freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, New York is more free than Hawaii overall, scoring 41.3 to 40.9 out of 100 and winning 4 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Regulatory Burden, where Hawaii leads by 5.3 points.
The sharpest contrast is Regulatory Burden, where Hawaii leads 5.9 to 0.6 out of 10 — a 5.3-point gap. They also part ways on Drug Policy (New York +4.0) and Property Rights (Hawaii +3.5). Where they’re most alike is Education Choice (1.5 vs 1.5).
Bottom line: Hawaii’s strongest case is Criminal Justice (6.7/10), while New York’s is Drug Policy (9.5/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Hawaii leads in 4 categories · New York leads in 4 · 2 tied
New York ranks higher overall, scoring 41.3/100 versus 40.9/100 across the ten freedom categories. New York wins 4 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
Hawaii scores higher on economic freedom (0.4/10 vs 0.2/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Hawaii scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (0.4/10 vs 0.0/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Hawaii and New York tie on education choice (1.5/10 each).