Whether you’ve lived your entire life in Hawaii or risked everything to move to the islands, thinking about leaving your own little slice of paradise is difficult, and there are undoubtedly things everyone misses about life in Hawaii Hawaii once they leave — even if they were only here for a week-long vacation.

1. The breathtaking views.
Paul Bica/Flickr
From ou verdant, towering mountains to the vast Pacific Ocean and everything in between, there are few places in the world with prettier landscapes than the Hawaiian Islands, and you are sure to miss the constant postcard-worthy views when you leave.
2. The phenomenal, world-class beaches.
Skyseeker/Flickr
From pristine white sand to the gorgeous, crystal clear turquoise waters, you will struggle to find beaches this amazing anywhere — especially on the American mainland. And in Hawaii, going to the beach is easy. You throw on a swimsuit, hop in the car, and drive to your favorite — or sometimes just the nearest — beach. It’s not a production, and you can easily justify going for just an hour or two.
3. And more specifically, the warm water.
Christian Arballo/Flickr
The water temperature in Hawaii averages approximately 78 degrees year-round, something that should not be taken for granted. Even if you have easy beach access on the mainland, the water will never be as warm as the Pacific Ocean surrounding the Hawaiian Islands.
4. The Aloha Spirit.
Sam Howzit/Flickr
The Aloha Spirit is more than just a tourist slogan or a greeting; it’s the essence of affection, peace, compassion, and friendship. It’s a feeling and a lifestyle you can only find in Hawaii and truly — and there's nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world.
5. The epic hiking trails.
Marvin Chandra/Flickr
Hawaii is home to some of the best hiking in the world — from trails up mountain ridges to paths through bamboo forests and thick jungles, nothing compares to the hiking opportunities you'll find across the Aloha State.

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6. Local Hawaiian food.
Jennifer Cachola/Flickr
From loco mocos, spam musubi and ahi poke to haupia pie, shave ice, and lilikoi-flavored everything, the Aloha State is home to some unique food offerings you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Sweet and savory, your taste buds will always be satisfied here.
7. Our ohana.
Rumolay/Flickr
Hawaii is all about ohana, and, even if you don’t have any blood relatives on the island, you’re sure to miss all of your cousins, aunties and uncles when you leave. I remember being introduced to my property manager’s son when we first moved to Hawaii as "Auntie Megan," and after six years here, I can't even begin to count the number of people I refer to as ohana. The sense of family is something I’m sure to miss if we ever leave.
8. Sunrises, sunsets, and rainbows.
Rowent/Flickr
Hawaiian sunsets, sunrises and rainbows are second to none — and if you spend any time outside, you’re likely to see at least one of these each day. I mean really, where else can you see a rainbow every day or witness vibrant sunsets that light up the sky over the ocean?
9. The ease of island living.
Rocky A/Flickr
Everything is slower in Hawaii — business, customer service, the traffic, etc. — and that's just the way we like it. It’s something you’re sure to crave as soon as you leave Hawaii, especially if you move to a big city on the American mainland.
10. Basically everything else.
Joe Parks/Flickr
From the locally-grown coffee and pineapple to the epic state parks, because Hawaii is absolutely paradise — and there are a thousand things to miss about the islands — it is impossible to write a fully inclusive list.

So, tell us, what have you missed most about the Hawaiian Islands when you have left? What aspects of life in Hawaii do you most appreciate? For more content like this, check out 17 Reasons Why My Heart Will Always Be In Hawaii.

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Life In Hawaii

Megan Shute | April 27, 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.

Is Hawaii a great place to live?

There's so much to love about calling a tropical paradise like the Aloha State home, from the light ocean breeze and bright sunshine to the slow, relaxed pace of life. It's far enough from mainland America that it feels like a different country entirely, but we still get all the perks of living in the United States. We think Hawaii is the absolute best place to live, but I think we might be slightly biased.

Where is the best place to live in Hawaii?

That depends on what you value about your living environment. If you want to enjoy the hustle and bustle of a big city while also easily accessing stunning beaches, I would suggest living in the capital city of Honolulu, but if you prefer laid-back country vibes and plenty of wide-open spaces, I would look into Hawaii Island. If a charming small town is what you seek, look no further than Kauai. Luckily, there's a little bit of everything here in Hawaii, and finding the perfect place for your family is just a matter of doing a little research.

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