Hawaii well being is typically ranked top in the nation on multiple surveys. These measure stress, life evaluation, emotional health, work environment, physical health, healthy behaviors and access to basic necessities. Unfortunately for us who live and work here, Hawaii also ranks as the worst place to do business in the country.
While the good news may come as a revelation to some, we doubt that many of you, our regular readers, are in that category. What makes us say that? Hawaii vacation visitors and residents alike simply intuit the fact that the islands are good for mental and physical health.
As reader Melika said, “there are so many gifts here …everything you mention is true, there is a beautiful “aloha spirit” here. I love the unique gift of “talking story”. If you wave at anyone (even if you don’t know them)…they will wave back! The ocean is so pure and cleansing…it is always my healer, physically and mentally. It always makes me smile! The brilliant colors and beauty here are unparalleled in my book, this is truly paradise…and of course we do have the best weather on the planet! So many things that make Hawaii special are difficult to put into words…words cannot do it justice…Hawaii is an experience for all your senses! Can you tell I am completely, hopelessly smitten here!!!
Here are just a few of the ways in which we perceive Hawaii is good for health:
1. Clean air and water.
2. Year round great weather and humidity.
3. Friendly, happier-than-most people.
4. Nature’s beauty at every turn.
5. Fresh food.
6. Abundant exercise opportunities.
In what ways do you experience Hawaii’s emotional and physical health giving benefits, whether you live or play here?
I have a question sorta relating to this.
First, I loved my trip to Hawaii last year. My first visit and I was a reluctant flyer/traveler. Am so glad my husband and mother-in-law insisted. (she was born there and husband been several times). Second, I have the Hawaiian ‘bug’ and want to visit more often or perhaps have a 2nd home there.
But I need your help on a couple of things before I can begin my good health lifestyle on the islands!
Anyway – they both completely believe and often say how expensive it is to live there. I noticed that cottage cheese (one of my staples) was abt twice cost of mine at home. What’s w dairy products there? No cows? I mean, I don’t understand.
Other thing they speak of is the crime rate. My husbands a big 2nd amendment guy and says your gun laws are not supportive and compares the crime rate to Chicago.
I haven’t seen much on this do wanted to ask your opinions.
I love your blog and learn so much.
Hi Sandy,
Yes food as well as other products are generally more expensive in Hawaii since most things (including most dairy products) are traveling 2,500 additional miles from the US mainland. Places like Costco help to keep food costs down.
Crime rate similar to Chicago? Certainly not. The incidence of anything but drug-fueled petty crime seems quite low.
Aloha.
Hawaii is absolutely the most beautiful state! The weather gives plenty of opportunity to do outdoor activities which keeps a person more active and healthy! Yes – the cost to live in Hawaii is more but so you really need all the luxuries you are use to in the mainland such as over 120+ to channels? I think not since you will have more time outside enjoying the beautiful outdoors!
When is the best time after August to travel to HNL round trip from LAX or San Diego
Hi Duvan,
Details on when to buy and when to travel are all contained here: https://beatofhawaii.com/the-cheapest-time-to-fly-to-hawaii/.
Los Angeles should see better than normal Hawaii deals.
Aloha.
I travel to Maui 2 times sometimes 3 times a year. Luckily I have family On the island I stay with. Hawaii is literally the only place I forget I have a phone….the island allows you to forget your stressful life back home on the mainland. The weather, fresh air, kind locals, beaches, country side all out my body in a trance of peace…eventually I to will call Hawaii my home.
Alright, alright!!!! I’ll look for a lot on Kauai!
Hi Nadege.
We look forward to that!
Aloha.
Is it humid in Hawaii in the first week of June? Coming from Phoenix,i am not accustomed to humidity and I am wondering what to pack if it is humid
Hi Emily,
Hawaii is generally not very humid due to the cool and dry trade winds for which it is famous. Phoenix seems far more humid actually.
Aloha.
Most interesting to me is that all three of these top places are locations populated by a significant number of indigenous people. Seems relevant to me….
I would love to live in Hawaii again, as I did when I was a kid. I live in Maine now, and we have friendly people, tons of natural beauty, the ocean, lots of local farm stands and good food…but there is just something magical about Hawaii. It truly has the Spirit of Aloha. Even the colors are brighter there–there is some quality to the light that is so different from anywhere else. You have never seen a blue sky until you’ve seen a Hawaiian blue sky.
Aloha!