1. The signing of the Bayonet Constitution: On August 17, 1887, King David Kalakaua was forced to sign what became known as the Bayonet Constitution. It severely limited his powers and gave more control to the wealthy sugar plantation owners of Hawaii.

2. The birth of Duke Kahanamoku: Duke Kahanamoku was born on August 17, 1890, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He went on to become a legendary swimmer and surfboarder, winning numerous medals and setting world records.

3. The bombing of Flight 800: On August 17, 1996, TWA Flight 800 exploded just minutes after taking off from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. Of the 230 passengers and crew members on board, none survived. Two Hawaii residents were among the victims.

4. The dedication of the USS Arizona Memorial: On August 17, 1962, the USS Arizona Memorial was dedicated in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The memorial honors the 1,177 sailors and Marines who died on the battleship during the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

5. The celebration of Statehood Day: August 17 is also known as Statehood Day in Hawaii. On this day in 1959, Hawaii officially became the 50th state in the United States. Each year, the state holds celebratory events and activities to commemorate the occasion.