Hawaii became the 50th U.S. state on August 21, 1959.

On August 21, 1959, Hawaii was admitted as the 50th state in the union. This came after a period of territorial status that started in 1898 when the United States seized Hawaii. Both the local populace and the federal government backed the statehood choice, which reflected Hawaii's growing economic and geopolitical importance, especially because of its military bases and tourism. The nation's current shape was completed with the admission of Hawaii as the final U.S. state. Hawaii is vital to U.S. interests in the Asia-Pacific area and international affairs because of its location in the Pacific Ocean.