Hawaii isn’t necessarily known for being the first; I mean, we were the last state to become part of America and everything takes a few months to make its way to the Hawaiian Islands from the mainland. But, there are a few Hawaii firsts that are worth knowing about – and the following are eight such things. Read on and be amazed!

1. The Iolani Palace
Joel/Flickr
The Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on United States soil, was illuminated with electric lights four years before the White House in Washington D.C.
2. Hiram Fong
Capsun Poe/Flickr
The first Asian-American in the United States Senate was Hawaii’s Hiram Fong. A descendant from Chinese immigrants, he was elected to the senate in 1959.
3. Legalized abortion
Thomas Hawk/Flickr
Hawaii became the first state to legalize abortion on demand in 1970 – three years before Roe v. Wade. (Colorado did legalize abortion in 1967, but only in cases of incest, rape and to save the life of the mother).
4. Windmills
John Bruder/Flickr
Among some other fun facts about Hawaii is the fact that the first federally funded windmill was built on the Big Island’s Kahua Ranch in 1980. At the time, Hawaii was considered to be a global leader in alternate energy research but also relied on imported oil for 92 percent of its energy needs.
5. Barack Obama
U.S. Embassy, Jakarta/Flickr
The first African-American president of the United States, Barack Obama, was born in Hawaii.
6. Surfboards
Andym5855/Flickr
Ancient Hawaiians were the first to create surfboards and essentially invented the sport. Though, back in the day, surfboards were up to 150 feet long!
7. King Kalakaua
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
King Kalakaua was the first reigning monarch to circumnavigate the globe, and the first foreign head of state to speak before a joint session of Congress.
8. Billboards
David Evers/Flickr
In 1927, Hawaii was the first state in America to outlaw billboards – preserving the natural beauty of the islands for decades to come.

Had you heard of any of these Hawaii firsts? If so, which ones? Do you know of anything else that happened in Hawaii first? We’d love to read your comments in the section below!

If you’re looking for a bite to eat in Hawaii, check out these 17 neighborhood joints that will leave you wanting for more!

If you’re still in the mood for more Aloha State adventures, take a look at this video:

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More to Explore

Out and about in Hawaii

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | May 30, 2023

Where can we find small towns in Hawaii?

  • Kapalua is located along Maui’s northwest coast and although small, it is a popular small town with visitors.
  • Kalihiwai on Kauai is a wonderful place to find a little peace and quiet amidst stunning nature.
  • Honomu on the Big Island is only approximately 0.5 square miles and is one of the best smallest towns in Hawaii.

Read on to learn about some of the many other charming small towns in Hawaii.

Where can we find the best bars in Hawaii?

  • Smith’s Union Bar, also known as Smitty’s, in Honolulu, has been a Hawaiian Chinatown favorite since 1935.
  • The La Mariana Sailing Club in Honolulu is a popular retro tiki-themed bar and restaurant.
  • The Hali’imaile General Store in Makawao serves up some of the best mai tais in Hawaii.

Read on to learn about many other exciting bars in Hawaii.

Where can we find the best shopping in Hawaii?

  • Tin Can Mailman in Honolulu is an antique shop specializing in all things vintage Hawaiian.
  • The Lonohana Chocolate Tasting Bar in Honolulu carefully crafts chocolate in small batches.
  • Hilo Hattie, with locations on most of the islands, is home to the largest selection of Made-In-Hawaii gifts, clothing, jewelry, food, souvenirs, and more.

Read on to learn about some of the other places to go shopping in Hawaii.

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