Hawaii isn’t necessarily known for being the first; I mean, we were the last state to become part of America and everything takes a few months to make its way to the Hawaiian Islands from the mainland. But, there are a few things Hawaii did first that are worth knowing about – and the following are eight such things. Read on and be amazed!

1. The Iolani Palace

The Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on United States soil, was illuminated with electric lights four years before the White House in Washington D.C.

2. Hiram Fong

The first Asian-American in the United States Senate was Hawaii’s Hiram Fong. A descendant from Chinese immigrants, he was elected to the senate in 1959.

3. Legalized abortion

Hawaii became the first state to legalize abortion on demand in 1970 – three years before Roe v. Wade. (Colorado did legalize abortion in 1967, but only in cases of incest, rape and to save the life of the mother).

4. Wind generators

Among some other fun facts about Hawaii is the fact that 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 but also relied on imported oil for 92 percent of its energy needs.

5. Barack Obama

The first African-American president of the United States, Barack Obama, was born in Hawaii.

6. Surfboards

Surfing is the best know of Hawaii inventions. Ancient Hawaiians were the first to create surfboards and essentially invented the sport. Though, back in the day, surfboards were up to 150 feet long!

7. King Kalakaua

King Kalakaua was the first reigning monarch to circumnavigate the globe, and the first foreign head of state to speak before a joint session of Congress.

8. Billboards

In 1927, Hawaii was the first state in America to outlaw billboards – preserving the natural beauty of the islands for decades to come.

Had you heard of any of these things Hawaii did first? If so, which ones? Do you know of anything else that happened in Hawaii first? We'd love to read your comments in the section below!

If you're looking for a bite to eat in Hawaii, check out these 17 neighborhood joints that will leave you wanting for more! And next time you're in the Aloha State, be sure to book a surfing lesson.

If you’re still in the mood for more Aloha State adventures, take a look at this video: