Lady Bird Johnson made several visits to Hawai'i.

In May 1961, while her husband was vice president, they came for a ground-breaking ceremony at the new East-West Center. Lyndon Johnson had shepherded through Congress the legislation that created the center. The couple spent two days and one night in Hawai'i and stayed at the Royal Hawaiian hotel before flying on to Asia.

In October 1966, while her husband was president, she received a plaque at the East-West Center honoring the national beautification program she launched. She also participated in a tree-planting ceremony.

"Hawaii is a statement of beauty as well as a state of mind," she said in a brief speech. "I congratulate you on thinking ahead across the slopes of time. That is why all states look to you and what you have done in conservation."

During the motorcade from the airport to the center, she left her car frequently to shake the hands of children who thronged around her.

Again, they stayed at the Royal Hawaiian. After that visit, the couple flew to Asia.