Hawaii tops the happiness charts again and was named the happiest state in America, but how does that happiness translate for the millions of visitors who travel here each year?
For many, the islands still offer moments of deep connection, natural beauty, and cultural richness. However, others find the experience more complex than expected, especially amid rising costs, crowded attractions, and shifting attitudes toward tourism.
WalletHub placed Hawaii first across five categories of personal well-being in the 2025 Happiest States in America. This honor is meaningful, reflecting residents’ strong sense of purpose, social support, and physical wellness. Still, travelers are asking a fair question: Is that happiness something they can feel, too?
Why visitors feel excluded from Hawaii’s happiness.
WalletHub’s rankings are based on resident responses—not travelers. That distinction matters. Visitors don’t always access the same sense of place, familiarity, or freedom that residents enjoy. And lately, that’s where expectations and reality sometimes collide.
Some readers have shared concerns about long waits, surprise fees, or a feeling that tourists are being managed rather than welcomed. But others say the islands continue to deliver magical experiences—so long as you plan and stay flexible.
Carla, a repeat visitor, told us, “I love Hawaii. But the last two trips felt more stressful than relaxing. It was like I had to fight for every reservation, every parking space, and every smile.”
What Finland got right.
This year’s World Happiness Report placed Finland at the top globally for the seventh year in a row. The U.S., by contrast, dropped to its lowest rank ever—23rd. Travelers familiar with both places often cite a key difference: how they’re made to feel.
John, one of our readers, wrote, “In Finland, there was no pretense—just helpful people and fair prices. On Maui, I felt like a walking wallet.”
That comparison underscores how hospitality and transparency influence traveler perceptions, no matter how beautiful the destination.
The happiness gap: Residents vs. visitors.
Hawaii’s top ranking reflects a lifestyle rooted in ohana, access to nature, and a strong sense of place. That happiness is real—and we see it every day in moments of local generosity and cultural pride.
Visitors, especially those coming for a short stay, can struggle to access that same sense of well-being. Many of Hawaii’s most treasured spaces now require reservations or steep entry fees. Meanwhile, infrastructure in some areas is still catching up to demand.
Yet many travelers find ways to tap into Hawaii’s joy. Sunset paddles, farmers’ markets, quiet scenic hikes, and spontaneous local encounters still remind visitors why the islands are so unique.
How travel expectations are reshaping Hawaii’s image.
Today’s travelers are more experience-driven than ever. They’re looking for authenticity, value, and moments that feel personal—not just postcard-perfect. And while Hawaii still offers all that, the path to finding it isn’t always obvious.
Some destinations like Finland, Japan, or Tahiti get praise for consistency and warmth. But Hawaii has something they don’t: a cultural depth and natural diversity that’s unique in the world.
The challenge—and opportunity—is to ensure that visitors feel included in that experience and are not just charged for it.
How small changes could transform Hawaii travel.
We’ve said before that Hawaii is at a turning point. The state is rethinking tourism, emphasizing sustainability, cultural respect, and balance. Those are important goals, and they take time. But there are simple ways to help visitors feel more welcome.
Better signage, clear fee expectations, and friendlier service go a long way. So do consistent policies across parks and attractions. A little more clarity—and a little more aloha—can make a big difference.
One reader, Dana, shared: “We’ve been visiting for 15 years, and Hawaii still feels like a second home. You just have to go with the flow and spend time connecting, not rushing.”
What visitors can do now?
While Hawaii continues to evolve its approach to tourism, there are ways travelers can make the most of their trip. Many readers recommend visiting in shoulder seasons to avoid the heaviest crowds. Others say staying in less-touristed areas or traveling midweek opens up a different, calmer version of the islands.
Tools like Hawaii’s Na Ala Hele trail access system can help avoid frustration with trail closures or reservation limits. Apps like AllTrails or Google Maps reviews often lead to quieter beaches or off-the-beaten-path stops.
We also suggest checking our guide on what’s still worth it in Hawaii for 2025, highlighting ways travelers continue to find joy here.
Readers respond with mixed opinions.
We’ve heard a range of perspectives from Beat of Hawaii readers. Some expressed concern that Hawaii feels less relaxed than it once was. Others push back, saying there’s still plenty of magic—if you know where to look.
Evan wrote: “I still find joy in Hawaii every time. Sure, it’s expensive. But so is everywhere else now. I don’t expect 1990s prices.”
Laura offered a different take: “It’s not just about money. It’s the feeling that visitors are a burden. That’s new—and it changes everything.”
What do you think? Have you felt the disconnect between Hawaii’s happiness ranking and your travel experience? Or did the islands still deliver the experience you hoped for? Please share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know how Hawaii could improve for visitors.
So what can change?
Hawaii’s strengths have always been its people, its place, and its culture. As the state navigates its tourism reset, there’s a real opportunity to improve travel—not just for visitors but for everyone.
That means reinvesting in shared spaces, being transparent about changes, and encouraging deeper visitor engagement. It also means remembering that aloha is a two-way exchange that can still shape travel experiences in unforgettable ways.
The good news? Hawaii’s magic hasn’t disappeared. It’s still here for those willing to plan with care, travel with intention, and embrace the journey with open eyes.
As Hawaii redefines what tourism looks like, the question remains: Can the state’s happiness extend beyond its residents to the millions who visit each year? The answer will shape the future of Hawaii travel—and its reputation as paradise.
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Yes. Because Hawaii is overbooked, the Hawaiians are overworked and stressed and had to tolerate every rubbish that comes with welcoming overbearing tourist.
Go see some other parts of the world on lighthouses or better still, stay in your house!
The Govener and Mayors of Hawaii need to put forth to not be part of the America anymore. Become their own. The lack of thinking they are America there is tiring. Side note, I wonder how well they will do on their own?
Tom H we need to be cognizant of the fact that Hawaii is a vital part of the US Defense Program with Pearl Harbor/Hickam Joint Base, K-Bay, Kaena Point Space Force Station and Barking Sands amongst other bases. Visitors are often not aware of the role Hawaii plays in the Pacific for US Defense.
Dear visitors, wherever you are from: stop acting like entitled jerks while you are here and the locals will treat you with respect and kindness – it goes both ways, bro!
This goes for everyone.
What he said! And that also goes for the endless, entitled, whining comments about prices. Do you think we don’t know prices are high? We live here 24/7 and have to pay these prices every day!
Hmm, let’s address the title a bit.
“For people with means and 50k in savings it is the happiest state”
Seems more apt.. with the scale of economy against many under paid, under appreciated, workers NOT packing a degree, grant, family inheritance or generational wealth. Anyone not in those privileged groups is working crap jobs.. or working two or more jobs just to pay rent and buy food.
Sure .. some help is out there for some who qualify. But overall most never get any real aid as the wealth keeps sliding into only a few pockets…
Hey just wanted to say that having a degree, or 2, does not make someone privileged. Those of us who went to college earned that and we certainly do pay for it. Even with a Masters, you only get $50k working for the state. I would know. Sad face…..
I would be happy too if I could charge the tourist for everything to support roads, local government etc. IMO so happy that I would be laughing all the way to the bank. Sorry this survey don’t include tourists in that the results would be somewhat different. Just the Hawaii way were the tourist don’t really count. Go figure.
Last time I visit Oahu or Maui. Too many people, too expensive and to many homeless/mentally ill all over the streets. The street noise in Waikiki is constant.
I was made to feel unwelcome and uncomfortable several times on Oahu. A young man came up to me at a market near Lanikai and told me I wasn’t welcome. My adult children told me to just ignore it. I will. I won’t be back. It’s a paradise “lost”
Bro Waikiki sucks so bad now. Locals rarely go there. There’s no reason to.
We’ve been coming to Kauai yearly for 30 years and enjoyed every minute of it. Yes, prices have increased, but they have everywhere. I’ve learned the system and make reservations ahead of time, even before we leave to come, for busy restaurants, etc. I even get up at 5 AM to get a pass for Kee Beach (we leave in PA, 5 hours time zone change).
Of course hawaii isn’t like it used to be, it’s been catered to tourists. First of all, hawaii isn’t part of the united states it is being occupied by the u.s. do a little history research. If visitors come unhappy, they not going to be happy when they here. Wherever you go, there u are. So sorry people are unhappy getting to come visit some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Maybe don’t plan too many costly activities, do what the locals do and just enjoy it. If the tourists aren’t happy with the prices, think how the locals feel. 1 in 3 families are reportedly leaving hawaii because they can no longer afford to live here. I see long time and multi generational families having to leave. Sad. The only zen you find at the top of a mountain is the zen you bring with you.
“ hawaii isn’t part of the united states it is being occupied by the u.s. do a little history research”. ‘History research’ indicates that every land mass on earth has been occupied by multiple tribes for millennia.
If, as you pretend, the islands are not part of our country, please return the millions in federal funding that helps sustain your state. Thanks so much for your spirit of aloha.
Bro lots of these chee-hoo guys like that guy around here always saying that they aren’t Americans and that Hawaii isn’t part of the US. It’s exhausting and they really need to get over it. But you can’t argue with them. They’ve been told this stuff since they were kids by their angry parents (who voted in favor of statehood) and they teach it to their kids and plaster their Toyotas with stupid stickers reflecting such stuff. Absurd.
The fundamental difference between visitors and residents have to do with a completely different set of values. Visitors primarily come for sun, sand, and sea. Most full-time residents (not snowbirds) embrace Hawaiian values of aloha, mālama, pono, kuleana, and lōkahi. Being part of a community that cares deeply for one another brings a far deeper joy than ticking sites and experiences off from a guidebook and the FOMO anxiety that comes with it.
During my two week stay on Kauai in 2022 I had a great experience. I didn’t travel there to have a five star, luxury buying spree. I was inspired to take this trip to see the Sulcata tortoises! Since I have been raising one I wanted to see them in this location. Only once was I assumed to be an Instagram influencer follower for the reason for my trip. This was not true at all! It was Kauai’s natural landscape that put me in a deep state of joy. I didn’t need anything. I didn’t need to be seen. I liked seeing the signs that said “Slow Da F down!”
Interesting you say visitors or residents as most if my Hawaiian friends group malahinis or second home owners in the same group as other non locals. Kama’aina has taken on a false meaning as it is literally if the land or born in Hawaii from a Hawaiian family.
I guess I am not your normal visitor as I have been coming 2-3 times a year since 1994 and have a business in Hawaii. More than that I have a Hanai Ohana on Kauai and good friends on Oahu and the Big Island. So I hang out with them and do local stuff. It takes time to be accepted but being humble helps and I found once they saw me at Church service in Christmas Eve, a lot of doors opened. Hawaii ne is as near to paradise as one gets on earth now if only we could fix the traffic….
Traffic is from visitors.. During covid times there was no travelers….. No traffic no lines… lots of parking every where… we don6 need tourist to survive… born and raised hawaiian.
Uh, yeah you do. Hawaii would suffocate itself without the tourism industry. How ridiculous. How else would your islands survive? Selling poi and lei’s to each other? Really? There were no travelers anywhere during COVID period. Anywhere.