When it comes to deciding where to set up your new home—be it for retirement, remote work, or simply a change of pace—the link between where you live and how healthy you are is gaining importance. According to some research, your location impacts your health by affecting the environment you live in, the healthcare you can access, your social life, and even your daily habits. This explains why places known for having clean air, a ton of outdoor activities, and low-stress vibes are increasingly attractive; think Hawaii, which consistently ranks high when it comes to life expectancy. On the flip side, reports from the CDC highlight several Southern states, including Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and West Virginia, as having lower average life spans, mainly due to higher chronic disease rates, socioeconomic challenges, and less access to preventative healthcare services.
However, some states go above and beyond when it comes to average life expectancy, providing their residents with more than just a slower pace of life. The evidence points out that moving to such states can actually gift you extra years, particularly in one famous holiday destination: Hawaii! Located smack dab in the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is a hotspot for vacations, and for good reason. With activities ranging from lounging on the pristine beaches in Maui to catching waves in Oahu’s exciting surf spots or exploring the stunning untouched parks on the Big Island, it’s no wonder visitors adore this idyllic setting. Yet, those who call it home year-round and embrace the health-oriented lifestyle seem to gain extra years living there.
People in Hawaii Enjoy a Longer Life Span
A recent study from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa in 2025 found that people living in Hawaii have a significantly longer lifespan compared to the national average. The findings, published in the Hawaii Journal of Health and Social Welfare, showed the state’s average life expectancy to be a whopping 81.9 years, compared to just 77.0 years for Americans overall. Interestingly, another study from 2020 echoed a similar life expectancy in Hawaii—81.9 years.
This extended life span can be credited to several lifestyle choices and community factors pointed out by both public health researchers and local experts. Regular exercise, access to tons of outdoor fun, a diet brimming with fresh fruits and vegetables, and preventive health practices reportedly contribute to overall longevity. Furthermore, Hawaii has some of the lowest rates of cancer and heart disease in the country, as well as a small population of smokers and the second-lowest obesity rates nationwide. Most residents have health insurance, resulting in only 4.4% being uninsured—meaning more people enjoy access to affordable healthcare.
That said, disparities in life expectancy across various ethnic groups in Hawaii are notable. While communities with Japanese and Chinese roots often enjoy a life expectancy ranging from 84 to 88 years, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders face life expectancies of only 69.6 to 77.4 years. Although life in Hawaii is linked to a longer life on average, certain groups may miss out on nearly two decades of life compared to others. Factors such as income level, education, housing stability, and access to healthcare all play crucial roles in impacting equity across the islands.
Want to unlock more travel insights and expert recommendations? Don’t miss out—subscribe to our newsletter for free and bookmark us as a go-to source for discovering under-the-radar travel treasures.
Check out the original article on Islands.
