10 Things People Miss Most About Hawaii When They Leave

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

6. Local Hawaiian food.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.