After the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in the late 1800s, the Hawaiian Islands became a U.S. Protectorate, and later a territory, though did not become a state until 1959. While Hawaii may be the baby of the family that is the United States of America, and there are some who still disapprove of our statehood, the day Hawaii became a state – today, August 21 – should always be celebrated. In honor of Hawaii’s statehood, here are 23 reasons Hawaii is the absolute best state in America!

  1. Hawaii is truly a tropical paradise.

Dave Dugdale/Flickr

  1. Our beaches are phenomenal.

Jeff Keacher/Flickr

  1. And our mountains are simply stunning.

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  1. The islands are home to countless cascading waterfalls.

Brian Uhreen/Flickr

  1. Rainbows are almost a daily occurrence.

Natasha Bishop/Flickr

  1. And even our cities are beautiful.

Edmund Garman/Flickr

  1. The culture is wonderfully unique.

Johnny Silvercloud/Flickr

  1. The Aloha Spirit surrounds you.

Taber Andrew Bain/Flickr

  1. Every day is casual Friday in Hawaii.

Lucie Lankova/Flickr

  1. And the only suit you need is a swimsuit.

CRASH:candy/Flickr

  1. We gave the world poke.

Jennifer Cachola/Flickr

  1. As well as Kona coffee, and pineapple.

Duluoz cats/Flickr

  1. Oh, and we perfected the acai bowl, saimin, and malasadas.

MjZ Photography/Flickr

  1. Hawaii is the birthplace of modern surfing.

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  1. We introduced the world to hula dance and ukulele music.

Taka_aka_T/Flickr

  1. Nothing quite compares to the smell of fresh tropical flowers.

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  1. The sunrises can’t be beat…

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  1. …except maybe by vibrant sunsets.

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  1. Hawaii is home to incredible sea life.

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  1. And palm trees swaying in the breeze can’t be beat.

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  1. The Hawaiian Islands are a true melting pot of cultures.

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  1. Hands down, Hawaii is the prettiest state in the country.

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  1. And as the last state to join America, we made the states an even 50.

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Happy Birthday, Hawaii!

Dave Dugdale/Flickr

Jeff Keacher/Flickr

Marvin Chandra/Flickr

Brian Uhreen/Flickr

Natasha Bishop/Flickr

Edmund Garman/Flickr

Johnny Silvercloud/Flickr

Taber Andrew Bain/Flickr

Lucie Lankova/Flickr

CRASH:candy/Flickr

Jennifer Cachola/Flickr

Duluoz cats/Flickr

MjZ Photography/Flickr

Tom Kelly/Flickr

Taka_aka_T/Flickr

Daniel Ramirez/Flickr

Peggy202CREATIVELENZ/Flickr

Joe Parks/Flickr

Steve Jurvetson/Flickr

Rose Braverman/Flickr

Montse PB/Flickr

Paul Bica/Flickr

Jim Mulhaupt/Flickr

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