Where Hawaii Ranks 48

Okay, so Hawaii has the highest welfare checks in the nation (see last list). At least we score high in four other very important categories for our residents and visitors.

Happiest State in America (Gallup , 2016) 

1. HAWAII (Well Being Score 65.2)
2. Alaska (64.0)
3. South Dakota (63.7)
4. Maine (63.6)
5. Colorado (6.5)

Best State for Senior Health (Healthways, 2016)

(Adults 65+) 

1. New Hampshire: Highest %-age of very good/excellent health, low prevalence of smoking
2. Vermont: 91.3% have had mammograms, colonoscopies and other screens 
3. Minnesota: Highest %-age of dental visits and able-bodied seniors
4. HAWAII: Lowest %-age of depression, smoking, obesity, preventable hospitalizations
5. Utah: High %-age of volunteerism

Nation’s Best Airports (ThePointsGuy.com, 2016) 

1. Phoenix Sky Harbor, AZ (PHX)
2. Portland, OR (PDX)
3. San Diego, CA (SAN)
4. Salt Lake City, UT (SLC)
5. Honolulu, HI (HON)

Top U.S. Destinations (TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards, 2017) 

1. New York, NY
2. MAUI, HI
3. HAWAII ISLAND, HI
4. OAHU, HI
5. Las Vegas, NV

Highest Welfare Payments (Cato Institute, 2017) 

1. HAWAII ($29.13 hourly equivalent)
2. District of Columbia ($24.43)
3. Massachusetts ($24.30)
4. Connecticut ($21.33)
5. New York ($21.01)