Hawaiian history began with the arrival of Polynesians around 1,500 years ago, who settled the islands and developed a rich culture. They established a society based on agriculture, fishing, and a complex system of governance led by chiefs, known as aliʻi. In the late 18th century, Captain James Cook became the first European to visit Hawaii, leading to increased contact with outsiders. This period saw significant changes, including the unification of the islands under King Kamehameha I in 1810 and the eventual annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898, which profoundly impacted its culture and governance.