The 50th state has long been one of America’s most coveted travel destinations, but now its capital Honolulu is also making waves as the most desirable place to live in the nation. For the second year in a row, the Hawaiian city has topped the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index as the highest-ranking U.S. city.
The research division of The Economist Group analyzed living standards in 173 cities, looking at 30 factors in the categories of infrastructure; stability; healthcare; education; and culture and environment. While Honolulu landed in the No. 23 position globally — a rise from No. 25 last year — it was the top U.S. city on the list.
In particular, the city landed high marks in infrastructure, stability, and education compared to other U.S. cities.
Pair those essential lifestyle factors with an average daytime summer temperature of 85 degrees and winter one of 78 degrees, and the natural beauty of the island from the waters of the Pacific Ocean to the striking craters, including the popular Diamond Head, and the living truly is easy.
But above all, it’s the “spirit of aloha — a warm hospitality not found anywhere else — and a rich cultural heritage dating back centuries,” that makes island life so enticing, as Hawaiian local and Travel + Leisure contributor Kathleen Wong puts it.
That said, daily life in paradise does come with a cost. The state also took the top spot for the highest cost of living in a recent study from Forbes Advisor Analysis since its pristine and remote location means many goods must be imported.
But for visitors who want to experience a taste of the good life, the destination has a lot to offer. In fact, T+L readers even named Honolulu one of the top U.S. cities in the annual World’s Best Awards survey for 2024, coming in at No. 4. As one reader put it best: “The people are the friendliest I have found on any of my travels, and the culture is mesmerizing.”
