What To Know Before Moving To Hawaii

Moving to Hawaii is a dream for many. With its tropical climate, beautiful scenery, and laid-back lifestyle, who wouldn’t want to call paradise home? But before you pack your bags, there are some key things you need to know.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Hawaii has a high cost of living, limited job market, housing shortage, island fever risk, and geographic isolation. Do thorough research before deciding to relocate.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you should consider before moving to the Aloha State, from the pros and cons of living there to financial, lifestyle, cultural, geographic, and practical factors.

With realistic expectations set, you can decide if Hawaii is truly the right fit for you long-term.

The Allure and Reality of the Hawaiian Lifestyle

The dream of living in paradise

The thought of moving to Hawaii likely conjures up images of golden beaches, azure waters, lush green mountains, and a carefree island lifestyle (Smith, 2023). Many envision spending their days surfing, paddleboarding, or lounging in a hammock with a mai tai in hand.

Hawaii’s year-round warm climate and natural beauty make it an alluring escape from the cold winters and concrete jungles of the mainland.

In reality, those who relocate to the islands are met with a slower-paced lifestyle in tune with nature. Locals emphasize “ohana”, family and community over work and material goods (HawaiiHistory.org). There is an appreciation for the islands’ fragile ecosystem and resources.

New residents must adjust to more relaxed schedules, limited shopping options, and island prices for food, gas, and housing.

Dealing with island fever

However, the remote location that makes Hawaii so enchanting can also trigger island fever. The six major islands are small and isolated, surrounded by over 2,400 miles of Pacific Ocean. Cabin fever can set in among those used to big cities with endless stimulation.

Island fever may cause restlessness, boredom, or irritability.

Coping strategies involve exploring the diversity across islands and embracing local culture. Each island has its own unique vibe and adventures to discover – from the lively nightlife of Oahu to the art scene on the Big Island.

Connecting with community groups and learning traditional arts, music, dance keeps the mind engaged.

Adapting to the slow pace

The unhurried pace of island living can be a tough adjustment for high-energy achievers. Local terminology reflects a focus on balance rather than urgency: “Hang loose” means to take it easy and “no hurry, no worry” stresses patience over punctuality (Gutierrez, 2021).

But this lifestyle forces visitors to appreciate life’s simple pleasures – friends, family, nature.

New residents can find fulfillment by volunteering at sea turtle protection programs or teaching local kids to surf. Or perhaps finally pursue that passion project like writing a book, learning an instrument, or mastering hula dancing.

Hawaii offers a chance to live in the moment – to watch sea turtles bask on the beach, to marvel at rainbows arching over waterfalls, to feel sand between your toes.

Hawaii’s Sky-High Cost of Living

Housing shortage drives up prices

Hawaii has been facing a severe housing shortage for years, driving real estate prices to staggering heights. The median home price in Hawaii is over $800,000, more than double the national median of $386,000. On some islands like Maui and Kauai, the median single-family home price tops $1 million.

Supply simply hasn’t kept up with demand from a growing population, tourists, and real estate investors.

High construction and labor costs also make new development extremely expensive. For example, building costs in Honolulu are a whopping 65% above the national average. Land zoned for housing is limited as well. All these factors combine to push home prices out of reach for many locals.

Importing drives up grocery bills

Since Hawaii imports over 90% of its food and consumer goods, grocery costs run far higher than on the mainland. Shipping perishables thousands of milesadds significant transportation fees. The premium for a dozen eggs can be as high as $4-6, while a gallon of milk easily tops $5-6 versus just $3-4 nationally.

Fresh produce like apples and oranges frequently cost three times mainland prices or more.

Restaurant meals and takeout are more expensive as well since eateries face elevated ingredient prices. Overall, a typical family spends 17-50% more on groceries in Hawaii than on the mainland.

Building savings is critical

Saving up a solid emergency fund before moving is strongly recommended given Hawaii’s steep cost of living. Having at least 6 months of living expenses set aside helps smooth over transitions between jobs or cover emergency costs.

Saving $10,000 or more beyond that provides extra cushion for rental deposits, appliances, unexpected medical bills and other major purchases.

It’s also wise to research budgets carefully and talk to locals. Estimating monthly costs isn’t always easy since prices fluctuate frequently. Visitors may only experience tourist hotspots instead of where regular families shop.

Tracking spending for 2-3 months aids immensely in seeing if incomes actually align with expenses.

While Hawaii’s natural beauty and friendly culture entice many prospective residents, the economic realities can be jarring. However, those who prepare finances thoroughly can still thrive in the island paradise. Checking resources like the sites below helps make informed decisions:

• Best Places Hawaii Cost of Living
• Numbeo Honolulu Cost of Living

Finding Employment in Hawaii’s Job Market

Tourism rules the economy

Tourism is the leading industry in Hawaii, accounting for about 21% of the state’s economy. Over 10 million visitors flock to the Hawaiian Islands each year, supporting around 216,000 tourism-related jobs.

The islands’ world-famous beaches, landscapes, and culture offer bountiful employment opportunities in hospitality, food service, transportation, retail, recreation, and entertainment. Major hotel chains and local businesses are almost always hiring workers to keep pace with the thriving tourism demand.

Military jobs anchor communities

The military presence also bolsters Hawaii’s job market. Military spending makes up around 8% of the state’s economy, with over 42,000 active duty personnel stationed in Hawaii across branches like the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and National Guard.

There are abundant civilian job opportunities on the islands’ numerous military bases and facilities. Positions range from healthcare, engineering, IT, construction, retail, and other support roles servicing military members and their families.

Remote work widens options

Furthermore, Hawaii’s remote worker population has swelled since the COVID-19 pandemic made location-independent jobs more prevalent. With Hawaii’s unmatched natural beauty and temperate climate, talented professionals nationwide are embracing “work from paradise” lifestyles on the islands.

Remote jobs in tech, business, marketing, finance, healthcare, education, customer service, and more allow people to live their Hawaiian dreams. Coworking spaces and networking groups cater to location-independent workers looking to connect.

Cultural Assimilation as a New Resident

Native Hawaiian History and Customs

Native Hawaiians have a rich cultural history spanning centuries. When relocating to Hawaii, it is crucial to learn about native customs, traditions, and belief systems. This shows respect and allows for smoother assimilation into island life.

An essential custom is the aloha spirit – a gesture of kindness, unity, and openness towards others. Newcomers should exude this welcoming spirit. Other notable customs include hula dancing, Hawaiian cuisine like poi and kalua pork, the popularity of surfing and canoe paddling, and a deep spiritual connection with nature.

Local Customs and Slang

Hawaii has developed unique local mannerisms over time. Using pidgin slang and understanding gestures like the shaka sign (holding up a “hang loose” thumb and pinky) goes a long way in connecting with locals.

Some common pidgin terms to know:

• Howzit – Hello, how are you?
• Brah – Brother, friend
• Da kine – The kind, that particular thing
• Shoots – Okay, I agree
• Slippahs – Flip flop shoes

Locals also tend to adopt a slower, more relaxed pace of life called Hawaiian time. Allowing extra time to account for this is advisable.

Respect Goes a Long Way

Showing respect is key – from honoring native history, cultural sites and values, to supporting local businesses, conservation efforts, and more. Invest time immersing in Hawaiian culture. Avoid insensitive questions or comparing Hawaii to mainland living. Embrace Hawaii’s one-of-a-kind island style.

Resources like the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s website detail ways to respectfully experience Hawaiian culture. Within time, newcomers who exude the aloha spirit while integrating local customs find smooth sailing in assimilating into Hawaii’s one-of-a-kind island lifestyle.

Geography and Access Challenges

Moving to the Hawaiian Islands comes with some unique geography and access challenges unseen in the continental United States. Considering the remote location in the Pacific Ocean, effects of volcanic activity, potential for dangerous natural disasters, and difficulties traveling between islands, those looking to relocate to Hawaii should understand and prepare for these issues.

Remoteness from Continental U.S.

First, Hawaii’s extreme remoteness from any major landmass greatly impacts accessibility. Located over 2,400 miles from the Californian coast, the islands are one of the most isolated populated landmasses on Earth.

This means limited options for affordable shipping, restricted imports, and no possibility of ground transportation. Air and sea freight costs are exceptionally high in Hawaii, directly impacting consumer prices.

Understanding these supply chain issues can ease frustrations with elevated living expenses.

The islands’ detachment also equates to considerable distance from family and friends on the mainland. Direct flights take around 6 hours from California and 9+ hours from most other departure points. This travel time and related costs often discourage frequent visits.

While technology helps bridge the gap, expect decreased in-person interactions after an inter-state move.

Inter-island Travel Difficulties

In addition to remoteness from the continent, movement between the Hawaiian islands poses challenges. Aside from minimal ferry services, the only transportation option is flying. And with just three inter-island carriers dominating this route, consumers face inflated prices, crowded planes, and scheduling headaches.

For instance, a short 30-minute hop between Honolulu and Maui can run $300+ roundtrip. Moreover, to bypass stopovers, some itineraries require taking multiple airlines. This complex routing can mean dragging luggage between airports, worrying about minimum connections, and paying extra baggage fees.

Familiarize yourself with inter-island quirks before depending on convenient island hopping.

Natural Disasters Like Volcanoes, Tsunamis

Finally, Hawaii’s unique formed by volcanic hotspots makes natural disasters a unfortunate reality. There are 5 active volcanoes that could erupt at any time, most notably Kilauea on Big Island. While lava flows typically impact discrete areas, related earthquakes and vog (volcanic air pollution) can wreak havoc across islands.

Hawaii has also suffered devastating tsunamis, fueled by seismic activity and its open Pacific location.

Past examples provide important lessons. In 2018, Kilauea erupted for months, destroying over 700 homes. And the 1960 Chili earthquake spawned tsunami waves up to 35 feet high, leaving 61 dead in Hilo. Being a prepared resident means having an emergency evacuation plan and supplies, avoiding building in high-risk lava zones, and heeding official disaster warnings.

Conclusion

The alluring shores of Hawaii present allure and challenges alike for potential new residents. By going in informed about the state’s high costs, job market constraints, cultural nuances, geographic isolation, and more, transplants can set realistic expectations.

If its natural beauty, friendly locals, and idyllic climate outweigh the tradeoffs for you, Hawaii may just be your ideal paradise to call home.

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