Hawaii became the 50th state in the United States of America on this day in 1959.

When Hawaii officially became the 50^th state of the United States of America in 1959, celebrations were held across the islands, politicians congratulated themselves and each other and the Hawaiian media reported the immense popularity of the action. Hawaiian tourism increased dramatically following statehood, which coincided with the first jet flight from California to Hawaii. Increasing tourism and declining agriculture resulted in major shifts in land use and the economic base. Of the many ethnic groups in Hawaii, the Native (Polynesian) Hawaiians have fared worse than most in both the plantation and tourist economies. Since the 1970s, a renaissance in Hawaiian culture and growing political power has witnessed many Hawaiians calling for a return to the sovereignty that they feel was unjustly taken.

Xpeditions
Students learn about plate tectonics and the forces that created the Hawaiian Islands in How Are Islands Formed? (3–5).

The addition of Hawaii as a state in the United States was not welcomed by all of the Hawaiian citizens. Island culture can be very different from that of more industrialized areas in the United States. Learn about how island cultures are affected by availability of their own natural resources, capitalism and outside influences in Island Culture and Vulnerability (9–12).

Eco-Cycle: Finding the Parts of an Ecosystem (3–5) uses the Eco-Cycle Station in National Geographic’s Xpedition Hall to introduce students to ecosystems in Hawaii, as well as the plants and animals that make up the ecosystems.

ARTSEDGE
The acquisition of Hawaii was part of a long history of westward expansion and addition of states to the United States of America. The unit Exploring Pioneer America (K–4) focuses on post-colonial westward expansion of United States territory. Students are introduced to an explanation of westward exploration and expansion. Pioneer lifestyles are examined through such dramatic techniques as role-play, costuming and set design. Students also examine interactions between Native Americans and settlers, conduct research on famous pioneers, frontiersmen and explorers and study folklore of the period.

EconEdLink
EconEdLink offers a series of lessons about traditional Hawaiian economics. In Hawaiian Economics: From the Mountains to the Sea (3–5), students learn about a special Hawaiian land division system call the Ahupua’a.

In Hawaiian Economics: Barter for Fish & Poi (3–5), students discover the ancient bartering system used on the Hawaiian Islands.