From the moment you land in Hawaii, things just feel different.
While Hawaii has been a state since 1959, it has always been a distinctly exotic destination, unlike anything else in the country and even the world. It's no wonder America fell head over heels in love with the islands.
As the world's most isolated landmass, Hawaii has its own culture, its own timezone, and its own way of doing just about everything.
The idiosyncrasies that make Hawaii so distinct are precisely the reasons we love it so.
Below, just 11 ways Hawaii feels like a foreign country.
But you do have to fill out a form when you land.
It's an agriculture form, not a customs form, but after the long flight (roughly 10 hours from New York), it's easily confused.
You won't find your bank here.
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Not a single one of the country's ten biggest banks, including Bank of America, Chase, Citi, and Wells Fargo, has a retail location in Hawaii. Instead, you'll find local banks like First Hawaiian and Bank of Hawaii.
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There's a language barrier.
Hawaii has two official languages, Hawaiian and English. But Hawaiian pidgin is also widely used. A recent US census of languages in North America included Hawaiian Pidgin as a recognized language for the first time, meaning a lot of Hawaii residents were pleasantly surprised to find themselves newly bilingual.
McDonald's has a special menu here.
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We'll take the spam, eggs and rice breakfast platter and one taro pie, please.
But who needs McDonald's when you have Zippy's?
With its extensive menu (saimin and grilled cornbread, anyone?), Hawaii's very own fast food joint is truly unique.
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There's an honest to goodness palace.
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Home to the last monarchs of the Kingdom of Hawaii, Iolani Palace is the only palace on U.S. soil.
Hawaii has its own gods.
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And whatever you do, don't mess with them, especially Pele.
It is truly diverse.
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According to a 2014 U.S. census estimate, Hawaii has the highest percentage of multiracial Americans (23 percent), as well as the lowest percentage of white Americans (26.7 percent) of any state.
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Some visitors may experience culture shock.
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There is a unique culture in Hawaii, one that extends well past tiki stereotypes. Aloha is a concept people live by, honking is totally taboo, and don't you dare think about wearing your shoes or slippers (flip flops) into someone's house.
It is truly otherworldly.
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Hawaii, we love you.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story indicated that Hawaii was the only state with more than one official language. It is not.
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