Hawaii, a land cradled by the sea, a land born of fire. This chain of 137 islands curves across 1500 miles of the North Pacific Ocean. Today some 1.2 million people call Hawaii home. But many more visit the islands, about 7 million tourists each year, making Hawaii one of the most popular vacation spots in the United States.

 

The island of O’ahu is home to the state’s biggest city, Honolulu, and just below the city’s high-rise hotels, the beaches of Waikiki beckon the swimmers and surfers alike. The sport was invented in Hawaii at least 1000 years ago. And some of the world’s best waves keep it going strong.

 

While you're on O'ahu, take time to visit Pearl Harbor, here the USS Arizona now serves as an underwater memorial to those who died in the attack that plunged the US in the World War II on December 7, 1941.

 

The largest island in the state is called Hawaii where’s simply the big island. Black sand beaches fringe its coast, testament to its origin as a group of five massive volcanoes. One of these, Kilauea, also happens to be the world’s most active volcano. It's been erupting continuously since 1983. In Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you can watch lava flowing into the ocean in a natural fireworks display nearly every night.

 

No matter which island you visit, the beaches are star attraction, and they are also an excellent place to see wildlife. Sea turtles often swim in the shallows. And you might spot the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. Humpback whales migrate through these waters from September to May. You can sometimes spot breaching whales from the shore, but to get up close, book a trip on a whale watching boat.

 

Hawaii’s unique culture is on display all around the islands. Hula dancers here preserve an ancient tradition. For Hawaiians, it was a written language. The hulas pass down history in the form of song and dance.

 

Traditional Hawaiian music is also easy to find. On the less visited island of Moloka'i, a weekly jam session welcomes locals and tourists alike.

 

Hawaii has a tropical climate, making the weather excellent all year round although there is less rain from April to October. If you do visit, prepare to relax and enter the spirit of Aloha, a Hawaiian expression that says“hello, good bye and I love you” all in one word.