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!
- Hawaii is truly a tropical paradise.
Dave Dugdale/Flickr
- Our beaches are phenomenal.
Jeff Keacher/Flickr
- And our mountains are simply stunning.
Marvin Chandra/Flickr
- The islands are home to countless cascading waterfalls.
Brian Uhreen/Flickr
- Rainbows are almost a daily occurrence.
Natasha Bishop/Flickr
- And even our cities are beautiful.
Edmund Garman/Flickr
- The culture is wonderfully unique.
Johnny Silvercloud/Flickr
- The Aloha Spirit surrounds you.
Taber Andrew Bain/Flickr
- Every day is casual Friday in Hawaii.
Lucie Lankova/Flickr
- And the only suit you need is a swimsuit.
CRASH:candy/Flickr
- We gave the world poke.
Jennifer Cachola/Flickr
- As well as Kona coffee, and pineapple.
Duluoz cats/Flickr
- Oh, and we perfected the acai bowl, saimin, and malasadas.
MjZ Photography/Flickr
- Hawaii is the birthplace of modern surfing.
Tom Kelly/Flickr
- We introduced the world to hula dance and ukulele music.
Taka_aka_T/Flickr
- Nothing quite compares to the smell of fresh tropical flowers.
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr
- The sunrises can’t be beat…
Peggy202CREATIVELENZ/Flickr
- …except maybe by vibrant sunsets.
Joe Parks/Flickr
- Hawaii is home to incredible sea life.
Steve Jurvetson/Flickr
- And palm trees swaying in the breeze can’t be beat.
Rose Braverman/Flickr
- The Hawaiian Islands are a true melting pot of cultures.
Montse PB/Flickr
- Hands down, Hawaii is the prettiest state in the country.
Paul Bica/Flickr
- And as the last state to join America, we made the states an even 50.
Jim Mulhaupt/Flickr
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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