June 14th

On this day - June 14th 1900 - Hawaii became a United states territory 

The kingdom of Hawaii was overthrown in 1893 and just a few years later was the islands annexed by the US. The Republic of Hawaii ruled the period the overthrow and it annex by the US. The leaders in the republic consisted of people with strong relationships to the US who lobbied for the annexation. In 1900 was the establishment of Hawaii as a US territory made official. It would take several more years before Hawaii became a state in the US, which happened in 1959, making it the 50th US state. The background for the annexation was its strategic placement and an increased interest in the area by both the Japanese and the British.

February 18th

On this day - February 18th 1978 - The first Ironman Triathlon was held

The first Ironman Triathlon was held in Hawaii after a debate about who were the most fit athletes, swimmers, runners or bikers. The Ironman Triathlon World Championship has been held in the same Place ever since. It was also at this first event that the slogan "Swim 2.4 miles! Bike 112 miles! Run 26.2 miles! Brag for the rest of your life" were first used. This was a handwritten slogan on the participants course and rule description papers. 12 out of the 15 participants completed this first Iron Man Triathlon. Gordn Haller, a US navy, became the first Ironman by completing the race in 11 hours and 46 minuts. The runner up, John Dunbar, came in second after his support team resorted to giving him beer after they ran out of water on the last parts of the race. When the event was arranged again the Next year had the participant number increased to 50, and "Ironman's popularity have increased ever since.