Living in Hawaii 

Are you moving to Hawaii? Here is why people love living in Hawaii! 

Hawaii is a beautiful state 2,000 miles from the U.S. mainland known for its stunning natural surroundings, breathtaking beaches, outdoor activities, and rich history and culture. Found at the southeast end of a chain of volcanoes that formed more than 70 million years ago, each Island has one or more volcanoes, making this an exciting place to live. 

Hawaii may be recognized as a frequented tourist destination in the Pacific Ocean. Still, it is also a great place to call home since it provides such a unique experience and plenty of opportunities. Featuring a solid housing market, many delicious restaurants, and no shortage of things to do, there is no other place like Hawaii. 

From lush rainforests to stunning waterfalls, Hawaii offers a high quality of life and is attracting many new residents relocating from California, Texas, Florida, Washington, and Oregon. A perfect place to call home for families and retirees; once you decide to move to Hawaii, you will never want to leave. 

Here are ten things to know before moving to Hawaii 

Real Estate 

Housing in Hawaii is one of the highest expenses, with the median price of a single-family home in Hawaii being over $1 million. Low inventory and an influx of buyers are just some of the many factors driving these high housing prices. For example, if you are moving to Honolulu, the housing prices in Honolulu have a medium listing price of $1,844,947 and an average price per square foot of $1,047 as of July 2023.

Hawaii is not just an expensive place to live for homebuyers but also for renters. As the second most expensive state for renters, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Honolulu is between $1,300 and $1,700 as of 2023. Whether you are looking for a vacation home or a long-term investment, buying a home is a safe and solid choice for its stable market and low property tax rate of 0.27%.

Cost of Living 

Hawaii is a beautiful place to live but also the most expensive. With the highest cost of living in the United States, Hawaii is 1.23 times more expensive than the United States average. Transportation costs are high due to expensive fuel prices, the limited number of roads, and grocery prices are notoriously high due to finite supply chains and the cost of shipping. Despite the high costs, Hawaii remains one of the most sought-after places to live due to its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere. 

*100 denotes the national average 

Data Sourced from BestPlaces. 

Weather 

Known for having a tropical wet and dry climate, Hawaii experiences mild temperatures throughout the year, moderate humidity, and significant differences in rainfall between short distances. Classified as only having two seasons throughout the year, summer occurs between May and October, while winter is between October and April. 

Since the weather in Hawaii is very consistent, temperatures in the summer average 85 degrees Fahrenheit, while temperatures in the winter average 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Receiving large amounts of rainfall in the mountains and the valleys on the northeastern side of the islands, the wettest months are between November and March. 

Education 

Home to above-average schools, Hawaii is a great place to live for families and school-aged children. The Hawaii State Department of Education is the statewide public education system headquartered in Honolulu and was founded in 1840. There is also one centralized school board which is located on Oahu.

Home to 295 public schools, more than 181,000 students were enrolled in the district as of 2022. With more than 12,220 teachers and a student-teacher ratio of 15 to one, Hawaii ranks number 24 in education, according to US News. State test scores show that 32% of students are proficient in math and 50% in reading. 

For those moving to Hawaii for higher-education opportunities, there is plenty of those as well. With both public and private colleges and universities to choose from, quality education is easy to find. Home to at least 17 schools that offer degrees, there are over 60,400 students enrolled in Hawaiian colleges. 

Some of the best colleges in Hawaii include The University of Hawaii at Manoa, The University of Hawaii at Hilo, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, and Hawaii Pacific University. The University of Hawaii system has Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului, and Kapolei campuses. 

Hawaiian Time 

One of the best parts about Hawaii is its diverse culture and laid-back lifestyle. Providing residents and visitors with a complete tropical paradise; you will always want to stay once you arrive in Hawaii. Since everyone lives on Island time, life tends to move much slower here than on the mainland.

Taking the common saying "no worries" to a whole new level, the freedom from everyday problems and lack of pre-planning is appreciated by many. The dress code is also more casual at work and daily life, which can be seen when workers show up to business meetings in Hawaiian shirts. 

Wildlife and Nature 

Nature is a large part of life in Hawaii. Home to rich plant life and abundant unique wildlife, more than 3,000 plant species are located here that can not be found anywhere else. As the location of the only tropical rainforests in the country, beautiful flowers, 175 species of trees, and lush green plants can be found spread out across the state's eight Islands. 

Since beauty is located across every inch of Hawaii, there is no better place to explore with friends and family. From cascading waterfalls to active volcanoes, check out these natural wonders in Hawaii: 

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Located on the Big Island, this national park is worth the visit since it features volcanology exhibitions and a viewpoint that overlooks the Halema'uma'u crater. 

Kalaupapa National Historical Park: Found on the Island of Moloka'i in Kalaupapa features beautiful walking trails and sheer cliffs that overlook the Pacific Ocean. 

Waimea Canyon State Park: This state park in Kauai County is a large canyon 14 miles long and 3,000 feet deep. Referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this colorful canyon offers stunning views, hiking trails, and waterfalls. 

Akaka Falls State Park: Found 11 miles North of Hilo, this state park is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and is home to two waterfalls, including the 442-foot-tall Akaka Falls. 

Hanauma Bay State Park: Located on the southeastern side of Oahu, this state park was formed within a volcanic cone and offers fantastic opportunities to snorkel, swim, and spot marine life. 

Delicious Food and Restaurants  

Typical Hawaiian foods include poke, spam musubi, garlic shrimp, manapua, and shaved ice. With cuisine influenced by China, Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Portugal, the food in Hawaii is always delicious and flavorful. With many restaurants and eateries, some of the best meals can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Check out these local favorite restaurants in Hawaii: 

The Original Roy's in Hawaii Kai: Dine on Hawaiian cuisine at this high-end and contemporary restaurant that uses fresh local ingredients and bold, flavorful spices. 

Fête: A perfect spot to eat for lunch and dinner, this New American restaurant focuses on farm-to-table dining and seasonal ingredients. 

Senia: In Honolulu's Chinatown, this elevated neighborhood restaurant is best known for its tasty Hawaiian and New American menus. 

House Without a Key: This popular American restaurant in Honolulu features Hawaiian music, dancing, and Island cocktails. 

MW Restaurant: Enjoy inventive Hawaiian fare and craft cocktails in a trendy and welcoming atmosphere. 

Moving With Pets is Hard 

The process is lengthy and intense if you plan on moving to Hawaii with your pet. The Hawaiian government takes extra precautions to protect the state's ecosystem against diseases pets can carry, so there is a specific quarantine and screening process. 

Known to be costly and time-consuming, it is best to be prepared beforehand. The Hawaii Animal Quarantine Station requires that all pet owners complete and submit the correct forms, proof of two rabies vaccinations, the results of an OIE-FAVN test, and payment of fees before moving forward. You can visit the Animal Quarantine Information Page for more information before moving to Hawaii with your pets. 

Beaches and Surfing 

Located in the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is home to some of the best surfing in the world. The Island of Oahu, particularly along the North Shore, is known for having spectacular waves, making it one of the best places to live in Hawaii. The Oahu North Shore is recognized as a legendary surf spot that attracts both professional surfers and beginners to the area. 

Whether you want to catch your first wave or learn from the locals, many excellent beaches celebrate the sport. Hosting multiple surfing competitions throughout the year, including the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, the Vans World Cup of Surfing, and the Billabong Pipeline Masters, watching other people surf is almost as fun as doing it yourself. 

Check out these top-rated beaches in Hawaii: 

Waikiki Beach: One of the most famous beaches in Hawaii, this beach on the south shore of Honolulu is home to many fun activities, delicious restaurants, and world-class shopping. 

Ko Olina Beach: This public beach on the west side of Oahu features beautiful white sandy beaches and shallow water. 

Waimea Bay Beach Park: A great spot to surf, swim, snorkel, fish, and bodyboard on the North shore of Oahu. 

Polihale State Park: This remote wild beach in Kauai offers white sand beaches, breathtaking views, and rough waters. 

Hanalei Bay: Recognized as the largest bay on the North shore of Kauai with breathtaking views of the mountains. 

Traffic Can Be Crazy 

Heavy traffic can be expected when living in Hawaii, especially in larger urban areas. Since two-lane roads are common in Hawaii, traffic conditions are some of the worst in the country, especially around rush hour when these roads become filled with cars. 

Public buses are available on the larger islands, but driving your car is the best way to travel around Hawaii. Since the traffic can be brutal to avoid, the best way to get around is by traveling before or after rush hour. Traffic tends to ease up from 8 AM to 3 PM and again after 5:30 PM during the week. 

Pros and Cons of Moving to Hawaii 

Pros

• Amazing culture 
• Incredible weather 
• Access to water sports 
• Beautiful surroundings 
• Hawaii is diverse 
• Living in Hawaii is safe 

Cons 

• High cost of living 
• High housing prices 
• Tons of tourists 
• Lack of seasons 
• Competitive job market 

FAQs 

Here are some common questions about moving to Hawaii. 

Is it realistic to move to Hawaii? 

Living in Hawaii is paradise on earth, but it is essential to do your research before moving since Hawaii is home to one of the highest costs of livings in the United States. 

What salary is needed to live comfortably in Hawaii? 

To live in Hawaii comfortably, it is recommended that an individual make an annual income of $70,000 to $100,000 and a family make an annual income of $120,000 to $200,000. 

Can you move to Hawaii without a job? 

While newcomers do not need a job before moving to Hawaii, it is certainly recommended to have one since the cost of living is so high.  

What jobs are in high demand in Hawaii? 

If you are moving to Hawaii for a job, the highest-demand industries are engineering, healthcare, and natural resources.  

Moving to Hawaii - Final Thoughts 

Whether you are moving to Hawaii for its stunning scenery or laid-back Island lifestyle, Hawaii is a unique tropical paradise that will blow you away. Offering more pros than cons, it is no wonder many people are deciding to call Hawaii home. 

As one of the best places to live in the country, Hawaii offers a high standard of living and is a sought-after place to make a living. Home to many fantastic cities and relaxing beach towns, contact us today to find your dream home in Hawaii. Our friendly and experienced Real Estate Specialists at UpHomes are here to help and answer any questions.