In Hawaii's short history as part of the United States when it was first annexed as a territory in 1898 and then granted full-fledged statehood in 1959, there are several little-known facts about Hawaii that underscore why Hawaii became such an important part of the U.S.
Here are five facts about Hawaii's history that you might not know:
1. More SPAM is eaten in Hawaii than in any other U.S. state, so much so that SPAM has been nicknamed "Hawaiian steak,"
according to The Huffington Post. As many as 7 million cans are consumed annually there.
Latest: What's Your Favorite Type of Vacation? Relaxing or Exploring?
SPAM was introduced to the islands of Hawaii thanks to American GIs stationed there during World War II.
2. During the race to the moon, NASA used the lava fields of the Mauna Loa volcano to train astronauts for lunar exploration,
according to Mental Floss.
NASA still maintains research facilities in Hawaii.
3. To maintain the islands' natural beauty, billboards were banned in Hawaii in 1927, and have remained so ever since,
reported the Honolulu Civil Beat.
4. Leprosy spread in Hawaii in the 1800s, resulting in the isolation of residents. Kalaupapa, an island of Molokai, became home to more than 1,000 people in the leper colony,
according to History.com.
5. According to Hawaii Magazine, the islands' royal palace located on Honolulu, Iolani Palace, was wired for electricity and telephones five years before the White House thanks to King Kalakaua's friendship with Thomas Edison.
VOTE NOW: Should the Government Be Doing More to Promote Tourism in America?
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.