1. The arrival of Captain Cook: On January 1, 1778, British navigator Captain James Cook became the first recorded European to discover the Hawaiian Islands. He landed on the island of Kauai, which he named the Sandwich Islands.

2. The abolition of the Hawaiian monarchy: January 1, 1893, was a significant day in Hawaiian history as it marked the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. A group of American businessmen and planters, supported by the U.S. military, deposed Queen Liliuokalani and established a provisional government.

3. The establishment of Pearl Harbor: On January 1, 1908, the U.S. Navy began construction of the Pearl Harbor naval station. The base played a crucial role in World War II and is now a National Historic Landmark.

4. Hawaii becomes a state: On January 1, 1959, Hawaii officially became the 50th state of the United States. The territory had been annexed by the U.S. in 1898 but had to wait over 60 years to achieve statehood.

5. The eruption of Kilauea volcano: On January 1, 1983, Kilauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii began erupting, commencing what would be one of its longest and most destructive eruptions in history. The eruption continued for over 30 years, causing numerous evacuations and destroying hundreds of homes.