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As the only U.S. state in the tropics, Hawaii offers a pleasant, warm climate and spectacular scenery, making it a recreational paradise.

Many options exist for cultural pursuits in the Aloha State. Some noteworthy museums include the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, which showcases over 2 million cultural artifacts representing Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Hawaiian immigrant life. The museum also boasts natural history collections of over 22 million plant and animal specimens representing Pacific Island and Hawaiian species. The Hawaii State Art Museum, part of the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, showcases the art of the people of Hawaii. The Polynesian Cultural Center on the North Shore of Oahu represents many South Pacific nations with authentic cultural activities. Fans of the theatre will enjoy the Maui Academy of Performing Arts. History buffs should not miss the beautiful ‘Iolani Palace, the only official state residence of royalty in the United States. The Kingdom of Hawaii’s last two rulers, King Kalakaua and Queen Lili`uokalani, lived at this former center of social and political activity.

For music lovers, Hawaii offers a rich heritage of its own as well as classical music performances. The Honolulu Symphony Orchestra is the oldest American orchestra west of the Rocky Mountains, and it continues its legacy at the Neal S Blaisdell Center. At the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Honolulu, visitors can appreciate the promotion and preservation of Hawaiian music with exhibits and recordings of composers, singers, and performers of Hawaiian music. Hawaii is also famed for its musical festivals, which include the Big Island Hawaiian Music Festival, featuring slack key music, steel guitar, ukulele, and falsetto. The Hamakua Music Festival showcases Hawaiian, jazz, and classical music on the Big Island.

Science and nature lovers can indulge in Hawaii’s many educational centers. Adults and children alike will enjoy the Honolulu Zoo and Sea Life Park, where visitors can swim with dolphins. Other educational centers include Kauai Children’s Discovery Museum, a hands-on museum with permanent science, art, and cultural exhibits. At the Hawaii Nature Center hands-on field programs and guided hikes help to encourage children to learn about the natural environment of Hawaii.

For outdoor adventurers, Hawaii has much to offer. The Aloha State’s vast coastline provides ample opportunity to surf (it's the birthplace of surfing), sail, kayak, dive, snorkel, or swim, while its volcanos can be climbed or skied.

Hawaii has many state parks, as well as numerous national historical parks and national park areas. These include Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, which showcases two of the world’s most active volcanoes; visitors can watch lava pour into the Pacific Ocean. Haleakala National Park features everything from otherworldly volcanic landscapes to sub-tropical rainforest. Historic park sites include USS Arizona National Memorial, the final resting place for many of the battleship's 1,177 crew members who lost their lives on December 7, 1941. The memorial provides insight into how World War II began for the United States. At Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park on the Big Island, visitors can experience a sanctuary with ancient temples and diverse wildlife. Hawaii’s State Park System consists of 52 state parks on the five major islands and offers both coastal and wildland environments for all manner of activities from snorkeling to backpacking.

Hawaii is known for celebrating with festivals. The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, at Hilo on the Big Island, celebrates the art and culture of hula. At Molokai Ka Hula Piko Festival at Molokai's Papohaku Beach Park, the birthplace of hula, celebrates the art of the hula dance for three days every year with music, food, and crafts. Other fun festivals include the Kona Coffee Festival, the Cherry Blossom Festival, and the Aloha Festivals.

With its legendary beauty, cultural heritage, and spirit of welcome, the Aloha State has something to offer for everyone.

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