Ever since it became the fiftieth and most tropical U.S. state in 1959, Hawaii has been a hotspot for millions of people seeking surf, sun, and sand. With its renowned Aloha spirit, this island state welcomes visitors to climb its actively smoldering volcanoes, relax on its gorgeous black-sand beaches, sport a lei and hula skirt without a trace of irony, and generally enjoy themselves in the rich Hawaiian culture and environment. Hawaii is comprised of six main islands, each with its own distinct charm and flavor. Maui, or "the magic isle," boasts stretches of beautiful beaches and a spectacular drive along the scenic road of Hana. The Big Island allows visitors to explore the primeval natural wonders of Volcanoes National Park and its extensive fields of solidified black lava. Oahu, the "heart of Hawaii," is home to Honolulu and the world-famous Waikiki, with its combination of fantastic surf spots, fabulous nightclubs, and luxurious resorts under the shadow of Diamond Head. Kauai, the Nature Island, holds some of the most breathtaking and rugged natural beauty of the chain, from the Na’Pali coast to Waimea Canyon. Lanai and Molokai remain largely unsettled, but the lack of development (and paved roads) just means visitors can truly take a break from the too-fast pace of the modern world. As a meeting point of east and west, part of the United States but separated from it by thousands of miles of ocean, Hawaii is truly paradise.