Final answer:
Nations were interested in ownership of Hawaii due to its lucrative sugar industry, strategic location, and potential for future military purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nations were interested in ownership of Hawaii for various reasons. One major reason was the lucrative sugar industry that lay at the heart of the Hawaiian Islands' economy. American businessmen were particularly interested in this industry and exported most of the sugar production to the United States tariff-free.
Additionally, Hawaii's strategic location in the Pacific Ocean made it valuable for naval strategists. Its harbors were ideal for guarding approaches to any future canal that might be built in Central America. Finally, Hawaii's location between the Philippines and a future Central American canal made it a strategic acquisition for the United States during the Spanish-American War.