13 Things We're Oh So Glad You Can't Find In Hawaii
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Megan Shute
Author
While we often define places and things, including our home states, by the traits, characteristics, and features they possess, we tend to forget that defining something by the things it lacks is also important. Throughout the Hawaiian Islands, you will find beautiful beaches, mind-blowing scenery, and plenty of shave ice. What you won’t find are these 13 things – and we couldn’t be happier about that fact.
With only a few exceptions to accommodate the federal government, all beaches in Hawaii are public. Even in areas where the shoreline is dominated by residential dwellings or beach resorts, county governments and private developers are required to provide public access and parking for anyone to utilize.
In 1927, Hawaii was the first state in America to outlaw billboards – preserving the natural beauty of the islands’ for decades to come. While we may have to deal with heavy traffic congestion, we will always have unobstructed views of the beautiful islands we call home
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The Aloha State is truly a melting pot of ethnic diversity; not only are the islands are home to the most multiracial residents in America, but there is no ethnic majority in Hawaii. White Americans make up just 24 percent of the population, whereas multiracial Americans make up 23 percent of Hawaii residents.
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While this makes it a pain to transport your pets to and from Hawaii, everyone can be happy about living in a rabies-free state. Due to its isolated location, it’s no surprise that Hawaii is the only state in the country without rabies.
Because Hawaii is so close the equator, daylight savings time simply doesn’t matter here. For comparison, the earliest and latest sunset times for Hawaii differ by only an hour and a half, whereas sunset times in New York City differ by more than four hours.
The Hawaiian Islands are easily home to some of the world’s prettiest beaches, and rarely will you find trash and debris scattered across a beach (Kamilo beach is a different story entirely). Perhaps it’s due to Hawaii’s isolation or the fact that locals have a deep sense of respect for the aina - either way, we’re grateful our beaches don’t look like those we’ve seen on the United State’s eastern coast.
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Speaking of the United States mainland, we are lucky enough in Hawaii to experience endless summer weather. The only place you’ll find snow is at the summits of Hawaii’s tallest mountains, and the average temperature fluctuates between 78 and 85 depending on the time of year.
Yep, you read that right. The only place you’ll find snakes in Hawaii are in a zoo, because they are banned from entering the island chain. I guess Hawaii really is paradise, especially for those afraid of snakes.
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Life in Hawaii is meant to be lived slowly - and that’s the way we like it. We may not get to take a nap in a hammock every day, but we enjoy the little things, and practice the art of relaxation as often as possible - as a result, Hawaii just so happens to be the least stressed state in the country.
Honolulu may be known for having the worst traffic in the country – second only to Los Angeles – but that doesn’t mean you’ll hear car horns on the road. The absence of road noise, even during rush hour, is a constant reminder of the Aloha spirit we embody in every aspect of our lives.
Who needs ball gowns, tuxedos, and dress shows when sundresses, Aloha shirts, and "fancy" slippers are the standard attire - even for fancy events? We love not having to use the little closet space we have storing these bulky clothing items, and let’s face it, we just don’t see the need to dress up for a wedding, especially one that is taking place on the beach.
The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index has named Hawaii the happiest state in the country, the fifth time the Aloha State has been awarded this honor. While you’re sure to find cranky locals occasionally, Hawaii locals are as a whole relaxed, happy and healthy.
Serving all 1.3 million residents of Hawaii is a single area code that was assigned to the islands shortly after our statehood in 1959. That area code is 808, and it’s something many Hawaii residents are proud of.
The one thing we wish we could find in Hawaii? Our favorite mainland establishments, of course. (At least since that post was published, we can now claim Dunkin Donuts as a Hawaii establishment. Now all we need is a Chipotle and Olive Garden.)
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