New Hawaii Obesity Study Highlights Health Disparities

Hawaii has maintained its reputation as one of the healthiest states in the United States, yet recent findings from the State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America 2025 report reveal persistent disparities in obesity and related health outcomes. Released on March 14, 2024, by the nonprofit organization Trust for America’s Health, the report indicates that 27% of adults in Hawaii were classified as obese in 2024, marking one of the lowest rates nationwide. However, when considering those who are overweight or obese, the figure rises to 60%, placing Hawaii 49th among states, tied with the District of Columbia.

The report highlights troubling differences in obesity prevalence across various demographics. Among women, the obesity rate is estimated at nearly 38%, compared to 33% for men. Racial disparities are also evident: Asian adults have the lowest obesity rate at 18.7%, whereas Black and Latino adults report rates of 34.9% and 33.5%, respectively. Additionally, approximately 11.6% of adults in Hawaii are living with diabetes, while nearly one in three adults contend with hypertension.

In examining children’s health metrics, the report shows that about 18.5% of children aged 6 to 17 in Hawaii were classified as obese in 2023. Only 15.9% of these children met the federal guideline of 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Among high school students, 14.7% were classified as obese and 15.1% as overweight, both figures lower than the national averages. However, fewer than one in four teenagers reported daily exercise.

The data underline the intersection of obesity with socio-economic factors. While only 8% of Hawaii residents and 13% of children live below the federal poverty line—both figures lower than national averages—food insecurity poses a significant challenge. Approximately one in ten households struggles to afford adequate food, and roughly one in five children live in food-insecure homes. Alarmingly, half of those experiencing food insecurity earn too much to qualify for federal assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The high cost of living in Hawaii complicates efforts to maintain a healthy diet. The report notes that the average cost per meal in Hawaii was $4.39 in 2023, the highest in the nation and significantly above the U.S. average of $3.58. Despite 81% of eligible residents participating in SNAP and 61% in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), families are increasingly finding it difficult to stretch federal benefits.

Recent federal proposals may exacerbate these challenges. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, approximately 94,000 families in Hawaii could see reductions in their SNAP benefits, with an average monthly loss of $183 per family.

Despite these challenges, Hawaii performed relatively well in environmental and community health factors. Nearly 90% of children live in neighborhoods with sidewalks or walking paths, and 85% have access to parks or playgrounds, both figures exceeding national averages. The state’s “Complete Streets” policy, which aims to enhance walking and biking infrastructure, received a moderate score of 11 out of 20.

Hawaii’s early childhood and school nutrition programs have shown signs of advancement as well. The state scored 66 out of 100 for child care licensing standards that promote healthy eating and activity, and 76 out of 100 for the nutritional quality of school lunches. Notably, the implementation of the SUN Bucks summer food benefit and the expansion of the federal Community Eligibility Provision to 77% of eligible districts have enabled more students to access free meals without the need for applications. A proposed bill for universal free school meals statewide remains under consideration.

On a national scale, the report indicates that 19 states had adult obesity rates at or above 35% in 2024, a decrease from 23 states the previous year. This marks the first decline in states reporting such high obesity rates within this dataset. Nonetheless, the overall obesity rate in the U.S. remains concerning, with 40% of American adults classified as obese. The report warns that this progress is fragile and could be undermined by federal actions that cut funding for public health initiatives, eliminate chronic disease prevention programs, and limit access to nutritional supports.

Hawaii’s relatively strong health outcomes can be attributed to its long-standing investments in public health, education, and community infrastructure. Only 4% of residents under 65 lack health insurance, a figure less than half the national average, and 37% of adults possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Yet, the persistent disparities in obesity rates by race, gender, and age, alongside low levels of physical activity among youth and potential threats to nutrition assistance, indicate that continued focus is essential to address these issues effectively.