1. In 1825, the first contingent of American Protestants arrived in Hawaii with the aim of setting up a mission there. This group included Hiram Bingham, who would go on to play a significant role in the cultural and religious transformation of Hawaii.

2. In 1864, the Wailuku Sugar Company, one of the first and most successful sugar plantations in Hawaii, was established on the island of Maui. This marked the beginning of the sugar industry in Hawaii, which would become a major economic force in the islands for many years.

3. In 1946, Hawaii's first commercial airline, Hawaiian Airlines, began service between Honolulu and Hilo on the island of Hawaii. This marked a major milestone in the development of Hawaii's tourism industry, which remains a vital part of the state's economy to this day.

4. In 1968, a massive earthquake struck the island of Hawaii, measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale. The quake caused widespread damage and landslides, but miraculously, there were no fatalities. The disaster prompted major changes in building codes and emergency management practices in Hawaii.

5. In 2011, Hawaii became the first state in the US to ban plastic bags at checkout counters in grocery stores and other retail outlets. The law aimed to reduce litter and protect Hawaii's marine ecosystem, which is home to many endangered species. Today, other states and countries have followed Hawaii's lead in banning single-use plastic bags.