Breathtaking nature alongside unique culture and inexhaustible sources for outdoor activities have created a widespread dream of experiencing what it’s like living in Hawaii. However, things are not always as they seem, and we often fail to realize that this state is not an actual paradise but a real place with advantages and disadvantages. Discover them all before you decide if the Aloha State really suits you.
Pros and Cons of Living in Hawaii – The Voice of Reason
As a destination that doesn’t call for relocation across the world and as the only tropical state in the USA, HI seems closer to Americans than other exotic destinations. Relocating, however, is not the same as traveling – there are a bunch of aspects you need to take into consideration before you make your final decision and leave the mainland, even if the move won’t be as far as relocation to the Bahamas. So, as we begin our guide, let’s create a relocating abroad checklist of some pros and cons of making HI your new home.
Things You Will Love in the Paradise of the Pacific
In order to embrace the positive attitude Hawaiians are famous for, let’s first look at the good sides:
- Stunning nature – The nature of HI can easily share the pedestal with some of the best places to live abroad. Just think about those vivid landscapes, remarkable valleys and rainforests, volcanoes and lava land, fantastic wildlife, and the kinds of beaches you never knew existed.
- Numerous activities for everyone – whether you are an extrovert looking for amazing nightlife, hiking enthusiast, nature and animal lover, or introvert looking for the perfect place for meditation, you won’t have a dull moment here.
- Perfect weather – those who enjoy summer will be happy to call these islands home.
- Rich culture – you will be able to broaden your horizons just by being around Hawaiians, who put kindness and acceptance above all else.
- English is one of two official languages – you won’t have to break language barriers in order to get along with locals, but keep in mind that Hawaiian is also an official language, so finding some tips for learning a new language would be the best choice.
Negative Sides of the Island Life
Every yin needs its yang – it’s how the balance of the world is maintained. The not-so-good part of making Paradise of the Pacific your home would be:
- Huge expenses vs. low salary – being a luxurious tourist destination, this state still hasn’t found a way to balance the expenses with a proper local income.
- Humidity – if you can’t take heat and humidity well, think twice about relocating here.
- Island fever – after few years of being in love with the Islands and exploring every beach and rock, you may start to feel a little claustrophobic and disconnected from the mainland, with very few ways to keep in touch with your friends.
- Bad traffic – the fact that people say LA traffic is more bearable than the one in Honolulu really says something.
- Bugs everywhere.
Now that we have the basics covered, let’s dive into this beautiful corner of the world and see which six crucial things you need to remember before finally hiring an overseas shipping company and book their moving services.
1. There Are Quite a Few Islands Other Than Oahu
The Paradise of the Pacific is the only one of the fifty States comprised entirely of islands. Considering your wishes and needs, you can choose from various options. For the beginning, consider the next four big islands:
- Oahu – The Gathering Place probably got its nickname from being the most populated isle in the Aloha State. It is home to the capital and the most famous Hawaiian community – the city of Honolulu. It also has some world-famous beaches, such as Ala Moana Beach and Waikiki Beach. It is the most modern isle of them all and probably the one most close to the urban and fast-paced American lifestyle.
- Maui – The Valley Isle is often referred to as the best of all Hawaiian islands, once also known as one of the top ten islands in the world. So many different activities can be found here – from family-oriented to those you can do by yourself. And if you grow tired of Maui for a second (which we highly doubt), visit the surrounding smaller islands, like Lana’i or Moloka’i.
- Hawai’i – The Big Island is bigger than all of the others combined but also the largest one in the States. Just by exploring it, you can experience more than ten different sub-climates. Combine that with a night sky full of visible stars and the sight of mountains – it will certainly leave you breathless.
- Kaua’i – Most of the Garden Island is uninhabited and wild, with impassable rainforests and mountains. Naturally, it is not highly populated. With a small-town vibe and underdeveloped nightlife, you will be closer to spectacular nature and get to enjoy peace and quiet.
2. Is It Expensive to Live in Hawaii?
Relocating to Hawaii will undoubtedly be a much different experience than relocating to Connecticut, for example. In fact, it can be similar to moving abroad. When moving internationally, you are bound to meet a different culture and lifestyle different from the one you are used to. Many people all around the world opt for moving overseas to get their own slice of paradise.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows – the cost of living in Hawaii, an important factor in deciding about relocation, is way above the national average. There are several reasons why:
- Without the possibility of expanding, combined with being a top location, housing and renting prices can only go up. On the bright side, if you decide to buy a house and have the means to purchase it, don’t hesitate – it is always a good investment.
- A large amount of food must be imported, which results in a higher price of food.
- Paradise of the Pacific is at the top of the list in the States in terms of the cost of electricity.
- The income tax rate is also higher than average.
The Cost of Living Depends on the Chosen City
Keep in mind that the total sum of expenses depends on where you are located, too. Oahu, for example, is considered the most expensive place. Utility costs, however, are higher in Maui and Lanai. The most affordable is The Big Island, so consider relocation to Kona as an option, but remember there you will find fewer work opportunities. If you don’t want to waste money unnecessarily, ensure that you know what to pack when relocating abroad. If you need help packing your things, don’t hesitate to hire a professional packing service with experience in international moving.
How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Hawaii?
The average income you will need to lead a comfortable life in the most populated area would be around $120,000, which is quite a lot. However, less famous and crowded places are naturally cheaper. If you’re looking for the cheapest places to live in Hawaii, explore towns such as Hilo, Waimea, or Kaunakakai, and smaller islands, like Molokai, Kauai, and Lanai.
What Are Average Housing Prices in the Aloha State?
Be prepared to spend a vast amount of money on finding a suitable home. Even the cheapest islands still have higher median housing costs than the national average. The accent is on building luxurious houses because of the rich who often choose this destination as their new home. That sometimes results in a price of over $1,000,000 for a nice house in an urban neighborhood.
If you’re considering living off the grid in Hawaii in order to save money, check out the Puna district, but be careful! Active volcanoes may be a sight to behold, but they are also one of the answers to the question of What are the dangers of living in Hawaii. If you want to find out more about the “off the grid” lifestyle in the Paradise of the Pacific, watch the following video:
3. Finding a New Job Might Be Difficult
It would be best to move with an already guaranteed job or at least with savings that will support you through the first couple of months – until you find a place to work. There is a lack of medical and teaching staff on all islands, so you may hit the jackpot if those are your chosen professions. You could also try to find a job in tourism, a highly developed branch, or the technology field, which is always looking for more people. Know that Oahu provides most work opportunities and big salaries. Lastly, don’t underestimate remote positions that allow you to work from anywhere in the world.
4. You Will Be Fascinated by the Unique Nature of Locals
Because they’re sometimes understandably tired of tourists, locals here accept newcomers with some reserve. Most newcomers decide to leave within a year, but if you stay a little longer, they will be glad to call themselves your friends.
One more thing specific to the Hawaiians is the fact that they don’t care which citizenship you have. If you don’t have Hawaiian blood, you will always be a Haole – an outsider. That doesn’t mean that they won’t respect you or love you, but you will never become one of them. Those who are Hawaiians by blood are descendants of Indigenous Polynesians. Although the Paradise of the Pacific is famous for its vast ethnic and racial diversity, note that the Mongoloid people make up a big part of the Hawaiian population, with a specific place in Hawaiian culture.
The Land of Love and Respect – Embrace the Local Lifestyle
When you begin to live overseas, you will likely experience a significant cultural shock. The slow-paced lifestyle is the complete opposite of the busy way of life characteristic of the modern world. Rest assured that everything will take more time – Hawaiians don’t rush anything.
Be ready to meet the famous Aloha culture – more than a word, Aloha is a way of life that teaches kindness, love, empathy, respect, and acceptance while accentuating the spiritual, non-materialistic values. That is why they find great value in personal connections. New friendships, especially with compassionate people, will help you get over the relocation stress and find peace within yourself.
5. The Weather Is Perfect (for the Most Part)
Flawless weather is one reason why this is one of the best places to live in. However, keep in mind that it is home to many different microclimates. In Oahu, for example, places like Mililani or Kaneohe have a cooler climate, and Ewa Beach is a lot drier and hotter. High humidity can affect everyday life – it is common for mold to grow in a very short period of time and for your objects to rust a lot faster than on the mainland.
6. Ways of Transportation or Why to Hire an Overseas Shipping Company
The only way of public transportation in Paradise of the Pacific is via bus, and it only covers larger islands and cities, like Honolulu, with many delays. So if you don’t want to completely depend on it, you should consider overseas car shipping as an option – it will also benefit you whenever you feel like exploring the new surroundings. And just so you know – never honk! It’s considered rude and disrespectful.
Is It Realistic to Move to Hawaii?
Relocating to The Aloha State could become a reality – just don’t get ahead of yourself. Have realistic expectations and treat it like living in another country – decide if the benefits overcome the drawbacks. If the answer is yes, don’t let anything stop you from enjoying your dream in a tropical paradise. Not even the bugs! Hire an international moving company and make yourself a new home.
