Hawaii

The 50th state to enter the Union, Hawaii is a chain of islands more than 2000 miles southwest of San Francisco. The state is made up of eight large islands--Hawaii, Kauai, Niihau, Kahoolawe, Maui, Oahu, Lanai and Molokai--and several smaller ones. First discovered by Polynesian explorers in roughly 400 A.D., Hawaii flourished until European discovery by the British explorer James Cook in 1778. Soon after Europeans landed, the native population was decimated by the introduction of previously unknown diseases.

In order to repopulate the islands, American businessmen recruited other ethnic Asians to Hawaii, chiefly Chinese and Japanese. As a result, Hawaii became richly multicultural. It prospered economically as well as a result of its flourishing sugar and pineapple industries. As the island's value grew, American business interests grew to resent the local monarchy's obstruction of their economic goals. They deposed the native monarch, Queen Liliuokalani in 1893. In 1959, the island chain became a U.S. state.

Hawaiian tourists can expect lovely weather year-round. All water activities are excellent here, and the region is well known for its fantastic surfing and sailing. The variety of exotic marine life makes for excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. Land-bound visitors can gaze at the waterfalls, visit historic Hawaiian landmarks or enjoy a nature tour. The last is a special treat: 90 percent of Hawaiian flora is found nowhere else in the world! Those interested in military history won't want to miss Pearl Harbor's USS Arizona Memorial. And geological enthusiasts will want to explore Hawaii's mysterious caves and many volcanoes.