As part of my summer series - Travel Oracles 50 States - I am revisiting each os the fifty American states as an overview on travel culture and history. Today: Hawaii

Joined: More than 60 years after the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, Hawaii (Native spelling: Hawaiʻi) officially became America's 50th state on August 21, 1959. The cluster of islands, situated some 2,400 miles off the U.S. mainland in the South Pacific, followed Alaska, the 49th entry, by just eight months

Original Indigenous Peoples: Native Hawaiians, or simply Hawaiians (Hawaiian: kānaka, kānaka ʻōiwi, kānaka maoli, and Hawaiʻi maoli), are the Indigenous Polynesian people of the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii was settled at least 800 years ago with the voyage of Polynesians from the Society Islands.

First Settlers: The first European to set foot in Hawaii was Captain James Cook (English), who landed on the island of Kauai in 1778. Cook, who named the islands after the Earl of Sandwich, returned to a year later and was killed in a confrontation with Hawaiians at Kealakekua Bay, on Hawaii's Big Island.

History moment: On the morning of December 7, 1941, hundreds of Japanese fighter planes attacked the American naval base at Pearl Harbor near Honolulu. The surprise attack destroyed nearly 20 vessels, killed more than 2,000 American soldiers and propelled the United States into World War II

Known for: Hawaii is known for its 750 miles of spotless coastline dotted with volcanoes, its ancient culture that includes icons like the hula dance and lūʻaus, as well as for its rich cuisine that gave us poke bowls. Also the birthplace of former President Barack Obama

Places: There are six major islands to visit in Hawaii: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii!

Movie setting: Pearl Harbor, 50 First Day, Punch Drunk Love, , The Decendants, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and most recently the TV show White Lotus

Musicians from: Do Ho, Bette Midler, Jack Johnson, Bruno Mars

Surprising facts: Hawaii is the world's largest island chain, and it's the only U.S. state completely made up of islands. But only 7 of its 132 islands are inhabited: Hawaii (also known as the Big Island), Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau. Also, Hawaii is the Only State that Grows Coffee Commercially and was the First State to Ban Plastic Bags

Hawaii overflows with natural beauty. Piercing the surface of the Pacific from the ocean floor, the Hawaiian Islands are garlanded with soft sand beaches and dramatic volcanic cliffs. Long days of sunshine and fairly mild year-round temperatures make this an all-season destination, and the islands' offerings—from urban Honolulu on Oahu to the luxury resorts of Maui to the natural wonders of Kauai and the Big Island—appeal to all kinds of visitors. Less-developed Lanai and Molokai are quieter, but all the islands are rich in Hawaiian culture. Let’s travel to Hawaii

My Experience: I have been to Hawaii a few times, like many on the west coast, as it is a convenient vacation destination. I even have cousins on one of the islands - it a gorgeous location to spend a long time unwinding in the spectacular natural surroundings. The three popular destinations are as follows:

Oahu: Oahu is the Hawaiian island that has it all—untouched tropical landscapes as well as a stimulating urban vibe. You can explore the beaches and gentle waves of Kailua, or take in nightlife in buzzing Honolulu (the state's capital), home to a vibrant Chinatown and burgeoning arts scene. Life is still appealingly slow-paced on the northern and eastern shores, where razor-edged mountains descend to spectacular beaches. A thriving traditional culture, plus top-notch historic sites such as the royal Iolani Palace and Pearl Harbor, spice up the mix here as well.

Maui: "Maui no ka oi" is what locals say—it's the best, the most, the top of the heap. To those who know Maui well, there are good reasons for the superlatives. The island's miles of perfect beaches, lush green valleys, and volcanic landscapes, as well as its historic villages, top-notch water sports, and stellar restaurants and resorts, have made it an international favorite. Maui is also home to rich culture and stunning ethnic diversity, as reflected in the island's wide range of food and traditional activities.

Kauai: Hawaii's ultimate tropical paradise, Kauai has amazing natural wonders to explore, from the velvety green, accordion-folded cliffs of Napali Coast to the multicolor vistas of Waimea Canyon. Sun seekers choose favorites from more than 50 miles of beaches, while hikers and kayakers have abundant options in unspoiled beauty. Best of all, laid-back Kauai is one of the state’s least-crowded islands,

Nature: Hawaiʻi boasts nine national parks, from the site of an attack that launched the U.S. into World War II to areas sacred to Native Hawaiians. These important sites are great places for visitors to explore and learn more about Hawaiʻi's unique history and culture. Top 5 would include: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiʻi Island, Haleakalā National Park, Maui, World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument (including the USS Arizona Memorial), Oʻahu, World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument (including the USS Arizona Memorial), Oʻahu, Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Hawai‘i Island

Ranking in US: Per the annual US News report, Hawaii is currently ranked #18 out of 50 in 2021, down from #17 in 2019.