Who are there so many Japanese people in Hawaii? :)?

Question:

I just came to Honolulu for the first time and I was literally like wtf so many Japanese people!
Is there any historical connection between Hawaii and Japan?

Answer:

Marc C is somewhat correct. From what i understand, many Japanese immigrated to the islands throughout the 19th and early to mid 20th century to either work or just settle. At this time, Hawaii was not part of the U.S and was an independent island which just so happens to be halfway from Japan. The local Hawaiians welcomed them with open arms because they brought a lot of investment and added to the economy.

Mass immigrations were usually in the 19th and 20th century when people groups left their home countries to start a better life elsewhere. Good for them because they did not have to worry about visa's :) it is different today of course