You’re standing on the sand at Waikiki, the sun is hitting your face, and it feels like a different world. It basically is. But then you remember you didn't need a passport to get here. It’s a weirdly common question for people visiting the islands or just brushing up on their American trivia: hawaii is what number state in the Union?
The short answer is 50. Hawaii is the 50th state.
It was the very last one added to the United States, officially joining on August 21, 1959. But the "how" and "why" behind that number are way more intense than most people realize. It wasn’t just a simple "hey, want to join?" kind of deal. It was a decades-long grind involving world wars, massive sugar corporations, and a lot of political drama in D.C.
Why Hawaii Is What Number State Matters More Than You Think
Honestly, calling Hawaii "number 50" makes it sound like it was just the next in line. In reality, there was a massive gap between the 48th state (Arizona in 1912) and the final two. For almost 50 years, the U.S. flag only had 48 stars.
Then came 1959.
It was a huge year. Alaska had just squeezed in as the 49th state in January. Hawaii followed just a few months later in August. If things had gone differently in Congress, the order might have been flipped. Politicians at the time were actually worried about the "balance" of power. They thought Alaska would be a Democratic stronghold and Hawaii would be Republican. Turns out, they were kinda wrong about how that would play out long-term, but that's politics for you.
The Long Walk to Statehood
The path wasn't exactly a red carpet. The first time a bill for Hawaiian statehood was even introduced to Congress was way back in 1919 by Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole.
It failed.
📖 Related: Is the Presidio Inn San Francisco CA Actually a Good Place to Stay?
Then it failed again. And again. For about 40 years, the islands were just a "territory." This meant people living there were U.S. citizens but couldn't vote for President. They had no real say in Congress. It was a "taxation without representation" situation that would’ve made the Founding Fathers pretty twitchy.
Why did it take so long? Honestly, it was a mix of things. Some people on the mainland were weirded out by how far away the islands were. Others were—to be blunt—uncomfortable with Hawaii’s diverse population. During the 1930s and 40s, there was a lot of prejudice against the large Japanese-American community in the islands, especially after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The Turning Point: World War II and the "Big Five"
World War II changed everything. When the 442nd Regimental Combat Team—made up almost entirely of second-generation Japanese Americans (Nisei) from Hawaii—became one of the most decorated units in U.S. military history, it was hard for anyone to argue that Hawaiians weren't "American enough."
But there was another player in the game: The Big Five.
These were five massive sugar and pineapple companies that basically ran the islands like a private club. For a long time, these corporations actually liked being a territory. It gave them a lot of control without having to deal with pesky state laws or higher taxes. Eventually, even they realized that becoming the 50th state was the only way to get the federal protection and infrastructure they wanted.
The Vote That Sealed the Deal
By the time 1959 rolled around, the momentum was unstoppable. On June 27, 1959, the people of Hawaii voted in a plebiscite.
The results weren't even close.
About 93% of the voters said "yes" to statehood. People were celebrating in the streets of Honolulu. They knew they were finally getting a seat at the table. On August 21, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the proclamation. Hawaii was officially "number 50."
Common Misconceptions About the 50th State
Even though it’s been a state for over 60 years, people still get confused.
- "Do I need a passport?" Nope. You're just flying to another part of the U.S. It's like driving from New York to New Jersey, just with more ocean and better food.
- "Is it a 'possession' like Guam?" Not anymore. Unlike Puerto Rico or Guam, which are territories, Hawaii has full state status. That means two Senators and representatives in the House.
- "Was it always going to be 50?" Not necessarily. There were points where people thought it might join with Alaska as one giant "Pacific State" (can you imagine?) or stay a territory forever.
The Controversy Nobody Talks About
It’s important to mention that not everyone was cheering in 1959. For many Native Hawaiians, statehood felt like the final nail in the coffin of their sovereignty. The Kingdom of Hawaii had been overthrown in 1893 in a coup backed by American businessmen. For those who still view the U.S. presence as an illegal occupation, being "number 50" isn't a badge of honor—it's a reminder of what was lost. In 1993, the U.S. government actually issued a formal "Apology Resolution" acknowledging the illegal overthrow, which adds a layer of complexity to the whole "statehood" celebration.
✨ Don't miss: How Big Is Phoenix Airport? What Most People Get Wrong
Key Facts to Remember
If you're ever at a trivia night or just want to sound smart on your next flight to Maui, here’s the quick rundown of the 50th state's stats:
- Date of Statehood: August 21, 1959.
- Preceded by: Alaska (State #49).
- Capital: Honolulu (on the island of Oahu).
- Official Languages: English and Hawaiian (the only state with two!).
- State Bird: The Nene (a cool-looking Hawaiian goose).
What This Means for Your Next Trip
Knowing that hawaii is what number state isn't just about trivia; it helps you appreciate the vibe of the place. When you visit, you’re visiting a place that fought hard to be recognized, but also a place that has a deep, sovereign history that predates the U.S. by centuries.
Next Steps for Your Hawaii Knowledge:
- Check your ID: Make sure your driver’s license is "Real ID" compliant before your next trip, since it's a domestic flight but still requires high-security identification.
- Learn a few words: Since Hawaiian is an official state language, try learning the difference between "Mauka" (toward the mountains) and "Makai" (toward the ocean). It’ll help you more than a GPS will.
- Support Local: Now that you know the history of the "Big Five" corporations, try to spend your tourist dollars at small, local, Native Hawaiian-owned businesses to help keep the island's economy diverse.
Hawaii is 50. It’s the end of the list, but in terms of culture and history, it’s in a league of its own.