The Hawaiian Islands were prosperous long before they became a state, or even a United States territory, for that matter. These photographs, taken in the late 1800s and early 1900s, give us a glimpse into life before Hawaii joined America, when the monarchy thrived and life was much simpler.

1) Taken in the 1880s, this photograph depicts the Kalaupapa Leper colony.

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2) The Hawaiian railroad during construction in 1881.

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3) Native Hawaiians sell leis in 1901.

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4) The original Hale Ali’I, home to King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma, on the site that is now home to the Iolani Palace.

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5) This photograph of the historic Kalua’aha Church on the island of Molokai was taken before its first restoration in 1912.

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6) A lovely Kapuaiwa Grove on Molokai.

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7) A woman sewing lauhala strips into a hat with a grass house in the background, circa 1915.

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8) This photograph of Laupahoehoe Village, circa 1885, shows us how gorgeous Hawaii is – even in black and white.

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9) A panoramic view of the Haleiwa Hotel, circa 1902.

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10) Housing at Schofield Barracks in the territory of Hawaii, circa 1925.

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11) Located on a remote, dry plateau between Mauna Loca and Hualalai on Hawaii’s Big Island is a vast complex of temples and living areas built around the 16th century.

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12) Peacocks roam the lawn of Princess Kaiulani’s residence at Ainahau.

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13) A fire burns in Honolulu’s Chinatown in 1900. The fire was set to destroy homes suspected of being infected by the bubonic plague.

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14) Keoua Hale, the palace of Princess Ruth Ke’elikolani, was larger than Iolani Palace.

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15) This photograph depicts two Hawaiian children doing the hula in 1890.

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16) Kamehameha V’s summer home at Helumoa, the site of which is now home to the Royal Hawaiian Center.

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17) The Queen’s hospital, as photographed in 1905.

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