8 Surprising Firsts That Hawaii Can Proudly Claim

Hawaii may have been the last state to join the United States, but there are plenty of things we did first. From groundbreaking laws to cultural contributions that shaped the nation, the islands have a long history of leading the way. Here are eight examples that might surprise you, so read on and prepare to be amazed!

1. The Only Royal Palace on US Soil

According to the Iolani Palace website, the building was home to "five Hawaiian kings until its demolition in 1874." Fun fact: Iolani Palace was illuminated with electric lights four years before the White House in Washington D.C. It was even outfitted with indoor plumbing and a telephone, too!

2. The First Asian-American in the United States Senate

The first Asian-American in the United States Senate was Hawaii’s own Hiram Fong. A descendant from Chinese immigrants, he joined the senate in 1959. He served as an elected official for nearly two decades, earning the nickname "the Man of the Pacific."

3. The First State to Legalize Abortion

Hawaii became the first state to legalize abortion on demand in 1970, three years before Roe v. Wade. There’s even evidence that abortion care was provided in Indigenous Hawaiian communities before the United States existed, putting Hawaii at the forefront of reproductive rights. (Colorado legalized abortion in 1967, but only in cases of incest, rape and to save the life of the mother.)

4. The First Federally-Funded Wind Farm

The first federally-funded wind generator was built on the Big Island’s Kahua Ranch in 1980. At the time, Hawaii was considered to be a global leader in alternate energy research. According to the University of Hawaii, Kahua Ranch help established the states "as having one of the most active wind energy programs in the United States."

5. The First Black US President

Barack Obama was born in Hawaii, so can claim another political first — the first African-American president of the United States. According to the National Archives, the 44th president lived with his grandparents and attended the prestigious Punahou School. He spoke at length about his Hawaiian roots and multicultural upbringing in his memoir Dreams from My Father.

6. We Invented Surfboards

Ancient Hawaiians were the first to create surfboards, leading to the evolution of the sport we know today. Though, back in the day, surfboards were up to 150 feet long!

7. King Kalakaua

King Kalakaua may have been the last king of Hawaii, but he achieved many firsts. He was the first reigning monarch to circumnavigate the globe, and the first foreign head of state to speak before a joint session of Congress. Bonus fun fact: Did you know he was elected to the throne?

8. The First State to Ban Billboards

That's right. In 1927, Hawaii was the first state in America to outlaw billboards. Why, you ask? To preserve the natural beauty of the islands for decades to come. You're welcome.

Planning a trip to Hawaii? Check out local restaurants that will leave you wanting more. Craving adventure? Book a surfing lesson, then explore these underrated tourist spots using the the Only in Your State Itinerary Planner.