Who owned Hawaii before USA?

As with most histories, this is not a simple answer.

I was around when Hawaii voted in 1959 to become a state! It was a huge deal, and there was much celebration on the island.

No one 'owns' Hawaii, it is an independent state, a part of the United States.

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https://www.gohawaii.com/hawaiian-culture/history

gives a brief timeline history:

1,500 years ago: Polynesians arrive in Hawaii after navigating the ocean using only the stars to guide them.

1778: Captain James Cook lands at Waimea Bay on the island of Kauai, becoming the first European to make contact with the Hawaiian Islands. Cook names the archipelago the “Sandwich Islands” after the Earl of Sandwich. A year later, Cook is killed at Kealakekua Bay on the island of Hawaii.

1790: The Battle of Kepaniwai was fought between forces from the island of Hawaii and Maui.

1795: Battle of Nuuanu takes place on the southern shores of Oahu. It was a key battle in Kamehameha's campaign to unite the islands.

1795-1874: The Kamehameha dynasty reigns over Hawaii.

1810: Kamehameha I unites the Hawaiian Islands.

1819: Liholiho, son of Kamehameha, defies the tradition of men and women eating separately during a feast, which leads to the abolishment of the kapu (taboo) system.

1820: The first missionaries arrive in Hawaii.

1820-1845: Lahaina was the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom

1835: The first sugar plantation opens on Kauai. The Hawaiian Islands garner recognition for their prime agricultural land. Agriculture becomes a dominant economic force.

1836: The “King’s Band,” is created by King Kamehameha III, becoming a staple of daily life. The band, presently called the “Royal Hawaiian Band,” continues to entertain audiences in Hawaii and around the world today.

1830s-1848: The Great Mahele Kamehameha III sought to keep the land in Hawaiian hands by adopting a western allodial system with a new system that would divide the land into thirds – one-third to the Hawaiian crown lands, one-third to the chiefs, and one-third to the people. In the end, the people received less than 1% as the law required land claims to be filed within two years under the Kuleana Act and many Hawaiians made no claim. This was largely because ownership of land was not a common concept.

1845: Honolulu becomes the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom

1850s: With Hawaii’s plantation production on the rise, a need for more labor is realized. The first workers are recruited from China. Workers also make their way to the Islands from Japan, Korea, the Philippines and Portugal.

1874: William Charles Lunalilo dies leaving no heirs. The Kamehameha dynasty comes to an end. David Kalakaua is elected as Lunalilo’s successor.

1878: Lydia Kamakaeha (later Queen Liliuokalani) pens "Aloha 'Oe"

1881: King Kalakaua becomes the first monarch in history to circumnavigate the globe.

1882: Iolani Palace, the official residence of the Hawaiian monarchs, is completed. The Palace was ahead of its time outfitted with the most up-to-date amenities, before even the White House and Buckingham Palace, including the first electric lights in Hawaii, indoor plumbing and even a telephone.

1887: The 1887 Constitution of the Kingdom of Hawaii is signed stripping King Kalakaua and therefore the Hawaiian monarchy of much of its authority, empowering the legislature and cabinet of the government. This became known as the Bayonet Constitution due to the force used to gain the King’s cooperation.

1889: Joseph Kekuku from Laie, Oahu invents the steel guitar. He later moves to the US Mainland to share his music with the rest of the world. Steel guitar becomes incredibly popular with country music and is still heard today.

1891: King David Kalakaua dies and Queen Liliuokalani takes the throne.

1893: The overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii begins. Queen Liliuokalani is placed under house arrest at Iolani Palace (link is external) in Honolulu (link is external).

1898: Hawaii is annexed by the United States through the Newlands Resolution.

1900: The Organic Act establishes the Territory of Hawaii.

1901: The first Waikiki hotel, The Moana Hotel, opens on March 11. The resort is affectionately named “The First Lady of Waikiki.”

1917: Queen Liliuokakani, the last sovereign of the Hawaiian Kingdom, passes away.

1941: On December 7, 1941, the Japanese launch a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor (link is external) on Oahu during World War II.

1945: On September 2, 1945, Japan signs its unconditional surrender on the USS Battleship Missouri. Although the signing didn't take place in Pearl Harbor, the ship is now part of museum and memorial complex at Pearl Harbor, offering activities and tours to visitors from all over the world

1959: August 21, 1959 – After a popular vote, Hawaii becomes the 50th State of the United States of America.

I think it would be kings and queens

Judging by the flag I would say Great Britain.

It was its own sovereign nation with its own king. In 1897, the Hawaiian Territory was established so that the United States could protect the Hawaiians from "other influence" because we wanted Pearl Harbor. Then later, in 1959 Hawaii became part of the United States after a long period of being an annexed territory.

Hawaii owned Hawaii. It was an independent country before the USA subverted its government and illegally occupied it.

Hawaii was its own kingdom

The natives had their own government with a king.

Probably Japan.

It belonged to the Hawaiians and their government.

The Hawaiins.

It was an independent country.