Photo courtesy Hawaii Tourism Japan.

Some of the more revered traditions are the Aloha Spirit hospitality, the dancing of hula, the everyday attire of aloha shirts and flower print dresses, the giving of a fresh flower lei for greetings and celebrations, and feasting at a lü'au. Hawaii became the 50th state on August 21, 1959. The state flower is the yellow hibiscus; the state bird, nënë or Hawaiian goose; the state tree, kukui or Candlenut; the state song, Hawaii Pono'ï; and the state seal and motto, Ua mau ke ea o ka 'äina i ka pono, which translates in Hawaiian to, "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness." Especially popular with residents and visitors alike is the outdoor-inspired, tropical lifestyle and the spectacular year-round weather, averaging a sunny 77 degrees and marked by cooling trade winds. Honolulu, the state capitol, is located on the island of O'ahu, home to nearly three-quarters of Hawaii's residents and the destination for most visitor arrivals.

Historic Places to visit in Hawaii

• USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park - Tour the historic World War II submarine USS Bowfin and visit the submarine museum and waterfront memorial.
• Bishop Museum - Hawaii's museum of natural and cultural history with daily activities, planetarium shows, garden tours, live hula and hawaiian music, and more.
• Hawaiian Railway Society - Educational operating railway museum. Preserves, restores Oahu Railway & Land Co. right-of-way and old railway equipment in Hawaii. A Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society.
• Friends of Iolani Palace - Guided tours of the official residence of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani, 1882 to 1893.
• Queen Emma Summer Palace - Former residence of Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV. The museum is listed on the National Historic Registry and operated by Daughters of Hawai`i.
• Arizona Memorial Museum Association - A non-profit association cooperating with the National Park Service, the Association operates a bookstore at the USS Arizona Memorial that provides visitors with educational material about the attack on Pearl Harbor and World War II in the Pacific.
• Polynesian Cultural Center - Hawaii's favorite visitor attraction. Featuring 7 Pacific Island villages on 42 acres. Hawaii's most authentic luau, and "Horizons," Hawaii's largest evening show. Hawaii's only canoe pageant. Two heralded IMAX films.
• Battleship Missouri Memorial - Where WWII Ended with the Surrender of the Japanese Forces. With over six decades of life at sea and 60,000 tons to explore, the Battleship Missouri Memorial is an interactive educational and inspirational monument.
• U.S. Army Museum Of Hawaii - Coastal defense battery housing military memorabilia from early Hawaiian period through Vietnam War. Gallery of Heroes honoring Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service Cross recipients. Gift Shop. Free Admission.
• Hawaii's Plantation Village - Explore a historic sugar plantation village and botanical garden. This living history museum reveals how plantation workers from across the globe ventured to Hawaii and blended their way of life, creating a new, thriving multi-cultural society.

• Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum - Award-winning museum housed in a turn-of-the-century sugar plantation superintendent's residence, located across from Hawaii's largest, still-operating, sugar factory.
• Hawaii Nature Center - Museum features over 30 "Hands On" exhibits relating the story of Hawaiian cultural and natural history. Offers guided rainforest hikes for adults and children, and a fully stocked Hawaiaana gift shop featuring unique gift and souvenir items.
• Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center - Historic site, group tours. Art classes, exhibits, workshops, studios, lectures, gift shop, mansion, botanical gardens.
• 'Ulalena at Maui Theatre - A feast for the senses, weaving powerful images of Hawaiian mythology & history into a celebration of nature and the human spirit. Awarded "Best of Show" & "Best Attraction" by HVCB.

• Parker Ranch Visitor Center - Take a self-guided tour through the museum that focuses on the Parker Ranch legacy and Hawaii's cattle-ranching history.
• Volcano Art Center - Volcano Art Center celebrates the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawaii and its unique environment through exhibits, classes, performances, group programs, and the sale of artwork.
• Hulihee Palace - Summer residence of Hawaiian royalty. The museum, operated by the Daughters of Hawai`i, houses a collection of Hawaiian artifacts and personal memorabilia of 19th century Hawaiian royalty.
• Lyman Museum - Engaging exhibits of the volcanic origins of Hawaii & its plants, animals, & climates. A celebrated mineral collection features specimens from around the world. Exhibits & interpretation of the 1839 mission house feature the cultural history of Hawaii.
• Kona Historical Society - Kona Historical Society Museum, housed in its 1875 Greenwell general store. Historic tours:Capt. Cook at Kealakekua Bay, Kailua Village, Keauhou Archeological, Keauhou Historical, & Kona Coffee Living History Farm.

• Kokee Natural History Museum - Hui o Laka - Trail information, Natural History Museum. Open every day. Visitor programs, volunteer opportunities, research support, local craft and bookstore, no admission charge.