Hop in the car for a cross-country road trip, and you’ll likely lose count of the number of billboards you spot along the way. However, billboards are noticeably absent in just four states — Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, and Vermont. Hawaii was the first to outlaw billboards in the 1920s. All four states are known for a robust tourism industry, largely due to the natural beauty of their landscapes, and the billboard bans were passed to help preserve that beauty.

Hawaiian honeycreepers are a broad group of 18 species of birds that are endemic to the Hawaiian islands. Many of these species are finches, such as the Laysan finch and the Nihoa finch. Their colors vary by species, but they all feed on nectar and are known for their canary-like songs. There were once more than 50 species of honeycreepers around the islands, but sadly, many are extinct. Conservation efforts are being made to save these unique species.

Surfing has been a vital part of Hawaiian culture for centuries, and the notorious Vans Triple Crown of Surfing takes place on the North Shore of Oahu. Welcoming some of the sport’s biggest names, the competition consists of three parts: the Reef Hawaiian Pro, Billabong Pipe Masters, and Vans World Cup of Surfing. All three take place in Sunset Beach, a picturesque area of coastline known for its postcard views.

Vanilla comes from the dried beans of the vanilla orchid, a plant that thrives in warm, humid climates. Because these orchids only grow within 25 degrees of the equator, Hawaii is a prime location for commercial vanilla production. Agriculture tourism is popular in Hawaii, including vanilla orchid nurseries, where visitors can tour the gardens and learn more about the precious plant and its history on the islands.

In 1845, Iolani Palace was established as the royal residence for King King Kamehameha III, although at the time it was simply a large home. The site was renovated and expanded into a full-blown palace in 1882, serving as a lavish residence and royal entertainment venue for Hawaii's reigning monarchs; it remains the country’s only royal palace.

A staple of Hawaiian culture, the hula is a centuries-old tradition passed down from ancient Polynesians. Since 1971, this “world championship” of hula has been held annually in Hilo, a city on the Big Island. Named for King David Kalakaua, whose nickname was “The Merrie Monarch,” the festival aims to preserve and celebrate hula and other important Hawaiian traditions.

Since 1928, the first of May has been a statewide holiday celebrating the custom of giving and receiving lei, a garland of flowers that is a staple of Hawaiian culture. Poet laureate Don Blanding coined the idea in 1927, and it received widespread support. On May 1, 1929, Governor Wallace R. Farrington proclaimed that “May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii.” The holiday is celebrated with lei-making contests, festivals, parades, food, and live performances.

Hawaii has virtually every type of beach, with one exception: privately owned ones. Aside from a handful of beaches owned by the federal government, all beaches in the state are open to the public by law. Both counties and private developers are required to provide ample parking for beachgoers, leaving visitors and locals with plenty of options.

Hawaii is one of the only states that is officially bilingual — both English and Hawaiian are recognized by the state government. Some might argue that a third language, called Pidgin (or Hawaii Creole), should also be included, as it is widely spoken, but it is not official. One of the most interesting aspects of the Hawaiian language is its short alphabet, which is made up of only 12 letters.

The 20,000-acre Dole plantation in Wahiawa, located in central Oahu, was established when James Dole purchased the property in 1900. Today, the farm’s central attraction is the world’s largest pineapple maze, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, and the pineapple-flavored Dole whip that awaits hungry guests after they complete the maze.

In true “Aloha” spirit, presenting flower leis is considered a warm gesture and a greeting for guests on nearly any occasion. The biggest rule of the lei tradition is to always graciously accept the garland to avoid insulting the giver. This centuries-old custom is still popular today; leis made of fragrant blooms and lush leaves are a fixture at weddings, graduations, hotels, and parties.

This comfort food was invented around World War II and quickly spread in popularity across the Hawaiian Islands. Loco moco starts with a heaping scoop of white rice, topped with hamburger meat, a fried egg, and gravy. There is debate as to who invented the dish, but legend says that its name comes from the Portuguese and Hawaiian Pidgin word for “crazy” (“loco”) and a made-up word that conveniently rhymes it, “moco.”

This breathtaking coastal highway winds along the northern coast of Hawaii’s second-largest island, Maui. A favorite of road trippers, the Road to Hana features waterfalls, rainforests, and sweeping views of the ocean at every turn. First paved in 1926, the highway stretches for more than 50 miles, connecting the towns of Kahului and Hana.

Lanai is the sixth-largest of the Hawaiian islands, located between Oahu and the Big Island. In the early 1800s, the word “lanai” was borrowed from the Hawaiian language and used to refer to a roofed porch or veranda in English. The island of Lanai, on the other hand, is privately owned and boasts many luxury resorts and golf courses.

Grown in the rich soil of the Hualalai and Mauna Loa volcanoes, Kona is a specialty coffee with a unique taste. The Big Island “coffee belt” — home to more than 650 coffee farms — takes advantage of the tropical climate, mineral-rich soil, and high altitude to help give Kona coffee beans a mild and sweet flavor. Coffee tours are available here throughout the year.

Soaring 13,667 feet above sea level, Mauna Loa is one of Hawaii’s most awe-inspiring natural features. Fittingly, its name means “Long Mountain” in Hawaiian. The volcano is located within Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park, also home to Mount Kilauea, which is smaller than Mauna Loa but is currently considered to be the world’s most active volcano.

One of the most popular national parks in Hawaii is found on the southeastern coast of the Big Island. Volcanoes National Park extends from sea level to 13,680 feet in elevation, and along the way visitors can enjoy ample backcountry hiking near some of the most active volcanoes in the world. This protected area is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.

The Pearl Harbor National Memorial recognizes the December 7, 1941, attack on the naval base Pearl Harbor, which solidified America's involvement in World War II. Located in Honolulu, the memorial features exhibit galleries with battlefield artifacts and first-hand accounts of the events. The USS Arizona, which sank on that fateful day, is one of the most-visited sites at the memorial.

The bustling capital city of Hawaii is Honolulu, located in southeastern Oahu. It’s a major attraction for tourists thanks to its resorts and nightlife, especially in Waikiki, and its abundant beach and watersports opportunities along the scenic coast. Honolulu is the largest city and county (by population) in all of Hawaii. The island of Oahu itself is the most populated of the Hawaiian islands.

When Captain James Cook arrived in Hawaii in 1778, the British explorer named the islands in honor of the Earl of Sandwich, John Montagu, who sponsored his exploration. (And if you’re wondering, the sandwich we eat was indeed also named after him.) Cook’s arrival to Hawaii was the first European landfall there on record. The name stuck until the 1840s, when its local name, Hawaii, began to take prominence under local rule.

In Hawaii, “Aloha” is used as both a warm greeting and a way to say goodbye, but the word often means much more than that. The “Aloha Spirit” describes a sense of caring for one other that is deeply ingrained in Hawaiian culture — not only are you saying “hello” or “farewell,” but you also are extending warmth. So it’s only fitting that it’s reflected in the state nickname.