Before you stuff your face in the name of Thanksgiving, it is important to acknowledge what you are thankful for. Here in Hawaii, there are several things about living on these beautiful islands that we should all be thankful for, including these 26 things.

  1. The best beaches in the world.

Melfoody/Flickr It is said that Waimanalo is the best beach in America, and other Hawaii beaches regularly top worldwide lists.

  1. Rainbows.

Rowent/Flickr Rainbows never get old in Hawaii – and we are definitely thankful for their beauty, and the reminder to appreciate the little things in life.

  1. Amazing hiking and even better views.

Marvin Chandra/Flickr

  1. The Aloha Spirit.

Taber Andrew Bain/Flickr

  1. Endless summer.

KoholeBoy808/Flickr Because this is considered a chilly winter day in Hawaii.

  1. We are thankful for our ohana…

Makena Zayle Gadient/Flickr

  1. …And friends who quickly become family.

Hjl/Flickr

  1. Shave Ice.

Steve Depolo/Flickr Is there really any better finale to a day spent at the beach than some delicious shave ice?

  1. Staycations.

Batschmidt/Flickr Because when you live on a tropical island, every day you are able to get out there and explore feels like a mini-vacation.

  1. Island hopping.

Michael Moore/Flickr A weekend of exploring another island or visiting friends is only a 30 minute plane ride away.

  1. Fresh-picked fruit.

Prayitno/Flickr From mango, lilikoi, and starfruit, to guava, and lychee, it is easy to access fresh-picked, delicious fruit in Hawaii.

  1. Warm ocean water.

Christian Arballo/Flickr What’s the point of living near the ocean if the water isn’t warm year-round?

  1. Tropical flowers.

Andy Beal/Flickr I can almost smell the delightful fragrance from here…

  1. Locally-grown coffee.

Mike Petrucci/Flickr Hawaii is the only state in America that can grow coffee, and it is top-knotch, whether you’re drinking a cup of famous Kona Coffee, or varieties from any of the other islands.

  1. Palm trees.

Rose Braverman/Flickr Is there really anything more calming than palm trees swaying in the ocean breeze?

  1. A melting pot of cultures.

Joe Parks/Flickr We are thankful for the unique cultures that exist in Hawaii, and the amazing experiences that comes with.

  1. The wildlife.

Steve Jurvetson/Flickr From the beautiful green sea turtle, to countless varieties of fish, we are lucky to live surrounded by amazing sea life.

  1. Water sports of all kinds.

Todd Wiggins/Flickr Kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding, canoeing, etc.

  1. Mouthwatering Hawaiian food.

Melanie Lukesh Reed/Flickr Do we really need to say more?

  1. No snakes or rabies.

Tamable The Jaguar/Flickr While this makes it a pain to transport your pets to and from Hawaii, everyone can be happy about living in a rabies, and snake free, state!

  1. A relaxed lifestyle.

Matt McGee/Flickr Everything moves a little slower in Hawaii, and that’s the way we like it.

  1. Hawaiian treats.

Joy/Flickr Because there is truly nothing sweeter than hot malasadas, coco puffs, or chocolate covered macadamia nuts.

  1. The most amazing sunrises…

Peggy2012CREATIVELENZ/Flickr

  1. … rivaled only by Hawaii sunsets.

Joe Parks/Flickr

  1. Everyone wants to vacation here.

Daniel Chodusov/Flickr We get to live in this beautiful place people save for years to simply visit – that’s pretty amazing!

  1. Hawaiian Santa!

Yukihiro.m/Flickr It is now officially the start of the holiday season, and we love our barefoot, tropical Santa and Mrs. Claus.

What other reasons are you thankful to live in Hawaii? Happy Thanksgiving! Aloha!

Melfoody/Flickr

It is said that Waimanalo is the best beach in America, and other Hawaii beaches regularly top worldwide lists.

Rowent/Flickr

Rainbows never get old in Hawaii – and we are definitely thankful for their beauty, and the reminder to appreciate the little things in life.

Marvin Chandra/Flickr

Taber Andrew Bain/Flickr

KoholeBoy808/Flickr

Because this is considered a chilly winter day in Hawaii.

Makena Zayle Gadient/Flickr

Hjl/Flickr

Steve Depolo/Flickr

Is there really any better finale to a day spent at the beach than some delicious shave ice?

Batschmidt/Flickr

Because when you live on a tropical island, every day you are able to get out there and explore feels like a mini-vacation.

Michael Moore/Flickr

A weekend of exploring another island or visiting friends is only a 30 minute plane ride away.

Prayitno/Flickr

From mango, lilikoi, and starfruit, to guava, and lychee, it is easy to access fresh-picked, delicious fruit in Hawaii.

Christian Arballo/Flickr

What’s the point of living near the ocean if the water isn’t warm year-round?

Andy Beal/Flickr

I can almost smell the delightful fragrance from here…

Mike Petrucci/Flickr

Hawaii is the only state in America that can grow coffee, and it is top-knotch, whether you’re drinking a cup of famous Kona Coffee, or varieties from any of the other islands.

Rose Braverman/Flickr

Is there really anything more calming than palm trees swaying in the ocean breeze?

Joe Parks/Flickr

We are thankful for the unique cultures that exist in Hawaii, and the amazing experiences that comes with.

Steve Jurvetson/Flickr

From the beautiful green sea turtle, to countless varieties of fish, we are lucky to live surrounded by amazing sea life.

Todd Wiggins/Flickr

Kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding, canoeing, etc.

Melanie Lukesh Reed/Flickr

Do we really need to say more?

Tamable The Jaguar/Flickr

While this makes it a pain to transport your pets to and from Hawaii, everyone can be happy about living in a rabies, and snake free, state!

Matt McGee/Flickr

Everything moves a little slower in Hawaii, and that’s the way we like it.

Joy/Flickr

Because there is truly nothing sweeter than hot malasadas, coco puffs, or chocolate covered macadamia nuts.

Peggy2012CREATIVELENZ/Flickr

Daniel Chodusov/Flickr

We get to live in this beautiful place people save for years to simply visit – that’s pretty amazing!

Yukihiro.m/Flickr

It is now officially the start of the holiday season, and we love our barefoot, tropical Santa and Mrs. Claus.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.