"Surf Riders" near Oahu in December 1953. AP Images Hawaii became the 50th U.S. state 54 years ago today, when President Eisenhower signed the Hawaii Admission Act on August 21, 1959.

Today the youngest state is known for its varied cuisine, beautiful state parks, distinct cultural traditions, and thriving tourism industry.

We've gathered 21 vintage photos that show Hawaii was beautiful long before it became the nation's favorite vacation destination.