The Sweet Success of Hawaiian Sugar Industry

The sweet success story of the Hawaiian sugar industry dates back to the 1890s when a series of reciprocal trade agreements changed the game for sugar plantations in the Kingdom of Hawaii. These agreements paved the way for Hawaiian sugar to be exported to the United States without facing any tariffs, making it a lucrative and viable economic option for the island.

With the doors wide open for tariff-free export, Hawaiian sugar production skyrocketed from 20 million pounds in the 1870s to over 200 million pounds by 1890. This exponential growth in exports was a testament to the quality and quantity of sugar produced in Hawaii, solidifying its position as the main plantation crop in the kingdom.

However, just as the sugar industry was basking in its sweet success, a storm was brewing on the horizon. The introduction of new U.S. tariffs in the 1890s disrupted the industry's stability, making Hawaiian sugar more expensive to import. This sudden change in economic landscape shook the sugar planters to the core, prompting them to take drastic measures to regain their advantage.

In a bold move to secure their economic future, sugar planters staged a coup against Queen Liliuokalani and offered the island for annexation to the United States. Their intention was to benefit from the subsidies provided to American-made sugar, ensuring a competitive edge in the market. As a result, Hawaii was annexed by the U.S. in 1898, marking a new chapter in the history of the island's sugar industry.

The journey of Hawaiian sugar industry is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its stakeholders in the face of challenges. Despite facing turbulent times, the industry succeeded in overcoming obstacles and paving the way for a sweet success story that would be remembered for generations to come.