The Polynesian island chain in the northern Pacific with the main island of the same name, also known as the "Big Island", has been a US territory since 1898 and became the 50th state of the USA in 1959. There are eight main islands; the capital Honolulu is located on the island of Oʻahu. The total area is 28,311 square kilometres.

The first attempts at viticulture in Hawaii were made in the early 19th century by the Frenchman Jean-Louis Vignes (1780-1862), who settled on the island of Kauaʻi in 1827. In addition to viticulture, he also cultivated sugar cane for the production of rum and raised livestock. The origin and species of the vines he planted are not known. A ban on alcohol initiated by Protestant missionaries and issued by Queen Kaʻahumanu (1768-1832) put an end to these activities, and the destruction of the sugar cane fields ultimately led to his migration to California. Here he founded a winery and is now one of the most important winegrowing pioneers in the USA.
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