Hawaii became the 50th state on this day in 1959. In March 1959,a few months before, LIFE magazine ran a brilliant color essay - HAWAII—BEAUTY, and WEALTH,AMIABLE PEOPLE - After long years of trying, the idyllic islands at final stand on the brink of statehood. An image similar to the one pictured here ran with the following caption: “Fern-draped grotto on island of Kauai draws tourists into walk under verdant plants that hang from the roof. More than 50000 visitors a year come to the grotto, or which is called ‘Mama Akua Lono’ after the native Hawaiian god of chewing. It once was used by people of Kauai for their thanksgiving festivals.” (Ralph Crane—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images) #thisweekinLIFE #Kauai #Hawaii
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