Hawaii

Who wouldn't want to live on a tropical island? Especially one that has all the amenities of any other US state?

The Hawaii you've seen in films and television really does exist: the palm-tree-fringed lagoons, the waterfalls, the two-mile-high volcanoes, the sweet-smelling hibiscus blossoms, angry-looking tikis, coffee, macadamia nuts, the friendly Aloha spirit and those amazing beaches. In fact, Stephen Leatherman (a.k.a. Dr. Beach) ranked Kaanapali Beach on Maui as the top beach in the US in 2003 (Hawaiian beaches also held fourth, seventh, and eighth place). With all of these beaches, water sports are king in Hawaii: big-game fishing, sea kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and, of course, Hawaii's national pastime, hee nalu (more commonly known as surfing).

If water sports aren't your cup of Kona coffee, then you're still in luck. With beautiful weather year-round, all sorts of outdoor activities are available. There are superior golf courses, tennis courts, hiking, tour biking, and mountain biking, just to name a few. If activity isn't what you're looking for, Hawaii is a place rich in history (visiting the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor and learning about Polynesian culture, for example, are always interesting). Hawaii is also a very easy place to relax. Never underestimate the effect on your stress level as you sip a cool drink as you watch the sunset end yet another beautiful day.

Hawaii is made up of six distinct islands: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the Big Island. Each one has its own distinct flavor. Being the major tourist destinations, Oahu and Maui are the most famous and are blanketed with exotic resorts and restaurants.

The Big Island is famous for its active volcano, Kilauea, which has been slowly erupting since January 3rd, 1983, for its Kona coffee, and for being the site of the famous Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon.

Hawaii is truly a wonderful place.

See our 33 Jobs in Hawaii