Hawaii was admitted as America's 50th state in 1959. Since then it has, without a doubt, become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. For American's, Hawaii is the closest you can get to paradise without a passport. The state of Hawaii consists of eight islands, of which the most inhabited are The Big Island, Maui, O'ahu, and Kaua'i. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people visit Hawaii to experience its breathtaking beaches, historic volcanoes, and friendly natives.