Hawai'i is the healthiest state in America — Again

Just in case you needed another reason why you should call Hawai’i home: The Aloha State has once again claimed the title of the healthiest state in the country.

A recently released report by the United Health Foundation dubbed Hawai’i as the healthiest state in the country for the fifth time in the last six years. Since the report began in 1990, Hawai’i has never placed worse than sixth.

To produce the report, researchers examined more than 30 different health markers on public and health policies, community and environmental conditions, residents’ behaviors and clinical care data to provide a holistic view of people's health.

In Hawai’i, it’s clear that residents are often healthier simply because of their lifestyles. The state had the nation’s second-lowest percentage of obese residents, the fourth-lowest percentage of residents who identify as smokers and the ninth-highest percentage of residents who exercise regularly.

Meanwhile, Hawai’i reported the second lowest rate of cancer-related deaths and third lowest rate of deaths caused by heart problems. It may come to no surprise that the state also had the second lowest percentage of adults who reported high levels of stress.

That may seem like a no-brainer given that Hawai’i offers residents ample opportunities to soak up plenty of sun, fun ways to be active and lots of local fresh fruits, veggies, legumes and fish. From swimming in crystal clear water to hiking through lush forests to walking along the beach, you can live a healthy lifestyle in the islands without even trying.

And besides being good for your physical health, those activities are good for your emotional health, too. Hawai'i was also the happiest in the nation in 2018, according to a study by WalletHub.