It's been 55 years since Hawaii officially became a U.S. state. For the occasion, we're featuring some of the best photos that CNN iReporters have taken of the Aloha State. Here, Jutka T. Emoke Barabas captured a warm sunset over the calm waters off Honolulu in August 2012. 
The cinder cones of Maui's Haleakala National Park form a stark volcanic landscape. Despite its desolate feel, the park is home to many endangered species. 
Jon Rosiska photographed lava flowing into the ocean while traveling along the Big Island's coastline in April 2013. 
Lava flows from the Pu'u O'o Crater at the Kilauea volcano on the island of Hawaii. The crater has been erupting regularly since January 1983. 
A "30-second bicycle ride" can transport Sarah Lopez from her home in Sunset Beach to the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii. The vibrant sky is often caught by the shore's tidal pool, creating a breathtaking scene. 
The vibrant fronds of the Hapuu fern tree against the dark, volcanic soil are a reminder of the harsh and beautiful nature of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Jill Thornton, a resident of the Big Island, visited the park in May 2012. 
The sprawling trails of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will lead visitors to some of the island's most diverse ecosystems, filled with native terrestrial flora and fauna. 
Waimea, located on the Big Island, is home to rolling green hills and pastures and paniolos, also known as Hawaiian cowboys. 
Lee Gunderson captured a lonely stretch of road in February 2006 on the Big Island, leading to the base of Mauna Kea and the W. M. Keck Observatory. 
Stalks of mullein stud the slopes of Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano. Mauna Loa, one of five volcanoes that form the island of Hawaii, is visible in the distant background. 
Hawaii is known for its surfing, thanks to big waves like this one photographed by Kenji Croman in March at Rocky Point on Oahu's North Shore. 
This moss-covered bridge stretching into the thick canopy of tropical forest leads out to Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park on the Big Island's east coast. 
Feeling daring? Oahu's Laie Point State Wayside has cliffs from which daredevils often jump. Gail Powell says she enjoyed taking this photo but wasn't interested in taking the plunge herself. 
If nature isn't your thing, Waikiki's Kalakaua Avenue offers a variety of luxury boutiques for shoppers, and you'll still be able to see a stunning ocean view from the street. 
You can snorkel, surf or just take a boat out at Kahaluu Bay on the Kona coast of the Big Island. 
The Koolau Mountain Range dominates the eastern coastline of Oahu. 
The Dole Plantation has hundreds of acres of pineapple fields dedicated to cultivating and growing Hawaii's sweet and tart fruit. The plantation, a popular attraction in Oahu, says it draws more than 1 million visitors annually. 
Sunset at the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, a popular man-made pool in Waikiki. 
A blue butterfly rests on a kookoolau flower in Kealia Trail in Mokuleia along Oahu's North Shore in a shot by Richard Rehkemper. 
Hikers can explore the spellbinding lava tube of kaumana cave, which stretches about 25 miles. This volcanically formed cave is in Kaumana Caves County Park near Hilo on the Big Island. 
Paddle boarding is a popular pastime on the Big Island. Here, two adventurers and a four-legged companion drift gently through the calm waters of Kailua Bay in Kona. 
Dancers are among the sights at the King Kamehameha Floral Parade in 2012 in Honolulu. The annual parade is held on Kamehameha Day, a June 11 holiday that celebrates the first king of the Hawaii Islands. 
Care to be lulled to sleep with the sound of waves rumbling in the background? Camp Mokuleia on the North Shore of Oahu offers visitors a chance to sleep on the beach.
- Hawaii officially became a U.S. state 55 years ago
- To mark the occasion, iReporters offer beautiful photos from Hawaii
Do you have a gorgeous travel snapshot? Share it with CNN iReport.
(CNN) -- Formed by volcanoes and steeped in a rich history of Polynesian culture, Hawaii sounds more like a place in a fantasy novel rather than an American travel oasis.
Made up of a chain of volcanic mountains that form eight major islands, Hawaii stretches about 1,500 miles. The state's vast expanse provides a diverse terrain for visitors to explore -- tropical rain forests, cool alpine regions, arid deserts and sunny beaches -- all within miles of one another.
The region's beauty, history and landscape have enthralled novice and seasoned travelers alike. American travel writer Paul Theroux once said, "Hawaii is not a state of mind, but a state of grace."
The Aloha State on Thursday marks a milestone as it celebrates 55 years since becoming a U.S. state. To honor the occasion, we're sharing a breathtaking collection of photos that CNN iReport contributors have captured on the islands.
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