Hawaiʻi is Ranked the Happiest State

Hawaiʻi tops WalletHub’s annual list of happiest states in the United States in its recent study. The Islands stood out for having great physical health among residents and for the longest life expectancy.

WalletHub, a personal finance company, conducted research across the 50 states, examining residents in three categories: emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community and environment. The categories were computed using 30 additional metrics, which spanned from life expectancy and adult depression to work hours and safety.  

WalletHub found that Hawaiʻi was the happiest state in the United States thanks to “residents reporting the highest levels of life satisfaction in the nation and the lowest depression rate.”  

According to WalletHub, 72% of adults reported being active and productive every day. Hawaiʻi residents also have the longest life expectancy at 79.9 years, with 86% of adults reporting they are in good or better health. 

Only 12.5% of adult residents reported having depressive disorders, the lowest in the country.  

The Aloha State was also ranked third for overall community and environment, while it was listed as the seventh safest state by WalletHub. 

Hawaiʻi also has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, at 2.8%. However, Hawaiʻi finished 31st in work environment, its lowest ranking in the study. And although the median household income is above the national average at $95,322, Hawaiʻi is the most expensive state.  

While your zip code may play a larger part in your happiness than you may have realized, overall well-being is a result of a variety of internal and external factors. And there may be factors that you simply can’t control, such as the cost of living. So instead, experts recommend focusing on what you can control and doing activities you enjoy.  

There’s no better way to discover Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty than by hiking. Plus, exploring the Islands’ hiking trails could improve well-being, too.
Photo: Courtesy of Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority/Mathieu Duchier

Research also points out that being in nature can improve mental health. Similarly, nature walks and hiking can improve physical well-being. For those searching for inspiration from the happiest state, these are three activities you can do in Hawaiʻi that could improve overall wellbeing.  

1. Go on a Forest-bathing Walk in a Hawaiian Rainforest

Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi, an Oʻahu-based tour guide, leads guests on walks through the island’s forests for a calming and rejuvenating experience. The strolls are inspired by the Japanese ritual, shinrin-yoku, a Japanese term that translates to “forest bathing.” 

READ MORE: Soak Up Nature with a Forest Bathing Walk in the Hawaiian Rainforest

2. Explore the Islands’ Natural Beauty

There’s no better way to discover Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty than by hiking. Across the Islands, trails weave through verdant native rainforests and scenic coastlines. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or a beginner, there are hikes for every skill level.  

READ MORE: The Best Hiking Trails for Beginners in Hawaiʻi

3. Take a Yoga Class Outside

With some of the most serene locations to meditate, breathe deeply and say om, Hawaiʻi is a dream destination for yogis of all levels. In the Islands, you can practice sun salutations at dawn, warrior one on a SUP board and downward dog with a goat by your side.  

READ MORE: 5 Unique Wellness Activities on Oʻahu