As an organic text, it establishes the principles and framework of government, enumerates the rights and freedoms of Hawaiian citizens, and serves as the supreme law of the state.

Reflecting the state's unique history and cultural heritage, Constitution of Hawaii establishes protections for the environment, public wellness, and Native Hawaiians.

It was subsequently accepted, ratified, and confirmed by Congress on March 18, 1959, and became effective on August 21, 1959, upon the issuance of a presidential proclamation admitting the state of Hawaii into the Union.

All 34 amendments proposed by the convention passed; collectively, they redefined the relationship between citizens and government, establishing term limits for state office holders, providing a requirement for an annual balanced budget, laying the groundwork for the return of federal (such as the island of Kahoʻolawe) and created the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to address the wrongs perpetrated against native Hawaiians.

Based upon language the U.S. Supreme Court had used to legalize abortion and birth control around the same time, the 1978 convention added the text: "the right of the people to privacy is recognized and shall not be infringed without the showing of a compelling state interest."