1. In 1959, Hawaii officially became the 50th state of the United States on August 18th. This day is celebrated as “Statehood Day” in Hawaii.

2. In 1977, Elvis Presley, known as the “King of Rock and Roll,” died on August 16th, but his ashes were scattered into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii on August 18th.

3. In 1980, Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii began erupting, pouring lava into the sea for the first time in several years. The eruption continued for several months, causing significant damage to nearby areas.

4. In 1990, Hurricane Ignacio hit the island of Hawaii on August 18th, causing severe damage to homes, businesses, and crops. The hurricane was one of the most destructive storms to hit Hawaii in the 20th century.

5. In 2012, Hawaii-born swimmer, Michael Phelps, won his final Olympic gold medal in the 4x100-meter medley relay at the London Olympics on August 4th. On August 18th, he announced that he was officially retiring from competitive swimming, ending his successful career with a total of 28 Olympic medals.