THE ALOHA SPIRIT
This famous four-letter Hawaiian word is used warmly as both "hello" and "goodbye," but it also means love, peace, and kindness.
Aloha
This prickly, sweet yellow fruit became a major Hawaiian export thanks to James Dole, who started a massive plantation of them in 1901.
Pineapple
This historic water sport, where individuals ride ocean waves on a wooden board, was once reserved only for Hawaiian royalty.
Surfing
Rather than being part of the American mainland, the entire state of Hawaii is made up of a chain of these landmasses surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.
Islands
The "King of Rock and Roll" loved Hawaii, filming the movie Blue Hawaii there and performing his historic 1973 "Aloha from Hawaii" concert.
Elvis
This traditional Hawaiian dance tells a story through beautiful, graceful hand movements, swaying hips, and rhythmic music.
Hulu
This traditional Hawaiian party features a massive feast, lively music, and entertainment, often centered around a pig roasted in an underground oven.
Luau
Located on the island of Oahu, this world-famous, crescent-shaped beach is known for its luxury hotels and beautiful views of Diamond Head.
Waikiki Beach
The islands of Hawaii were completely created over millions of years by the eruptions of these powerful, lava-spewing mountains.
Volcano
This iconic, button-up wardrobe staple features bright, colorful patterns of tropical flowers, palm trees, and beaches.
Hawaiian Shirt
This is the beautiful, traditional garland of fresh, colorful flowers draped around a visitor's neck as a warm sign of welcome.
Lei
Hawaii is famous for harvesting these round, buttery, and incredibly rich nuts, which are frequently roasted, salted, or covered in chocolate.
Macadamia Nuts
Every winter, thousands of these massive, singing marine mammals migrate from the icy waters of Alaska to the warm shallows of Hawaii to give birth.
Humpback Whales
This bustling, sun-drenched city located on the island of Oahu serves as the official capital of Hawaii.
Honolulu
This classic 1960s TV detective show, famous for its roaring wave opening theme song and the catchphrase "Book 'em, Danno," was filmed entirely on Oahu.
Hawaii Five-O
This four-stringed, guitar-like musical instrument is a staple of Hawaiian music and has a cheerful, high-pitched plucked sound.
Ukulele
Grown on the rich volcanic slopes of the Big Island, this premium, aromatic beverage is prized by coffee lovers all over the world.
Kona Coffee
Unlike mainland beaches, some of Hawaii's unique shores feature sand that is completely this dark color, created by shattered volcanic rock.
Black Sand Beaches
Hawaii became the final piece of the American flag puzzle when it was officially admitted as this numbered U.S. state in August of 1959.
50th State
Tom Selleck starred as a mustache-sporting private investigator driving a red Ferrari around Hawaii in this smash-hit 1980s television series.
Magnum, P.I.
Popularized by the movie Lilo & Stitch, this Hawaiian word means "family" and carries the beautiful reminder that no one gets left behind.
Ohana
This sweet, finely shaved ice treat is poured over with vibrant fruit syrups and often served over a scoop of vanilla ice cream at the bottom.
Shaved Ice
This large, gentle marine creature, known locally as "Honu," is a sacred symbol of good luck and can often be seen swimming along the coral reefs.
Green Sea Turtles
This active shield volcano on the Big Island is one of the most famous in the world, known for its frequent, glowing rivers of slow-moving lava.
Kilauea
This beloved, gentle-voiced Hawaiian singer became world-famous for his beautiful, medaled medley combining "Over the Rainbow" with "What a Wonderful World" played on his ukulele.
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (Accept "IZ")