Hawaii Statehood

Hawaii statehood refers to the official process by which Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States, achieved on August 21, 1959. Before that, Hawaii was a U.S. territory since 1898, after being an independent kingdom. The move to statehood was driven by local desire for political representation and federal benefits, and was approved through a referendum where most residents voted in favor. This transition integrated Hawaii into the U.S. political system, granting it full voting rights and representation in Congress, and recognizing its unique cultural and geographic identity within the nation.