Whether you realize it or not, Hawaii is so much more than just a tropical vacation destination; it is home to a unique culture, amazing people, and outstanding beaches. It has also made significant contributions to the agriculture, tourism, and film industries, among others. I shudder to think of what the world would be like without the Aloha State.

1) Without Hawaii, there would be considerably fewer amazing beaches in the world. And that’s pretty sad.
Sarah and Jason/Flickr
2) The world would also be missing some pretty stellar waterfalls, and incredible views.
Sathish J/Flickr
3) Without Hawaii, where would the rest of America go for a tropical vacation? They might actually have to get passports.
Daniel Chodusov/Flickr
4) Pineapple production would decrease drastically if Hawaii weren’t in existence.
Logan Sakai/Flickr
In fact, pineapple might never have been popular if it weren’t for James Dole.
5) Hawaii is also responsible for much of the world’s coffee, vanilla, and taro harvest.
Mike Petrucci/Flickr
6) Where would Hollywood directors shoot tropical scenes?
Sam Carlquist/Flickr
Movies like Jurassic Park, Gozilla, Blue Hawaii and 50 First Dates might not exist – or at least, not be as visually appealing.

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7) The Aloha Spirit wouldn’t be a thing.
Kris Nelson/Flickr
Without the people of Hawaii spreading aloha wherever they go, the world would be a much meaner place to live.
8) Perhaps honu would no longer have a place to thrive.
Steve Jurvetson/Flickr
Where would all the sea life surrounding the islands live if Hawaii didn't exist?
9) Without Hawaii, the first African American president would not exist.
GlynLow.Com/Flickr
Whether you love or hate Obama, who was born in Hawaii, the world would not be the same without his leadership of the United States throughout the last eight years.
10) And who knows what type of trouble America would be in if its military didn’t have a strong presence in the middle of the Pacific.
U.S. Pacific Fleet/Flickr
11) Without Hawaii, America would only have 49 states.
Ajay Suresh/Flickr
Which is much less impressive than 50. After all, Hawaii was the last to become an American state, in 1959.
12) The field of astronomy wouldn’t be the same without Hawaii, and the observatory that sits atop Mauna Kea – home to the world’s largest telescope.
Gregory Williams/Flickr
13) And lastly, the world wouldn’t have luaus, leis, or anything else uniquely Hawaiian.
Peter Liu/Flickr

Let’s all thank Pele that Hawaii exists. What are some other reasons the world wouldn’t be the same without Hawaii? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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