Hawaii is a perfect getaway for those who love sunbathing and water sports against the backdrop of natural beauty that few other places can match.

The 50th state of the U.S. is an archipelago of eight islands, including Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the biggest Hawaii, in the central Pacific Ocean.

One popular highlight of Hawaii is its tallest mountain and a dormant volcano, Mauna Kea, whose peak is covered with snow in winter, and where visitors can take part in stargazing sessions at 9,300 feet of elevation every night.

There are two national parks in Hawaii – Haleakala National Park near Kula, Maui, that includes the dormant volcano that formed the eastern part of the island and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in the southeast region of the island, which includes the active volcano Kilauea.

Hawaii is also known for a range of exotic and cultural festivals.

Among the annual events worth visiting are the Pan-Pacific Matsuri festival celebrating the cultural links between Hawaii and Japan, the Kamehameha Festival which takes place in Hilo on June 11, featuring Hawaiian music, crafts and food, and the annual Lana'i Pineapple festival.

To get off the beaten path, gohowaii.com recommends a hike along the Napali Coast on Kauai or between the 2000-foot cliffs on Waipio Valley on Hawaii's Big Island, the local art scene in downtown Oahu during the monthly First Friday art walk and a day at Kaupoa Beach on Molokai.