California by far. The weather, atmosphere, and career opportunities for my personal interests are the most vast here. I don't see myself moving out permanently anywhere in the forseeable future. I'm surprised how many people would choose to live in New York. I have traveled there quite a few times and I would have to receive the absolute opportunity of a lifetime to even consider living in that state.
I kinda like where I live now. Not far from the ocean, not far from Philadelphia, not far from anything really. I dislike some of the laws and the high prices of everything, though. So, either North or South Carolina to stay near the ocean, or probably Utah for the beauty.
I already live here, but I love California. Having visited a few other states and having lived in South Carolina and Georgia for a spell, I can say my heart and soul are connected to this place. If I had to go elsewhere, Southern Utah with its majestic beauty and clean bathrooms is probably second on my list.
As far as this Californian is concerned, New York might as well be Neverland. And as much as I'd love to vote my own state, I'll step out of my comfort zone and choose Washington, Colorado, or Hawaii - all liberal, chill states with agreeable weather and plenty to do outdoors. Plus their "cultures" are probably closer to that I'm used to, in addition to being geographically closer than a lot of alternatives.
If I had the money to back it up I'd live in Las Vegas, Nevada and vacation in California, Alaska, Hawaii, and New Zealand.
Roughly in the order of preference, I'd say Boston, MA; Southern California; Savannah, GA; Charleston, SC; Austin, TX; NYC, NY; coastal Louisiana... As you can see, I don't want to be landlocked, and I prefer a warmer/milder climate over a cool one, although my first choice is a New England city (Boston). I don't really hate the region where I live, but I'd definitely choose a different city.
I'm strongly attached to NC and I have no plans to leave. If I did there are a few other states I would be okay with living in: -Colorado -New Mexico -Oregon -Washington -Virginia I need a state with enough geographic beauty to keep me occupied, but also with fun, funky, progressive mid-sized cities.
Either the mountains of Virginia, Kentucky...etc, or just outside New York City metro area, like no the suburbs, in the country but close enough to be able to drive there whenever you wanted but far enough to not have to deal with city life. It'd be close enough to where I already live now that going home wouldn't be a problem either.
If my friends and family will come along, I would pack my bags, get the HELL out of Illinois, and move to Boston, Massachusetts. In recent polls, it showed that Illinois has the highest percentage of people who want to move out. (About 51%).
Have you been to Waikiki? It's a tourist trap and too crowded. Try Maui or Kauai. Honolulu is just a crowded city. Defeats the purpose of living in Hawaii. Might as well live in California. Anyway to answer the question myself. If work and money are no object, either Washington (not Seattle more like Everett area) or Portland. Although It's hard to see myself ever wanting to leave Hawaii. Its humid and hot as hell, you can't buy specific things in a store, and everything is expensive. However, you don't feel like just another number, you can bump into people you know, no seasons mean only one wardrobe is needed, the beaches are some of the best in the world (I don't like the beach though), very liberal, good food, unique culture, and most people are very friendly.