20 things in Hawaii to be thankful for

Let's count our beautiful blessings.

You know the phrase: Lucky we live Hawaii. Here are a number of things that make us feel blessed to call any of the Hawaiian Islands home.

1. Nearly 365-days of amazing weather

How’s the weather gonna be tomorrow? A beautiful 81 degrees, as per usual.

 

2. Surfing

Hawaii is the birthplace of modern surfing and can be enjoyed year round.

 

3. Beaches

Hawaii beaches top the lists of the world’s best beaches every year. Plus, no matter where you’re at, the beach is never more then 30 minutes away. And, they come in so many colors.

 

4. The Aloha Spirit

It’s a real, all encompassing thing.

 

5. Poke

Fresh from our seas, you’ll find the best poke at supermarkets and five-star restaurants.

 

6. Shave Ice

All natural, locally sourced syrups poured over the finest shaved ice. This frozen treat is a way of life. Even President Obama can’t resist.
 

7. Island Time

No need hurry.

 

8. Ukulele

It’s the sound the Islands make.

 

9. Technicolor sunsets. And sunrises.

We’re spoiled with Instagram-perfect vistas every time the sun sets, and rises.

 

10. Malasadas

The airy and sugar-covered doughy delight that can be eaten anytime, anywhere.

 

11. Tropical flora

Just step outside and you can see—and smell—plumeria, birds of paradise, heliconia, pikake, hibiscus.

 

12. Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Hawaii has its own food movement based on utilizing local ingredients and the fusion of our diverse ethnic culinary influences.

 

13. Hula

Whether it’s at a backyard get-together or the intense competitions of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival, the vibrant traditions of hula are thriving.

 

14. Rainbows

Making our sky colorful on a daily basis.

 

15. Shakas when we drive

Sure, we may get stuck in gridlock traffic, but when you let someone in, they throw you a shaka.

 

16. Spam

We love Spam so much we have devoted an annual festival to the canned meat.

 

17. Outdoor lifestyle

Hawaii is an adventurers’ paradise: Surfing, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddling, hiking, biking, camping. You get the picture.

 

18. Loco Moco

Classic local comfort food that has all of the things we love in one dish: rice, meat and perfectly fried eggs, all slathered in rich gravy.

 

19. Aloha shirts

The iconic aloha shirt has undergone a rebirth at the hands of local designers. Hawaii designers have pushed the boundaries of both men’s and women’s fashion.

 

20. Diversity

Hawaii is the most diverse state in the nation.