1. In 1779, Captain James Cook arrived at Kauai, marking the first recorded European visit to the Hawaiian Islands. Cook would later explore other islands on subsequent voyages, but his arrival in Hawaii marked a significant turning point in Hawaiian history as it opened the islands to the outside world.

2. In 1829, the first sugar plantation in Hawaii was established on Kauai by Ladd & Co. This marked the beginning of Hawaii's sugar industry, which would become a major economic force for the islands for over a century.

3. In 1943, the U.S. Navy established the Naval Air Station Barbers Point on Oahu. The base played a vital role in World War II and served as a training facility for pilots and aviation personnel. Today, the former air station is home to the Kalaeloa Airport and various commercial and industrial enterprises.

4. In 1980, Mount St. Helens, a volcano in Washington state, erupted, sending a massive plume of ash and debris into the atmosphere. The eruption had a significant impact on Hawaii, as ash from the volcano was carried to the islands by prevailing winds. The ashfall caused damage to crops, disrupted air travel, and impacted tourism.

5. In 2010, the Hawaii State Legislature approved a bill recognizing Hawaiian Sign Language as an official language of the state. Hawaiian Sign Language is a unique language that developed on the islands and has its own distinct grammar and vocabulary. The recognition of Hawaiian Sign Language as an official language was a significant step in preserving and promoting this important aspect of Hawaiian culture.