There’s no doubt about it: the Hawaiian Islands are absolute paradise. As America’s youngest state and the most isolated population center in the world, Hawaii is unlike anywhere else you’ll find in the United States mainland. It’s true what they say, we are indeed “lucky to live Hawaii,” and here are 13 unique privileges only experienced by Hawaii locals to prove just that.
- Our beaches are second to none.
Anthony Quintano/Flickr With 750 miles of stunning coastline and countless stretches of pristine sand — in a variety of colors, might we add — Hawaiian beaches are the best in not only the country but the world.
- The Aloha Spirit is all-encompassing.
Peter Liu/Flickr Nowhere else will you find the Aloha Spirit than the Hawaiian Islands. The spirit of Aloha is positively infectious and is one of the aspects of life in Hawaii that is perhaps the most unique.
- The islands are steeped in culture and history.
Lindley Ashline/Flickr With a unique history and incredible diversity, Hawaii is truly a cultural melting pot — and it shows in nearly every aspect of life in the islands.
- We don’t need gym memberships with mountain trails like these.
Hawaiian Imagery/Flickr When you step away from Hawaii’s breathtaking beaches, you will find its majestic mountains and the countless trails you’ll find traversing the landscapes. Who needs a stair stepper or treadmill when you have steps carved into the mountainside and meandering trails perfect for a morning workout?
- It doesn’t get fresher than Hawaiian seafood.
dslrnovice/Flickr Forget Northwestern crab, the seafood you’ll find in Hawaii — from locally-raised shrimp to fresh-caught ahi — is incredible. When mixed with island-inspired flavors in our favorite dishes, it’s even better. After all, there’s no other state that gets to claim poke.
- Hawaii residents are happier and less stressed out than our mainland friends.
Wendy Nelson/Flickr According to various American studies, Hawaii is not only the least stressed out state in America but the happiest. And with sweeping vistas, ocean trade winds, and less importance placed on material goods, it’s easy to see why.
- There’s little better than being surrounded by tropical flowers.
Tara Schmidt/Flickr From fragrant hibiscus to the unique lehua blossoms, Hawaii locals get to experience fresh flowers all the time — in our breathtaking botanical gardens, at home, and even on the sides of our highways. Now that’s something not everyone else in America can say.
- Hawaii is home to some of the country’s prettiest scenery.
Andrew Baerst/Flickr From lush, green jungles to sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific, you won’t find better scenery anywhere in the country.
- There is no better place than Hawaii for water sports.
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr Hawaii is the birthplace of modern surfing, but that’s not all the islands are known for. From snorkeling and scuba diving to bodyboarding, SUP, and ocean kayaking, there’s no better place to enjoy ocean sports of all kinds.
- Life in Hawaii is much slower than on the mainland.
Michael Kreeger/Flickr In Hawaii, we live life a little slower than our friends on the mainland — and that’s just the way we like it. Island time exists for a reason.
- We have access to incredibly fresh produce.
J Klinger/Flickr Whether it’s a bucket of fresh lychee from your neighbors, local avocados from your favorite farmers market, or a famous Dole pineapple, Hawaii’s produce is hard to beat.
- We get to live in America, without really feeling like it.
Michael Tefft/Flickr As Hawaii residents, we have both the privilege of living in America, with all the perks of not actually living in the continental states.
- We live in an island paradise most people only dream of.
Edmund Garman/Flickr Many people save for years just to be able to afford to vacation in Hawaii for a single week, and we get to live here! And despite the complaints you might have, that is truly remarkable.
There are undoubtedly hundreds of more privileges only Hawaii residents experience we haven’t included on this list, so please, share your favorite benefits of living in Hawaii in the comments below.
Anthony Quintano/Flickr
With 750 miles of stunning coastline and countless stretches of pristine sand — in a variety of colors, might we add — Hawaiian beaches are the best in not only the country but the world.
Peter Liu/Flickr
Nowhere else will you find the Aloha Spirit than the Hawaiian Islands. The spirit of Aloha is positively infectious and is one of the aspects of life in Hawaii that is perhaps the most unique.
Lindley Ashline/Flickr
With a unique history and incredible diversity, Hawaii is truly a cultural melting pot — and it shows in nearly every aspect of life in the islands.
Hawaiian Imagery/Flickr
When you step away from Hawaii’s breathtaking beaches, you will find its majestic mountains and the countless trails you’ll find traversing the landscapes. Who needs a stair stepper or treadmill when you have steps carved into the mountainside and meandering trails perfect for a morning workout?
dslrnovice/Flickr
Forget Northwestern crab, the seafood you’ll find in Hawaii — from locally-raised shrimp to fresh-caught ahi — is incredible. When mixed with island-inspired flavors in our favorite dishes, it’s even better. After all, there’s no other state that gets to claim poke.
Wendy Nelson/Flickr
According to various American studies, Hawaii is not only the least stressed out state in America but the happiest. And with sweeping vistas, ocean trade winds, and less importance placed on material goods, it’s easy to see why.
Tara Schmidt/Flickr
From fragrant hibiscus to the unique lehua blossoms, Hawaii locals get to experience fresh flowers all the time — in our breathtaking botanical gardens, at home, and even on the sides of our highways. Now that’s something not everyone else in America can say.
Andrew Baerst/Flickr
From lush, green jungles to sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific, you won’t find better scenery anywhere in the country.
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr
Hawaii is the birthplace of modern surfing, but that’s not all the islands are known for. From snorkeling and scuba diving to bodyboarding, SUP, and ocean kayaking, there’s no better place to enjoy ocean sports of all kinds.
Michael Kreeger/Flickr
In Hawaii, we live life a little slower than our friends on the mainland — and that’s just the way we like it. Island time exists for a reason.
J Klinger/Flickr
Whether it’s a bucket of fresh lychee from your neighbors, local avocados from your favorite farmers market, or a famous Dole pineapple, Hawaii’s produce is hard to beat.
Michael Tefft/Flickr
As Hawaii residents, we have both the privilege of living in America, with all the perks of not actually living in the continental states.
Edmund Garman/Flickr
Many people save for years just to be able to afford to vacation in Hawaii for a single week, and we get to live here! And despite the complaints you might have, that is truly remarkable.
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