Aloha Hawaii 50th State Retro Bucket HatLocated in the Pacific Ocean about 2,000 miles from the U. S. mainland, sits the only state within the U. S. in the tropics. Hawaii has eight main islands, each cradling their own unique attributes. Known for its breathtaking beauty and exquisite wildlife, Hawaii is home to the nations largest protected area, the Papahnaumokukea Marine National Monument. On August 21, 1959, Hawaii joined the United States as the 50th state in the union. Hawaiis