While we often define places and things, including our home states, by the traits, characteristics, and features they possess, we tend to forget that defining something by the things it lacks is also important. Throughout the Hawaiian Islands, you will find beautiful beaches, mind-blowing scenery, and plenty of shave ice. What you won’t find are these 14 things — and we couldn’t be happier about that fact.
- Daylight Savings Time.
Jasperdo/Flickr Because Hawaii is so close the equator, daylight savings time simply doesn’t matter here. For comparison, the earliest and latest sunset times for Hawaii differ by only an hour and a half, whereas sunset times in New York City differ by more than four hours. Who can keep up with all those time changes, anyway?
- Private beaches.
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr With only a few exceptions to accommodate the federal government, all beaches in Hawaii are public. Even in areas where the shoreline is dominated by residential dwellings or beach resorts, county governments and private developers are required to provide public access and parking for anyone to utilize.
- Professional sports teams.
Nick Olino/Flickr The Aloha State is a stranger to professional sports teams, but we don’t mind. Due to our remote location, the logistics of league travel would be tricky, and besides, we’d rather watch surfing competitions and our beloved University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors any day.
- Snakes.
John Clouston/Flickr Yep, you read that right. The only place you’ll find snakes in Hawaii is in a zoo because they are banned from entering the island chain. I guess Hawaii really is paradise, especially for those afraid of snakes.
- Billboards.
Eric/Flickr In 1927, Hawaii was the first state in America to outlaw billboards — preserving the natural beauty of the islands’ for decades to come. While we may have to deal with heavy traffic congestion, we will always have unobstructed views of the beautiful islands we call home.
- A fast-paced life.
Kristina D.C. Hoeppner/Flickr Life in Hawaii is meant to be lived slowly — and that’s the way we like it. We may not get to take a nap in a hammock every day, but we enjoy the little things, and practice the art of relaxation as often as possible — as a result, Hawaii just so happens to be the least stressed state in the country.
- Excessive traffic noise.
be808/Flickr Honolulu may be known for having the worst traffic in the country — second only to Los Angeles — but that doesn’t mean you’ll hear car horns on the road. The absence of road noise, even during rush hour, is a constant reminder of the Aloha spirit we embody in every aspect of our lives.
- A cultural majority.
drufisher/Flickr The Aloha State is truly a melting pot of ethnic diversity; not only are the islands are home to the most multiracial residents in America, but there is no ethnic majority in Hawaii. White Americans make up just 24 percent of the population, whereas multiracial Americans make up 23 percent of Hawaii residents.
- Major banks.
Teemu008/Flickr Now this one is a little less obvious — but exactly zero of the country’s ten major banks have branches in Hawaii: that includes Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo. Something about the high cost of doing business and manning call centers for a drastically different time zone, I guess. Instead, Hawaii residents are loyal to local banks, like Bank of Hawaii, and First Hawaiian Bank.
- Winter.
Aaron Smith/Flickr We are lucky enough in Hawaii to experience endless summer weather. The average temperature fluctuates between 78 and 85 depending on the time of year, which is great considering most locals are cold when temperatures dip below 70 degrees. The only place you’ll find snow and cooler temperatures are at the summits of Hawaii’s tallest mountains.
- Rabies.
Mitchell P/Flickr While this makes it a pain to transport your pets to and from Hawaii, everyone can be happy about living in a rabies-free state. Due to its isolated location, it’s no surprise that Hawaii is the only state in the country without rabies. That’s pretty awesome, right?
- The need for formal wear.
jenswanson/Flickr Who needs ball gowns, tuxedos, and dress shows when sundresses, Aloha shirts, and “fancy” slippers are the standard attire — even for fancy events? We love not having to use the little closet space we have storing these bulky clothing items, and let’s face it, we just don’t see the need to dress up for a wedding, especially one that is taking place on the beach.
- More than one area code.
Eli Duke/Flickr Serving all 1.3 million residents of Hawaii is a single area code that was assigned to the islands shortly after our statehood in 1959. That area code is 808, and it’s something many Hawaii residents are proud of.
- Rude and unhappy residents.
Damien_p58/Flickr The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index has named Hawaii the happiest state in the country, the fifth time the Aloha State has been awarded this honor. While you’re sure to find cranky locals occasionally, Hawaii locals are as a whole relaxed, happy, and healthy.
Anything else you would add to this list? Sound off in the comments below, and then click here to chuckle at these signs found in Hawaii that sum up island life perfectly.
Jasperdo/Flickr
Because Hawaii is so close the equator, daylight savings time simply doesn’t matter here. For comparison, the earliest and latest sunset times for Hawaii differ by only an hour and a half, whereas sunset times in New York City differ by more than four hours. Who can keep up with all those time changes, anyway?
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr
With only a few exceptions to accommodate the federal government, all beaches in Hawaii are public. Even in areas where the shoreline is dominated by residential dwellings or beach resorts, county governments and private developers are required to provide public access and parking for anyone to utilize.
Nick Olino/Flickr
The Aloha State is a stranger to professional sports teams, but we don’t mind. Due to our remote location, the logistics of league travel would be tricky, and besides, we’d rather watch surfing competitions and our beloved University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors any day.
John Clouston/Flickr
Yep, you read that right. The only place you’ll find snakes in Hawaii is in a zoo because they are banned from entering the island chain. I guess Hawaii really is paradise, especially for those afraid of snakes.
Eric/Flickr
In 1927, Hawaii was the first state in America to outlaw billboards — preserving the natural beauty of the islands’ for decades to come. While we may have to deal with heavy traffic congestion, we will always have unobstructed views of the beautiful islands we call home.
Kristina D.C. Hoeppner/Flickr
Life in Hawaii is meant to be lived slowly — and that’s the way we like it. We may not get to take a nap in a hammock every day, but we enjoy the little things, and practice the art of relaxation as often as possible — as a result, Hawaii just so happens to be the least stressed state in the country.
be808/Flickr
Honolulu may be known for having the worst traffic in the country — second only to Los Angeles — but that doesn’t mean you’ll hear car horns on the road. The absence of road noise, even during rush hour, is a constant reminder of the Aloha spirit we embody in every aspect of our lives.
drufisher/Flickr
The Aloha State is truly a melting pot of ethnic diversity; not only are the islands are home to the most multiracial residents in America, but there is no ethnic majority in Hawaii. White Americans make up just 24 percent of the population, whereas multiracial Americans make up 23 percent of Hawaii residents.
Teemu008/Flickr
Now this one is a little less obvious — but exactly zero of the country’s ten major banks have branches in Hawaii: that includes Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo. Something about the high cost of doing business and manning call centers for a drastically different time zone, I guess. Instead, Hawaii residents are loyal to local banks, like Bank of Hawaii, and First Hawaiian Bank.
Aaron Smith/Flickr
We are lucky enough in Hawaii to experience endless summer weather. The average temperature fluctuates between 78 and 85 depending on the time of year, which is great considering most locals are cold when temperatures dip below 70 degrees. The only place you’ll find snow and cooler temperatures are at the summits of Hawaii’s tallest mountains.
Mitchell P/Flickr
While this makes it a pain to transport your pets to and from Hawaii, everyone can be happy about living in a rabies-free state. Due to its isolated location, it’s no surprise that Hawaii is the only state in the country without rabies. That’s pretty awesome, right?
jenswanson/Flickr
Who needs ball gowns, tuxedos, and dress shows when sundresses, Aloha shirts, and “fancy” slippers are the standard attire — even for fancy events? We love not having to use the little closet space we have storing these bulky clothing items, and let’s face it, we just don’t see the need to dress up for a wedding, especially one that is taking place on the beach.
Eli Duke/Flickr
Serving all 1.3 million residents of Hawaii is a single area code that was assigned to the islands shortly after our statehood in 1959. That area code is 808, and it’s something many Hawaii residents are proud of.
Damien_p58/Flickr
The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index has named Hawaii the happiest state in the country, the fifth time the Aloha State has been awarded this honor. While you’re sure to find cranky locals occasionally, Hawaii locals are as a whole relaxed, happy, and healthy.
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