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Moving to Hawaii in 2024? Complete Moving Guide
This is a complete guide for Moving to Hawaii.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Hawaii.
Are you thinking of moving to Hawaii?
Hawaii is a string of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean that is rich in culture and beauty. This is a dream destination for many for vacationing, but living here is a different experience. It has beautiful beaches, active volcanoes and lush rainforests. If you are planning to move here, you should know about it like its cost of living and lifestyle. The cost of living in Hawaii is higher than the national average as everything you need for a living is either flown in or shipped in from other places. The state has a local island culture which offers a slower pace of life and limited options for entertainment. The job market in the state is competitive, and finding secure employment can be full of challenges. So, before moving to Hawaii, you can explore it online through our state guide. Let us explore Hawaii-
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Quick Facts of Hawaii
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Top reasons to move to Hawaii
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Pros & Cons of Living in Hawaii
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Best Neighborhoods in the Hawaii
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Cost of living in Hawaii
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Hawaii job market
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Major industries in Hawaii
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Top Career Options in Hawaii
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Best things to do in Hawaii
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Schools in Hawaii
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Type of insurance required in Hawaii
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Taxes in Hawaii
What are the demographics of Hawaii?
Hawaii is a culturally diverse state with high racial diversity. The state has a mix of different races who speak distinct languages. You can get statistics about the demography of Hawaii in the coming section-
Male vs Female Population of Hawaii
| Gender | Estimated Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 725,101 | 50.12% |
| Female | 716,452 | 49.88% |
Population distribution by Ethnicity in Hawaii
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Asian (Non-Hispanic) | 37% |
| White (Non-Hispanic) | 21% |
| Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander | 10% |
| Hispanic | 13% |
| Black | 9% |
What are some quick facts about Hawaii?
Before moving to Hawaii, you can learn some interesting facts about the state-
- Surfing originated in Hawaii hundreds of years ago. Hawaiians used to ride wooden boards called “papa”.
- The nickname of Hawaii is “Rainbow State” as the state experiences a perfect combination of moisture and sunshine.
- Hawaii is the world’s most southerly coffee producer.
- Hula is a traditional art form that tells stories about the history, culture and legends of Hawaii.
- “Aloha” that is a Hawaiian word means hello, goodbye and love.
- The state is home to two tallest mountains in the state- Hawaii Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
- This is the most popular filming location for Hollywood movies
- The billboards are banned in Hawaii to protect the natural beauty of the island
- The state has two active volcanoes- Kilauea and Mauna Loa.
- Hawaiian cuisine is a fusion of Asian, American and Polynesian foods.
What are the top reasons to move to Hawaii?
Relocation is a big change that affects people financially, emotionally and sometimes physically. So, before you decide to make a new home in a new city and new state, find some strong reasons to plan your move. In this section of our guide, we have listed some reasons that will compel you to make your new home in Hawaii-
- Climate- The state has a pleasant climate throughout the year. It is a haven for those who love warm weather and refreshing winds.
- Rich culture- If you are a traditional lover, then you can move to Hawaii as the island offers vibrant culture and has a strong focus on community. You can experience culture and tradition through hula dance and ukulele music.
- Filled with Adventure- Hawaii is a dream destination for those who love beaches, sunshine, and water fun. You can spend quality time with family and friends doing kayaking, diving, sunbathing, and surfing.
- Slower pace of life- Hawaii has a slower pace of life and an isolated life. So, it is a perfect destination for those who are looking for solitude.
- Job market- This can be a factor that you need to consider if you are planning to move here. The job market is competitive in Hawaii and wages can be lower than on the mainland.
- Cost of living- The first factor that people consider before deciding to move is the cost of living. And in Hawaii, it is higher as compared to that on the mainland. The reason for higher prices on food, housing and other amenities is because everything has to be shipped in.
What are the Pros and Cons of living in Hawaii?
When you move to a new state, you only learn how it can be beneficial if you move there. But it is important to learn about the challenges you might face in a new state-
| Pros of living in Hawaii | Cons of living in Hawaii |
|---|---|
| Dream destination for the nature lover. Filled with natural beauty of volcanoes, rainforests and beaches | Isolated living, slower pace of life and limited options for entertainment |
| Strong sense of community and rich in culture and traditions | High cost of living |
| Welcoming island culture that emphasizes respect, community and enjoyment | Competitive job market and wages lower than on the mainland |
| Year-round warm temperatures and refreshing trade winds | Highly prone to natural disasters like volcanoes, tsunamis, and earthquakes |
| Unlimited outdoor adventures like kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and more | Limited public transportation options |
What are the best places to live in Hawaii?
Hawaii is a beautiful city that offers safe living and affordable housing. The state has some of the best places where you can make your home.
To simplify your search, we have compiled the data with the city name, its population, median home value in the city, and the unemployment rate in the city. This data will help you pick the best city as per your moving requirements-
| City | Island | Population (Estimated) | Median Home Value | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilo | Big Island | 57,170 | $131,007 | 3.4% |
| Kailua-Kona | Big Island | 42,280 | $528,392 | 4.1% |
| Honolulu | Oahu | 896,100 | $1,480,360 | 2.9% |
| Pearl City | Oahu | 91,470 | $914,096 | 3.8% |
| Kahului | Maui | 32,840 | $637,219 | 4.7% |
| Wailea | Maui | 5,980 | $3,210,789 | Not Available (Data for smaller communities often limited) |
| Lihue | Kauai | 17,530 | $1,925,440 | 3.7% |
Tip: When you've got a home to move in Hawaii, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.
What are the best neighborhoods in Hawaii?
Moving brings many changes and you need a homely environment to start your life with everything new. But if you have a family-friendly neighborhood then you can easily find your home in the new state.
Moving to Hawaii can be different as the state has limited options and a slower pace of life. Still, you can move to a neighborhood that has scenic beauty of beaches, and warm weather and can be a dream destination in many ways. Let us explore some of the best neighborhoods in Hawaii-
- Honolulu, Oahu- This is a bustling downtown with cultural attractions, nightlife and restaurants. You can consider Manoa for finding a home as it is more residential and has good universities nearby.
- Wailea, Maui- This is an expensive neighborhood with stunning beaches, high-end shops and more.
- Mililani, Oahu- A perfect neighborhood as it has a planned community with good schools, quality housing options and a good suburban feel.
- Kailua-Kona, Big Island- This neighborhood is a popular tourist destination with resorts, beautiful beaches and more.
- Lihue, Kauai- This is the main town on Kauai Island with a shopping center and restaurants. The Kauai Airport is also located here.
- Kihei, Maui- This is a perfect location that offers a balance between affordability and amenities. You can find resorts, condos and vacation houses in this area.
- Kailua, Oahu- It is a family-friendly neighborhood offering a relaxed pace of life. You can enjoy beautiful beaches in the area.
What is the cost of living in Hawaii?
Cost of living is one major factor that people consider as a decision factor before relocating to a new state. Hawaii has a high cost of living as the groceries, housing and other amenities are very expensive.
The only reason for the high cost of living in Hawaii is that everything you find here has to be shipped in from the mainland. So, keep all these components in mind while evaluating the cost of living in the state. Check out different statistics available for the cost of living in Hawaii-
Cost of Living by Categories in Hawaii vs USA
| Category | Hawaii | USA National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | 214% higher | N/A (baseline) |
| Utilities | 42% higher | N/A |
| Transportation | 26% higher | N/A |
| Groceries | 50% higher | N/A |
| Healthcare | 18% higher | N/A |
| Category | Hawaii | USA National Average |
| Housing | 214% higher | N/A (baseline) |
| Utilities | 42% higher | N/A |
Median House Price in Hawaii vs USA
| Location | Median House Price |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $ 839,013 |
| United States | $ 347,716 |
Median Rent Price in Hawaii vs USA
| Location | Median Rent Price |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $ 1,868 per month |
| United States | $ 1,067 per month |
Housing Market in Hawaii
The housing market in Hawaii is very competitive and has higher costs. The reason for the higher cost of houses is limited land availability and the cost of shipping for building materials. The cost of housing can vary from location to location within Hawaii. The urban areas like Honolulu are expensive while Big Island has affordable housing options.
Average Rental Cost in Hawaii
The median rent price in Hawaii is higher than the national average. The rent prices can vary significantly for different locations. The median rent price in Hawaii is $1,868 per month.
Median Home Value in Hawaii
The median home value in Hawaii is estimated to be $839,013 as of 2024. The median house prices in Hawaii are 2.4 times more expensive which contributes to the higher cost of living in Hawaii.
How is the job market in Hawaii?
The job market in Hawaii is competitive because of limited employment opportunities. There are only a few industries that are thriving in the state and offer high-paying jobs.
There are limited opportunities for tech and manufacturing professionals while unlimited opportunities for tourism and service sector professionals. The job market is more diverse in specific locations like Oahu. The wage gap is significant and needs to be considered as a major deciding factor while planning a relocation. In this section of our guide, we have compiled different statistics related to the job market in Hawaii-
Median Income in Hawaii vs USA
| Location | Median Income |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $91,010 |
| United States | $69,717 |
Unemployment Rate in Hawaii vs USA
| Location | Unemployment Rate (March 2024) |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | 3.0% |
| United States | 3.6% |
Major Industries in Hawaii
The economy of Hawaii is more diverse than expected. There are several industries other than tourism that are thriving and are providing employment. Here is the list of major industries in Hawaii-
- Tourism
- Government services
- Accounting
- Law
- Healthcare
- Education
- Transportation
- Hospitality
- Military
- Agriculture
- Fishing and Marine
- Retail trade
- Construction
Top Career Options in Hawaii
Hawaii has a diverse economy with multiple industries flourishing with job opportunities based on the skills of its residents.
In this section of our guide, we have provided relevant statistics for the top career options available in Hawaii and their average and entry-level salaries-
| Career Option | Average Salary (Annual) | Entry-Level Salary (Annual) | Resources for Further Research |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitality Manager | $75,000 | $50,000 | Hawaii Dept. of Labor, Indeed Hawaii |
| Registered Nurse | $82,000 | $68,000 | Hawaii Dept. of Labor, BLS |
| Public School Teacher | $70,000 | $55,000 | Hawaii Dept. of Labor, BLS |
| Oceanographer (Marine Scientist) | $92,000 | $65,000 | Hawaii Dept. of Labor, BLS |
| Web Developer | $78,000 | $58,000 | Hawaii Dept. of Labor, Indeed Hawaii |
Biggest Companies in Hawaii by city and number of employees
The state is home to some top companies, and it is better to learn about some of their details before planning a move-
| Island | Company | Industry | Estimated Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oahu | The Queen's Health Systems | Healthcare | 13,000 |
| Oahu | Hawaii State Department of Education | Government | 10,000+ |
| Oahu | Hilton Worldwide Holdings (Asia Pacific Headquarters) | Hospitality | 10,000+ (Asia Pacific) |
| Oahu | First Hawaiian Bank | Financial Services | 2,000+ |
| Big Island | Obayashi Corporation (Hawaii Branch) | Construction | 5,000+ (US) |
| Big Island | Kilauea Volcano National Park (US National Park Service) | Government | 100-500 (Park Rangers & Staff) |
| Maui | Maui Health System | Healthcare | 7,000+ |
| Maui | Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. | Agriculture & Real Estate | 1,500+ |
| Kauai | Marriott International (Resorts & Hotels) | Hospitality | 5,000+ (Global) |
| Kauai | Gaylord Resorts (Kauai Resort) | Hospitality | 1,000+ (Estimated for Large Resorts) |
What are the best things to do in Hawaii?
Hawaii is a paradise for nature lovers and is also a dream destination for vacationing. If you are living here, you can find plenty of options to spend holidays and weekends. Here are some ideas for fun in Hawaii-
- Explore the natural beauty of the island by hiking through rainforests, swimming through waterfalls and relaxing on the beaches.
- Snorkel or dive into the marine life and explore the vibrant coral reefs.
- Don’t miss a chance to learn about the culture and traditions of Hawaii. Try to be a part of their celebrations, and festivals and visit museums.
- Dig into the history of World War II at the Peral Harbor National Memorial and the USS Arizona Memorial.
- If you love adventure then go for a hike to the summit of Haleakala on Maui or Kilauea on the Big Island.
- Enjoy a night under the stars by gazing at the Milky Way and constellations from observatories in Hawaii.
- Food lovers can enjoy a perfect fusion of different cuisines. Try local cuisine to taste the traditional food.
What are the best schools in Hawaii?
A good educational institution is important to ensure that your children are getting quality education. If you are moving to Hawaii, you can find multiple options for schools, colleges and universities.
All these are located in different areas across Hawaii. You can choose and research the right school, college or university before relocating and securing a position for your child. Here is the list of some top schools, colleges and universities-
Elementary Schools in Hawaii
- Waimea Elementary School, Waimea
- Keonepoko Elementary School, Hawaiian Beaches
- Kahakai Elementary School, Kailua-Kona
- Momilani Elementary School, Pearl City
- Asia Pacific International School, Hauula
Middle Schools in Hawaii
- ‘Iolani School, Honolulu
- Asia Pacific International School, Hauula
- Punahou School, Honolulu
- Hawai’i Preparatory Academy, Kamuela
- Mid-Pacific Institute, Honolulu
High Schools in Hawaii
- Kalani High School, Honolulu
- Mililani High School, Mililani
- Moanalua High School, Honolulu
- President Theodore Roosevelt High School, Honolulu
- Myron B. Thompson Academy- New Century PCS, Honolulu
Colleges and Universities in Hawaii
- University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Honolulu
- Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu
- Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu
- University of Hawai’i at Hilo, Hilo
- Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Laie
Which insurance is required in Hawaii?
Insurance provides you monetary support in the case of a mishappening accident or any natural calamity. When you move to Hawaii, you need some mandatory as well as some beneficial insurance. Here, we have listed some important insurance you should have while living in Hawaii-
Auto Insurance- This is a mandatory insurance in Hawaii. This means it is mandated by law to have auto insurance if you drive a car. The minimum coverage limits for auto insurance are-
- $20,000 per person for bodily injury
- $40,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $10,000 per accident for property damage
Collision Coverage- This insurance will cover the damages to your vehicle when it collides with another vehicle or object.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)- This insurance will cover the medical expenses, lost wages and other costs associated with the injuries caused to you or your passenger sustained in the accident.
Health Insurance- This insurance is recommended everywhere as it will cover the cost of medical expenses.
Life Insurance- This type of insurance will provide financial support to your family in the event of your death.
Homeowners and Renters Insurance- This insurance will protect your property and household belongings in the case of damage or other covered events.
What different taxes are applicable in Hawaii?
Taxes contribute to a major portion of your cost of living in any state. When you move to Hawaii you will find different taxes applied to the residents. In this section, you can find all the relevant details associated with the taxes in Hawaii-
- Income Tax- The state has a graduated income tax system, according to which the tax rates increase with the increase in your taxable income. The tax rates of income tax ranges between 1.4% to 11%.
- General Excise Tax- There is no sales tax in Hawaii, but it has General Excise Tax which is applied on most goods and services sold in the state. The GET rates vary among counties and range between 4% to 4.5%.
- Property Tax- The property tax in Hawaii is levied by the county in which your property is located. The tax rates depend on the value and location of the property.
- Estate Tax- In Hawaii, there is no inheritance tax but there is a separate estate tax that applies to large estates.
- Fuel Tax- There is a state fuel tax applied on gasoline and diesel fuel.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.
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