Is living in Hawaii right for you?
For many people, living in Hawaii is a dream. The warm weather, beautiful beaches, and unique culture make it a desirable place to call home.
However, like any place, Hawaii has its pros and cons that should be considered before making the move.
This article will address the pros and cons of living in Hawaii helping you decide if moving there is the right for you and your family.
Living in Hawaii Overview
Hawaii is located in the Pacific Ocean, about 2,000 miles southwest of the mainland United States.
Hawaii is made up of a 6 major islands, including Hawaii (also known as the Big Island), Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, and Lanai.
One of the biggest pros of living in Hawaii is the beautiful weather. With temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s year-round, you can enjoy outdoor activities and beach days all year long.
Hawaii is famous for it’s amazing beaches, making it a paradise for water lovers.
The state’s unique culture and traditions also make it a fascinating place to live, with a blend of Polynesian, Asian, and American influences.
However, the cost of living in Hawaii is high, and it can be difficult to find affordable housing. The isolation of the islands can also make it challenging to access goods and services that are readily available on the mainland.
Let’s dive deeper into the pros and cons of living in Hawaii.
Pros of Living in Hawaii
Living in Hawaii has its fair share of pros and cons. In this section, we will discuss some of the pros of living in Hawaii.
Natural Beauty
If you have been to Hawaii or have seen online photos and videos, its breathtaking natural beauty is second to none.
The islands mentioned above are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, stunning waterfalls, and lush green forests.
The natural beauty of Hawaii is not limited to just the beaches and forests, but also includes the unique volcanic landscapes.
The islands are home to several active volcanoes, making it a unique place to live. If you love nature, then Hawaii is a great choice.
Climate
Hawaii has a tropical climate, which means that the temperature is warm and pleasant all year round.
The average temperature in Hawaii ranges from 78 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit or 25.6 to 29.4 Celsius.
During the summer months, the temperature stays pretty consistent with little variation. Expect the temperatures at night to be around 10 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the daytime temperature.
The weather in Hawaii is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and swimming.
On average, Hawaii will receive between 25 to 30 inches of rain each year with December being the rainiest month.
Check out: Pros and cons of living in Kansas
Rich Cultural Heritage
Hawaii has a unique and fascinating cultural heritage, with a blend of Native Hawaiian, Asian, and Western influences.
You can enjoy traditional Hawaiian music, dance, art, and cuisine, as well as festivals and celebrations that showcase the islands’ diverse cultural traditions.
Living in Hawaii gives you the opportunity to experience different cultures and learn from them.
Healthy Lifestyle
Living in Hawaii promotes a healthy lifestyle. Hawaii is consistently ranked as one of the healthiest states in the US, with a focus on healthy living and wellness.
Hawaii also has one of the highest life expectancies in the United States.
Many people take advantage of a wide range of fitness and wellness activities, including yoga, meditation, and healthy eating options.
The islands are also home to several farmers’ markets that sell fresh, locally grown produce.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, the warm weather in Hawaii allows for several outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and swimming.
Outdoor Activities
As mentioned, Hawaii is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The islands are home to several hiking trails, surfing spots, and beaches.
The warm weather in Hawaii makes it possible to enjoy outdoor activities all year round. The islands are also home to several national parks, including Haleakala National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Here are some other popular outdoor activities:
- Snorkeling and scuba diving
- Golfing
- Whale watching
- Kayaking
- Ziplining
- Camping
Education
If you are interested in education, Hawaii is home to a number of excellent schools and universities. The University of Hawaii at Manoa, is a top-ranked research institution and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Hawaii has a number of excellent colleges and universities, including the University of Hawaii system, which includes three universities and seven community colleges.
The Hawaii State Department of Education provides public education to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The system includes both traditional public schools and public charter schools.
The school year in Hawaii varies slightly as classes start in early August and end in late May. Hawaii has a mandatory 180-day school year and requires students to complete a minimum of 22 credits to graduate from high school.
Safe place to live
You will be happy to learn that Hawaii is a very safe place to live. It has one of the lowest crime rates in the country with only 3,642 violent crimes reported in 2020.
This is equal to 258 offences per 100,000 residents.
10 Best Road Trips In Hawaii
The following 10 road trips offer a mix of stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and unique attractions, making them perfect for exploring the diverse beauty of Hawaii.
- Hana Highway (Maui): Famous for its scenic beauty, this winding road features waterfalls, lush rainforests, and coastal views. Don’t miss stops like Twin Falls and the Garden of Eden Arboretum.
2. Kahekili Highway (Maui): A narrow and less-traveled route offering dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and quaint villages. Ideal for adventurous drivers looking for a unique experience.
3. Hawaii Belt Road (Big Island): Encircling the island, this route offers diverse landscapes, from volcanic fields to lush valleys. Key attractions include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Akaka Falls.
4. Kauai’s North Shore: Drive from Lihue to the end of the road at Ke’e Beach, passing through Hanalei Bay, lush taro fields, and stunning coastal scenery.
5. Mamalahoa Highway (Big Island): Explore the Kona Coffee Belt, visit historic towns like Holualoa, and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and coffee plantations.
6. Haleakala Highway (Maui): Ascend to the summit of Haleakala National Park for breathtaking sunrise views and a surreal volcanic landscape.
7. Waimea Canyon Drive (Kauai): Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” this drive offers spectacular canyon views, hiking trails, and lookout points like Waimea Canyon Overlook.
8. Kamehameha Highway (Oahu): Travel along Oahu’s North Shore, famous for its surf spots, scenic beaches, and attractions like the Polynesian Cultural Center and Waimea Valley.
9. Saddle Road (Big Island): Cross the island between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, experiencing diverse climates and landscapes. Stop at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station for stargazing.
10. Maui’s West Coast Loop: Start in Lahaina, drive through the scenic coastal road to Kapalua, and continue to the remote and rugged landscapes of the West Maui Mountains.
25 Fun Things To Do In Hawaii
- Hike the Na Pali Coast: Kauai’s dramatic Na Pali Coast offers breathtaking hiking trails with views of emerald cliffs, lush valleys, and hidden beaches.
- Snorkel at Molokini Crater: Explore the vibrant underwater world at Molokini Crater, a partially submerged volcanic cone off Maui’s coast teeming with marine life.
- Road to Hana: Embark on a scenic road trip on Maui’s Hana Highway, winding through waterfalls, rainforest, and charming towns.
- Waimea Canyon: Kauai’s “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” boasts colorful rock formations, hiking trails, and stunning overlooks.
- Kilauea Volcano: Witness the power of nature at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, home to Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
- Attend a Luau: Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture at a luau, a traditional Hawaiian feast with Polynesian dancing, music, and storytelling.
- Iolani Palace: Explore the only royal palace in the United States at Iolani Palace in Oahu, learning about Hawaiian history and monarchy.
- Surfing Lessons: Catch your first wave or hone your skills with surfing lessons on world-famous beaches like Waikiki Beach in Oahu.
- Take a Hula Class: Learn the graceful art of hula dancing, a traditional Hawaiian dance form with deep cultural significance.
- Visit Pearl Harbor: Pay your respects at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Oahu, a historic site commemorating the World War II attack.
- Relax on Kauai’s Beaches: Unwind on Kauai’s beautiful beaches, offering options for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and surfing. Popular choices include Poipu Beach and Hanalei Bay.
- Go Whale Watching: Embark on a whale watching tour during the winter months (November-May) to witness humpback whales migrating through Hawaiian waters.
- Paddle down the Napali Coast: Kayak or stand-up paddleboard along the majestic Na Pali Coast for an unforgettable experience.
- Scuba Diving: Explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life teeming beneath the waves with scuba diving tours in various locations.
- Snorkel with Manta Rays: Experience the magic of swimming alongside graceful manta rays during a nighttime snorkel on the Big Island.
- Road to Hana Hiking: Combine your road trip on the Road to Hana with hikes to hidden waterfalls and swimming holes.
- Ziplining on the Big Island: Soar through the lush rainforests of the Big Island on a zipline adventure.
- Helicopter Tour: Take a scenic helicopter tour for breathtaking aerial views of the Hawaiian Islands, including volcanoes, waterfalls, and secluded beaches.
- Haleakala Crater Sunrise: Witness a spectacular sunrise atop Haleakala, a dormant volcano on Maui, for an unforgettable experience.
- Stargazing on Mauna Kea: Escape light pollution and gaze at the Milky Way and starry skies on Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano on the Big Island, considered one of the world’s best stargazing locations.
- Shave Ice: Cool down with a refreshing Hawaiian shave ice, made with finely shaved ice and topped with syrups and flavors.
- Poke Bowl: Savor a delicious poke bowl, a Hawaiian dish featuring marinated raw fish served over rice with various toppings.
- Loco Moco: Enjoy a hearty Hawaiian plate lunch like loco moco, featuring white rice, a hamburger patty, fried egg, and gravy.
- Malasadas: Treat yourself to malasadas, Portuguese donuts fried to perfection and dusted with sugar.
- Coffee Tour: Learn about the bean-to-cup process and taste locally roasted Hawaiian coffee on a tour of a coffee plantation.
Cons of living in Hawaii
In this section, we will discuss some of the cons of living in Hawaii.
Cost of living
One of the biggest cons to living in Hawaii is the cost of living. It seems like the cost of living is increasing everywhere these days but Hawaii has one of the highest costs of living in the US.
Everything from housing to groceries is more expensive than on the mainland. This can make it very difficult for some residents to make ends meet.
According to Payscale.com, the cost of living in Honolulu, Hawaii is 84% higher than the national average.
Isolation
As Hawaii is a chain of islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, this can make some residents feel isolated from the rest of the world.
Travel to and from the islands can be expensive and time-consuming, which can make it difficult to visit family and friends on the mainland.
Hawaii’s isolation can also create challenges in terms of emergency response. For example, if there is a natural disaster or other emergency, it may take longer for help to arrive than it would in other parts of the USA.
This can be especially concerning for residents who live in remote areas of the state.
Limited career opportunities
Although there is a great education system in Hawaii, many people feel there is a lack of employment opportunities in certain areas.
I’m not saying there are no jobs available in Hawaii, but the job market can be competitive and there are fewer opportunities than in larger cities on the mainland.
Some residents may struggle to find work in their field or may need to work multiple jobs to make ends meet.
With the high cost of living, a high paying job is necessary which can be difficult to find in Hawaii.
Check out: Pros and cons of living in Tennessee
Traffic delays
Traffic can be a major issue in Hawaii, especially on Oahu where the population is high. The city of Honolulu is located here.
Commutes can be long and frustrating, and parking can be difficult to find in some areas.
Roads are often congested, especially during peak travel times. This can create challenges for residents in terms of commuting to work or school, running errands, or attending appointments.
The roads are narrow and public transportation options are limited which can make it difficult to get around, especially during rush hour.
Not only are traffic delays inconvenient, but they can also have a negative impact on the environment and your health. Congested roads can lead to increased air pollution and can contribute to stress and anxiety.
Hawaii’s is currently working to improve its transportation infrastructure. The city of Honolulu is currently building a new rail transit system that will reduce traffic congestion and provide an alternative mode of transportation.
Natural disasters
Hawaii is prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity. There are systems in place to keep residents safe but these events can be disruptive and dangerous.
Crowded areas
As Hawaii is a popular tourist destination, certain areas can be crowded and busy, especially during peak travel season.
If you don’t mind being around large groups of people, this won’t bother you.
Many people find it challenging to enjoy some of the island’s most popular attractions due to the crowded space.
Check out: Pros and cons of living in Georgia
Healthcare options
Although Hawaii has excellent healthcare facilities, there are limited options for specialized care.
It’s possible that you may need to travel to the mainland for certain medical treatments that are not available in Hawaii.
As there is a shortage of healthcare providers, It can also be difficult to find doctors who are accepting new patients.
Another challenge facing Hawaii’s healthcare system is the high cost of healthcare. As you know, Hawaii has one of the highest costs of living in the US, and healthcare costs can be particularly expensive.
The following video from a current resident explains the pros and cons of living in Hawaii.
Housing shortages
There are 2 main reasons why there is a housing shortage in Hawaii.
- Hawaii has a limited amount of land.
- High demand.
For these reasons, it can be challenging to find affordable housing. This can be especially difficult for families or those with lower incomes.
The population of Hawaii has been growing steadily over the years, and this has also put pressure on the housing market.
Not only is there a limited amount of land, but the cost is very high. Hawaii is a small state with limited land available for development, and this drives up the cost of land and housing.
This makes it difficult for developers to build new housing units, and it also makes it difficult for residents to afford to buy or rent a home.
Interesting Hawaii Facts
Before you make a decision to move to Hawaii, here are some interesting facts.
- The population of Hawaii is 1.44 million as of 2022.
- The total land area of Hawaii is 10,932 sq. miles.
- Hawaii is the only state in the US that has two official languages: English and Hawaiian.
- Hawaii has the highest life expectancy of any state in the US.
- The Hawaiian alphabet has only 12 letters: A, E, I, O, U, H, K, L, M, N, P, and W.