Should You Move To Hawaii?

If you are looking to make a change in your life, maybe escape the cold weather, Hawaii has probably entered your mind. Its beautiful colors, tropical breeze, warm sunsets and exotic culture attract millions from around the world.

But if you are looking for a new place to live, you might wonder if life in Hawaii is the stuff of daydreams or something that might be feasible. In other words, you might be wondering right now if you should start packing your bags to move to Hawaii.

Hawaii is a great place to move, especially if you have a work opportunity to adjust easily to new environments. Hawaii is one of the most expensive states to live in and Honolulu has brutal rush hour traffic.

Some find it challenging to adjust to the slower pace and cultural adjustments. But many fall in love with the tropical weather of Hawaii, kind vibes and healthy natural lifestyle the islands promote.

If you are considering moving to Hawaii, you should know it is absolutely an achievable goal. While the fantasy might seem too good to be true, this idea of living in paradise year round, you should remember people start new lives in Hawaii all the time.

But before you tuck a plumeria flower into your ear, you need to know a bit more about life in Hawaii. It isn’t always as pristine and simple as a postcard image. But for those with the will to succeed and desire to try something new, moving to Hawaii might be the best decision you ever made. Read further to see if this move is right for you.

Hawaii is the 50th state in the United States, but unlike the other 49 states, Hawaii and its local and indigenous people have worked hard to maintain the rich cultural practices to this day.

Throughout the day in Hawaii you will see Aloha, the acts of kindness towards strangers. There is also a deep respect and love for nature and its bounty. It is important you get on board with these philosophies if you plan on moving to Hawaii, otherwise you might find yourself itching to leave.

Hawaii is a state composed of several islands, and not all of them are the same. Hawaii, known as “The Big Island” is the largest island in size, but not in population. It is rich in cultural and natural beauty. Big Island has the tallest mountain in Hawaii (it even snows there).

It is also home to the only active volcano in Hawaii, and it is very active. The Big Island is great for adventurous nature lovers, but there are fewer work opportunities on this island than some others.

The other two islands most people consider moving to are Maui and Oahu (Kauai and Moloka’i are much less popular, as there are fewer work opportunities). Maui has a plethora of world-class resorts and tons of tourism. This is a great place for those looking for a more laid back lifestyle, and bonus points if you are a hospitality professional. But most Hawaii transplants start their life by moving to Oahu.

Oahu is home to Honolulu, the state’s capitol and the largest city. It has lots of commerce and work opportunities. Many newcomers flock to Oahu because it has the most work opportunities and its larger towns more closely resemble life on the mainland. But some of those similarities include noisy evenings in the city and bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic.

The most obvious reason to move to Hawaii is the weather. Hawaii has an unbelievable climate. Not only does it never get cold, but the position of Hawaii in the middle of the Pacific means it also rarely gets too hot. In fact it rarely reaches above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and rarely drops below 60 in the evenings.

There is a fair amount of rain, but it often comes in short spurts. It is enough to keep all the lush rain forests green, but not so much to put a damper on your day. You will never need to bundle up, and the odds are it will be beach weather at some point in the day.

Another reason to move to Hawaii is its stunning natural beauty. The weather is part of its beauty, but it is the flora, fauna, stunning landscapes and oceans that make living there so spectacular. Hawaii has some of the most picturesque beaches, mountains and vistas on the planet.

This means after a long day at work you can leave the office and find a nice quiet place to take in the natural landscape and relax. The natural beauty of Hawaii is not just a pleasure to see every day, but it is also a great way to unwind and relax your mind.

It helps contribute to a healthy mental state, allowing for simple appreciations that many struggle to make in less beautiful places. Best of all, these views are all free.

One of the best parts about living in Hawaii can not be expressed on a postcard, or any image. It’s the people and the Hawaiian culture. Most people who visit Hawaii are struck immediately by the kindness and giving spirit of the local people. It is very common for strangers to be trusting and to go out of their way to be kind. Can you ask for a better environment to move to?

Hawaiian culture is also fascinating and exciting to immerse yourself in. There is the Hula, as well as cooking, paddling, fishing and many other cultural activities that persist in abundance to this day. It is an honor and privilege to learn and embrace this culture.

It is truly a unique opportunity that you can’t find elsewhere in the United States. This feeling also leaves many people feeling safe, since people look out for each other.

While traveling in Hawaii you will see things like “HI Life,” “Aloha State Of Mind,” and “Lucky We Live Hawaii” all over. These statements are all a nod to the Hawaiian lifestyle.

The Hawaiian lifestyle is paddling on your surfboard towards the sunset after a day at work. It’s celebrating Super Bowl Sunday outside in the afternoon, and having a barbecue on the beach on Christmas.

The Hawaiian lifestyle is laid back, with a shirt and shoes optional wardrobe, and the phrase “no worries” taking shape more often than you are used to. It is good for your blood pressure and heart rate. Many activities focus on hiking, the beach and water sports. This means that the Hawaiian lifestyle is also a very active one in many cases.

While the lifestyle is great for your blood pressure, the food is not always. But it sure is delicious. Unless you have not left your home in 10 years, you know what poke is. Poke originated in Hawaii, and is available by the pound in nearly every grocery store, and it is much better and cheaper than most poke elsewhere.

There is also a fantastic melting pot of different Asian flavors, combined with local food, throughout the islands. Hawaiian, “local” and Pacific rim cuisine has become a phenomenon throughout the world.

It is available at every twist and turn in Hawaii. Further, the local produce is also to die for. There are pineapples, mangoes, avocados, dragon fruits and all sorts of other delicacies growing wild and available at your local farmers’ market.

One of the biggest reasons people think twice before moving to Hawaii is the cost of living. The cost of living is a challenge. A one bedroom apartment can easily cost more than $2,000, and gas, car registration and insurance are also some of the most expensive in the nation.

So, if you are already struggling to maintain your lifestyle in a much cheaper place, Hawaii might pose some additional financial burdens. It is important to remember, however, that many of the best things in Hawaii are free (hiking, beach, etc.).

Another challenging aspect to Hawaiian life is the fact that you are far away from the life you left behind. You can’t just get in your car and drive to see your family and other loved ones. In fact, if you are moving from the east coast of the U.S. then it could take you upwards of 16 hours in a plane before you reach your former home.

For those with aging family members or close siblings or life partners on the mainland, this can be incredibly hard to cope with in the long term.

While it does not happen to everyone, island fever is something some people experience. If you are someone who likes to be able to do anything and be anywhere, Hawaii might not be for you. There are some limitations to the island lifestyle. This is especially true on the less populated islands like Maui, Kauai, Moloka’i.

So, consider taking a few long trips to remote areas and see if you are comfortable with it. After all, while Honolulu and some other cities have everything you could imagine, much of Hawaiian life is closer to country living, with few outlets for continental city life.

Hawaii is a fantastic place to live, but nowhere is perfect for everyone. The weather and natural beauty alone is enough for many people to completely pick up their lives and start fresh.

Others fall in love with the warm people, the culture and the Aloha state of mind. Finding a job that pays the expense, however, can be challenging. Some also find it difficult to adjust to the new culture or might get island fever.

But if you can foot the bill and are ready for a new chapter in your life, a move to Hawaii might be exactly the adventure you are after.