Panaji, Dec 20 (IANS): India's most popular beach tourism destination Goa and America's tropical island state of Hawaii could be sister states as the two places had "a lot of similarities", first Hindu US Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard said Saturday.

In a statement issued by the Hawaii Congresswoman's office, Gabbard, who is in Goa to attend an international conclave, said there were a lot of similarities between the landscape and culture of Goa and Hawaii.

She said the 'sister-state' programme was "aimed at increasing relations between the two states and promoting tourism".

The statement said Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Goa Governor Mridula Sinha were "excited with the proposition and agreed to work towards formalising such an initiative".

Gabbard arrived in India last week following an official invite from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Governor Sinha believes that Goa and Hawaii are truly sister states as they have several similarities, including population," the statement issued by Gabbard said.

Gabbard, who is not of Indian origin, embraced Hinduism as a teenager.