- **Date of Independence:** Never declared independence from Britain (was independent Kingdom of Hawaii) - **Date of Annexation to [[United States of America (USA)]]:** August 21, 1959 (50th state to join the Union) - **Population (2025):** 1.44 million - **GDP (2025):** $90.3 billion - **Largest City:** Honolulu (980,000 metro area) - **State Capital:** Honolulu (350,000) - **Historical Note:** Known as the "Aloha State." Originally independent Polynesian kingdom unified by King Kamehameha I. Overthrown by American businessmen in 1893, became U.S. territory in 1900. Site of Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. Birthplace of President [[Barack Obama]]. Only state composed entirely of islands. Unique Pacific culture blending Polynesian, Asian, and Western influences.