1. On April 14, 1778, Captain James Cook became the first European to set foot on Hawaiian soil. He landed on the island of Kauai and was initially greeted with suspicion by the natives. However, he later developed a friendly relationship with the Hawaiian people and he is credited with putting Hawaii on the map for Europeans.

2. In 1898, on April 14th, the Hawaiian flag was lowered for the last time and the American flag was raised to signal Hawaii's formal annexation by the United States. This event marked the end of Hawaii's sovereignty as an independent nation.

3. On April 14, 1934, a devastating tsunami hit the Hawaiian islands, causing widespread destruction and claiming many lives. The tsunami was triggered by a massive earthquake in Japan and the waves reached heights of up to 45 feet.

4. In 1943, on April 14th, the first wave of Japanese prisoners of war arrived in Hawaii. The prisoners were captured during the Battle of Attu in Alaska and were initially held in makeshift camps on the island of Oahu. Later, they were transferred to POW camps on the mainland United States.

5. On April 14, 1984, Hawaii became the first state in the United States to mandate a seatbelt law for all motorists. The law required drivers and passengers to wear their seatbelts while operating or riding in a motor vehicle. Today, seatbelt laws are in effect in all 50 states.