The name Hawaii is believed to be an English adaptation of the native word for "homeland" (hawaiki or owhyhee). First settled by Polynesians sailing from other Pacific islands between A.D. 300 and 600, Hawaii was visited in 1778 by British Captain James Cook, who called the group the Sandwich Islands. Following its annexation in 1898, Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1900. Hawaii is the youngest state, joining the Union in 1959 as the 50th state, just after Alaska. Hawaii is world famous for its pleasant climate and spectacular beauty. It has deep-blue seas, brilliantly colored flowers, graceful palm trees, magnificent waterfalls and dramatic volcanoes. Hawaii consists of a chain of 132 islands; the eight main islands are at the southeastern end of the chain. Hawaii, the "Aloha State" has many customs originating from the original Polynesian settlers.

GOVERNMENT
Capital: Honolulu (on Oahu)
Governor: Linda Lingle, R (to Jan. 2007)
Senators: Daniel K. Akaka, D (to Jan. 2009); Daniel K. Inouye , D (to Jan. 2005)
House of Representatives: 2 districts | Search by zip code

ECONOMY
Total Gross State Product 1999 (millions of dollars): 40,914; National rank: 40; Percent change since 1990: 27%; National Rank based on Growth Rate: 50 (Including Washington, DC)
Per Capita Personal Income 2001: $29,043; National Rank: 23 (95% of the national average)
State Exports 2001 (millions of dollars): 370; National Rank: 50
Agriculture: Sugarcane, pineapples, nursery stock, livestock, macadamia nuts.
Industry: Tourism, food processing, apparel, fabricated metal products, stone, clay, and glass products.