Hawaii is the most recent state added to the United States and it continues to be a favorite vacation destination. (1) Hawaii officially became a state on August 21, 1959. (2) Before then, the international community recognized Hawaii as an independent kingdom. (3) My parents went on a honeymoon to Hawaii in the 1980s. (4) Although Europeans didn’t discover the island until the eighteenth century, scientists believe that the island’s earliest Polynesian settlers arrived around 300 B.C. (5) When British Captain James Cook journeyed to the islands in 1778, Kamehameha was the ruling monarch. (6) The monarchy continued to rule Hawaii for nearly a hundred years before sugar growers became angry with the government. (7) They overthrew the sitting queen. (8) Hawaii existed as a republic for several years before the United States annexed it. (9) When Hawaii finally became a state, the island’s people received full citizenship.
Which of these BEST concludes the paragraph?
Responses
A The word Hawaii means "new homeland."The word Hawaii means "new homeland."
B Hawaii is a beautiful state with a fascinating history.Hawaii is a beautiful state with a fascinating history.
C Today, Hawaii is one of the top vacation spots for tourists from around the world.Today, Hawaii is one of the top vacation spots for tourists from around the world.
D Queen Liliuokalani eventually surrendered her throne to the United States government.