Hawaii State Nickname: The Aloha State
Fact-checked • Updated December 10, 2025
"The Aloha State"
Also Known As:
About the Nickname The Aloha State
Hawaii's official nickname is the Aloha State. The state adopted this name in 1959 when it joined the United States. Aloha is a Hawaiian word that people use both as a greeting and a farewell. It carries deeper meaning too, including love, peace, and compassion.
Meaning of 'The Aloha State'
Hawaii chose the Aloha State as its nickname because aloha describes how people interact on the islands. When someone arrives, locals say aloha. They say it again when visitors leave. The word comes from old Hawaiian language roots connecting to breath and the sharing of life. Many residents believe aloha describes a lifestyle built on treating others with kindness.
Hawaii became the 50th state in August 1959. Before that year, the islands existed as a United States territory starting in 1898. State leaders picked a nickname showing Hawaiian culture and the islands' friendly nature toward guests. Tourism numbers jumped during the 1960s and 1970s. The Hawaii nickname the Aloha State helped travelers remember what made these islands special.
You can see aloha everywhere across Hawaii today. License plates display Aloha State right below the numbers. Road signs welcome people using the word. Hotels put it in their business names. In 1986, Hawaii even wrote the spirit of aloha into state law, asking residents to treat each other with warmth and respect. No other state has done anything quite like this.
Other Nicknames
Paradise of the Pacific
Writers began calling Hawaii by this name during the late 1800s. Beautiful beaches attracted attention. So did the warm year-round weather and tropical plants growing wild across the islands. Mark Twain traveled to Hawaii in 1866 and described stunning views in his writing. Early 1900s cruise ships used Paradise of the Pacific in advertisements to draw tourists. The name suggested Hawaii offered ideal vacation conditions. People still mention this nickname when talking about Hawaii's scenery, though it appears less often than the official one. Tourism companies occasionally bring it back in marketing materials.
The Islands of Aloha
This name reminds people that Hawaii includes many separate islands rather than one connected landmass. Eight main islands make up Hawaii along with more than 100 smaller ones scattered across the Pacific Ocean. The Islands of Aloha combines geography facts with the aloha greeting central to Hawaiian life. Travel guides started using this phrase around the mid-1900s when mainland Americans began visiting Hawaii more often. It helped emphasize how water separates each island. Airlines and hotels sometimes use this nickname in their promotional content today, though not as widely as before.
The Rainbow State
Rainbows show up frequently in Hawaiian skies, which led to this nickname. Quick rain showers pass through while sunshine continues, creating perfect rainbow conditions. Visitors often see several rainbows during a single day, especially along windward island coasts where weather shifts fast. Hawaii put rainbow designs on license plates for many years. That choice made more people aware of the Rainbow State name. Light rain falls in some areas while the sun shines bright in others, painting colorful arcs overhead. Official uses of this nickname have declined, but people who visit Hawaii still know it well.
Interesting Facts
Fact 1 of 6
Hawaii joined the United States as the 50th state on August 21, 1959, making it the newest state.
Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Hawaii state law defining the spirit of aloha and its role in guiding interactions among residents and visitors.
Historical documents and state records that provide context for the Aloha State nickname and its cultural background.
Cultural and historical background on the term 'Aloha' and its importance in Hawaii’s identity.
General history of Hawaii, including information about its statehood and the origin of the Aloha State nickname.