Thanksgiving is this week and we’re all thinking a lot about what we are thankful for. I am personally thankful for more things than I can count, including my friends, family, an awesome job, and — of course — Hawaii. And while everyone in Hawaii is likely thankful for our beautiful island paradise, the entire country should really be thankful for Hawaii. Here are ten great reasons why.

1. Hawaii is home to some of the best beaches in the country – let alone the world.
Kanaka MenehuneF/Flickr
2. Hawaii is the only state in America that can grow coffee. Kona Coffee may be the most famous, but the other islands are known to produce some killer beans, too.
Duluoz Cats/Flickr
3. The beautiful Hawaiian Islands act as a constant reminder to step back from your busy, stressful life, and simply live, whether you're daydreaming about a trip to Hawaii or enjoying your favorite Polynesian snack.
Joe Parks/Flickr
4. The all-encompassing Aloha Spirit. Need I say more?
Robin Hawkey/Flickr
5. You can probably thank Hawaii’s natural beauty for your desktop screensaver — because there’s nothing better than dreaming of an island paradise while a blizzard rages on outside.
Megan Shute

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6. While Hawaii may not be the world’s main producer of pineapples anymore, the islands singlehandedly are to thank for the popularity of this sweet fruit.
Tim Rawle/Flickr
7. Hawaii is the birthplace of modern surfing.
Tom Kelly/Flickr
8. Athletes across the country can thank Honolulu for the creation of the triathlon.
Chris McCormick/Flickr
9. Hawaii has introduced a slew of amazing foods to mainland travelers — including the loco moco, poke spam musubi, shave ice, malasadas, and plate lunches. You can't forget about acai bowls, either!
Jennifer Cachola/Flickr
10. Where else would mainlanders go on vacation to an island paradise without needing a passport?
Bill Abbott/Flickr

So, tell us: what would you add to this list? What other reasons should the country be thankful for Hawaii this holiday season? Sound off in the comments below, then take a look forward to Christmas by enjoying a listen to These 9 Hawaiian Christmas Songs That Will Fill You With Holiday Cheer.

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Hawaii Life

Megan Shute | November 16, 2020

What is Hawaii known for?

The Hawaiian Islands are known for many things, including our stunning beaches in a variety of beautiful colors, constant rainbows, and friendly residents. Plus, we’ve become pretty well-known for our volcanic activity and unique geological formations. That’s not all, though: Hawaii is the only state in the country where you will find coffee, pineapple, cacao, and vanilla grown commercially.

What is it like to live in Hawaii? 

Like anywhere, there are certainly pros and cons to living in Hawaii. If you’re new to island living, you might find yourself experiencing a bit of culture shock — after all, as the most isolated population center on the planet, the Hawaiian Islands are unlike anywhere else in the world. From the islands’ culture and history to our traditions, favorite foods, and strange habits, everything about living in Hawaii is a little bit, well, different.

What are the best things about living in Hawaii? 

There’s nowhere else we’d rather call home than the beautiful Aloha State. Across the Hawaiian Islands, life is a little slower, and we choose to embody the Aloha Spirit in everything we do. From the stunning, panoramic views and that intoxicating tropical ocean breeze to the mouthwatering local food and an emphasis on ohana, there are so, so many things to love about living in Hawaii — but everyone has their own opinions. I think we can all agree that the rest of America could learn a thing or two about life from the islands, though.

 

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