A group of islands in Polynesia, in the north central Pacific Ocean, comprising eight major and 114 minor islands, largely volcanic and coral. Its capital is Honolulu. It was first reached by Polynesians about 500 A.D. It was discovered and named the Sandwich Islands in 1778 by Captain Cook. The islands were united under the rule of King Kamehameha 1795-1819 and requested annexation to the United States in 1893 when a provisional government was set up. Hawaii was established as a territory in 1900 and admitted as a state in 1959. The name is from the Polynesian Owhyhii, place of the gods, with reference to the two volcanoes Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, regarded as the abode of the gods. (From Webster's New Geographical Dictionary, 1988, p493 & Room, Brewer's Dictionary of Names, 1992, p2330)
    

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Objects from the Hawaiian Islands. Engraving by J. Record, 1784, after J. Webber.

A canoe with men from the Hawaiian Islands wearing masks, encountered by Captain Cook on his third voyage (1777-1780). Engraving by C. Grignion, 1784, after J. Webber.

A young woman from the Hawaiian Islands. Engraving by J.K. Sherwin after J. Webber, 17--.

The Hawaiian chief Kana'ina (Kaneena) wearing a feather helmet. Engraving by J.K. Sherwin, 1784, after J. Webber.

Narrative of a tour through Hawaii, or, Owhyhee: with observations on the natural of the Sandwich Islands. And remarks on the manners, customs, traditions, history, and language of the inhabitants / By William Ellis.

A man from the Hawaiian Islands dancing; encountered by Captain Cook during his third voyage (1777-1780). Engraving by C. Grignion after J. Webber, 1780/1785.

Hawaii

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Narrative of a tour through Hawaii, or, Owhyhee: with observations on the natural of the Sandwich Islands. And remarks on the manners, customs, traditions, history, and language of the inhabitants / By William Ellis.

A man from the Hawaiian Islands dancing; encountered by Captain Cook during his third voyage (1777-1780). Engraving by C. Grignion after J. Webber, 1780/1785.

Damien : the lepers' friend / [John R. Milsome].

A canoe with men from the Hawaiian Islands wearing masks, encountered by Captain Cook on his third voyage (1777-1780). Engraving by C. Grignion, 1784, after J. Webber.

BMA world tour. Part 3.