Ask people in Hawaii why it's the healthiest state in the country and they probably won't cite the low percentage of smokers as an important factor.


In fact, they probably won't cite any of the statistics (low rates of uninsured, low obesity rates, and high rates of childhood immunization) that recently made Hawaii America's healthiest state[1] .


But they certainly won't argue with the title either.


Instead, they'll likely cite parts of their daily lifestyle -- things like the below -- that make living aloha stress-free, active and sustainable. Statistics are all well and good, but people in Hawaii also feel healthier, which, after all, is just as important.


1. You never need a StairMaster:


Hikes in Hawaii aren't just beautiful, they're everywhere.


hike hawaii


2. You don't need to go to a class or have noise canceling head-phones to relax:


Zen isn't something you search for or pay coaches to provide; it's all around you.


yoga hawaii


3. This is breakfast:


Acai bowls are delicious, ubiquitous and loaded with fresh fruit and antioxidants[2] .


acai


4. This grows in your backyard:


We all know the health benefits of avocados[3] , but Hawaii's backyard produce (which also includes mangos and papayas, among others) takes local, organic farming to a whole new level.


avocado


5. No matter how stressed you get, this is always an option:


Scientific studies show that the ocean has strong and varied affects on the human brain[4] . HuffPost Hawaii's unscientific studies show that just five-minutes in the ocean water can undo a week's worth of stress.


floating in water hawaii


6. When everything else feels bad, the sun still feels so, so good:


With proper SPF, of course[5] .


smiling in sun


7. You see something awe-inspiring on a regular basis:


Experiencing awe is said to slow down time, making you less impatient and more satisfied with life[6] .


waterfall hawaii



Also on HuffPost:




Loading Slideshow...



  • The Na Pali Coast, Kauai




  • Billabong Pipe Masters in Haleiwa, Hawaii




  • Waimea Falls




  • Kalaeloa Harbor, Molokai




  • Yoga stretch




  • Reef Hawaiian Pro in Haleiwa, Hawaii




  • Kauai




  • Kauai




  • Hawaii sunset




  • Makena Beach, Maui




  • Humpback whale, Hawaii




  • A bowl of 'ahi' or 'tuna poke' with limu (seaweed), green onion, chili pepper and shoyu (soy sauce).




  • Waialae Country Club, Oahu




  • Manini fish in Hanauma Bay




  • The Napali Coastline, Kauai




  • Ahi Poke




  • Banzai Pipeline, Oahu




  • Hawaiian picnic




  • Pearl Harbor




  • Ft. DeRussy Beach, Waikiki




  • Kailua sun rise




  • A food truck in Waimanalo, Oahu




  • Barack Obama at the USS Arizona Memorial




  • Ahi tuna




  • Picasso Triggerfish, Hanauma Bay, Oahu




  • Wok seared ahi at Merriman's Restaurant, Waimea




  • Kauai




  • Kilauea Coast Entry




  • Banzai Pipeline on Oahu's North Shore




  • Ala Wai Canal, Waikiki




  • Mt Haleakala on Maui




  • Hawaiian picnic




  • Kauai




  • Cracked coconuts




  • Wild Spinner Dolphins, Maui




  • Surfboards, Maui




  • Manini fish, Hanauma Bay




  • Maui




  • Green sea turtle, Maui




  • Surfer in Maui




  • Diamond Head, Honolulu




  • Pearl Harbor




  • Napali coast, Kauai




  • Kailua Trail, Kauai




  • Kalani Beach, Molokai




  • Haleakala crater, Maui




  • USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor




  • Ka'apoko Tunnel linking Wailua and Hanalei Valleys, Kauai




  • Acai bowl




  • Peacock Flounder




  • Wainapanapa Coastline, Maui