Why is Hawaii so Democratic? Why did West Virginia flip?

[Anna Komnene]

Hawaii is a very diverse place with socially liberal norms.  Many people there believe in the aloha spirit, which is about achieving happiness and prosperity through love and togetherness.  The cultural conservatism and focus on the "rugged individual" of the Republican party is not really compatible with this.  When mainland Republicans talk about "American values," what they really mean has very little do do with the people of Hawaii or their culture, so the national party becomes an albatross around the necks of local Republicans in Hawaii just like the vice versa happens in places like Louisiana.  

It probably also helps that the Democratic party and its institutions are well organized in Hawaii and the Republican institutions aren't.  I've also noticed that Hawaiian legislators (mostly Democrats) seem to be a lot more likely to bring "local" issues to Congress, so they get a reputation of helping their constituents and get rewarded for it.  Pretty much though, most Republicans just have no aloha.

[Anna Komnene]

Weren't there a lot of Hawaii Democrats who were against gay marriage?

Very much so. According to the 1996 exit polls, Hawaiian's opposed same-sex marriage by a 71-26 margin, while Americans as a whole opposed it by 68-27. However, we must remember that the LGBT movement of 1996 was rather divided on the issue.

71 and 68 isn't that big of a difference, and it was 1996.

It's worth noting that Inouye and Akaka both voted against DOMA and DADT, as did Neil Abercrombie.  Inouye was known for supporting gay rights even so far back as the early 80s.  Also, Ed Case, who people like to laud as a conservadem, opposed banning same sex marriage and supported civil unions.  Mazie Hirono also opposed banning same sex marriage in the 90s.  The only odd one out, really, is Tulsi Gabbard.  She was socially conservative in her 20s - most likely influenced by her father who's a major socon advocate.  She's been liberal since 2011 though, and has supported several lgbt bills since she's been in office.  She says her tour of duty in the middle east changed her views.