lava Tube and the Halemaumau Crater, are sacred to Native Hawaiians and represent the fire goddess Pele. This park reminds visitors that Hawaii is a state that is still being “born” through the forces of the earth.
Landmarks of Cultural Preservation and Identity
As the 50th state matured, there was a concerted effort to preserve the landmarks that define its indigenous and multicultural heritage. These sites ensure that the “state” of Hawaii remains rooted in its unique Polynesian foundations.
Bishop Museum
The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum in Honolulu is the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific. Founded in 1889, it houses the world’s largest collection of Polynesian artifacts. The landmark Hawaiian Hall, with its dark wood paneling and three levels of exhibits, tells the story of the islands from the gods to the monarchy. It serves as a landmark of education, ensuring that even as Hawaii moves forward as a modern state, its ancient history is never forgotten.
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
On the Kona coast of the Big Island, Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park preserves a site that was once a place of refuge for those who broke ancient laws (kapu). This landmark features reconstructed thatched-roof buildings, towering wooden statues of gods (kii), and a massive “Great Wall” built of dry-set lava rock. It offers a window into the spiritual and social “state” of Hawaii before any Western contact, highlighting a sophisticated system of justice and sanctuary.
Waimea Canyon: The Grand Canyon of the Pacific
On the island of Kauai, Waimea Canyon State Park showcases a different side of the islands’ natural history. Carved by the Waimea River and the collapse of the volcano that created the island, this ten-mile-long canyon is a masterpiece of red soil and lush greenery. It stands as a testament to the diverse ecological “states” found within the archipelago, ranging from tropical rainforests to desert-like gorges.
The Architectural Evolution of the 50th State
The 20th century brought a new wave of landmarks to Hawaii, reflecting its status as a modern American state and a global tourism hub. The architecture of this era often sought to blend the islands’ natural beauty with contemporary design.
The Hawaii State Capitol
Completed in 1969, the Hawaii State Capitol is a landmark of symbolic architecture. Unlike many other state capitols in the United States that mimic the US Capitol in Washington, this building is open to the elements. Its columns represent palm trees, its two legislative chambers are shaped like volcanic cones, and the entire structure is surrounded by a reflecting pool representing the Pacific Ocean. It perfectly encapsulates Hawaii’s identity as a modern state that remains intrinsically connected to its environment.
Aloha Tower
Before the era of jet travel, the Aloha Tower was the tallest building in Hawaii and the primary landmark for visitors arriving by sea. Built in 1926 at Honolulu Harbor, its clock face greeted thousands of immigrants and tourists. Today, it remains a landmark of hospitality and a reminder of the “Boat Days” when the journey to the islands was a multi-day maritime adventure.
By exploring these landmarks, the question of “What state was Hawaii?” is answered not just with a date or a number, but with a rich tapestry of stories. From the coral walls of Kawaiahao Church to the volcanic peaks of Haleakala National Park on Maui, the landmarks of Hawaii bridge its past as a kingdom and its present as the vibrant 50th state of the United States. They stand as silent witnesses to a history of resilience, cultural pride, and natural wonder.
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