Thinking about embracing the tropical island life? You’re not the only one.
Hawaii is an incredible state that has so much to offer for people looking to live there. But moving states (and across oceans) is a big decision.
It is crucial to weigh up the pros and cons to decide if Hawaii is the place for you. Have a read of the article below to find if moving is the right move for you.
Table of Contents
The Pros of Living in Hawaii
There are plenty of pros to living in Hawaii.
In fact, many people move there every year for a change of scenery.
We’ve listed some of the highlights of living in Hawaii below.
The World-Class Beaches
Hawaii is famous for its outstanding beaches and they do not disappoint. Hawaii has over 100 beaches, so there is plenty to see all around the state.
Because of its sunny weather, you can happily hit the surf all year round.
Hawaiian Culture
Hawaii is home to a diverse range of cultures and it embraces them. Because tourism is the state’s biggest industry so you will find a melting pot of music, food and entertainment!
Hawaii also has some of the highest life expectancy rates in the United States.
The Roads Are Really Good
Infrastructure in Hawaii is well maintained and easy to navigate by car.
The roads are well connected and readily available.
Public transportation is also available in major cities across the islands.
The Fantastic Weather
If you’re a fan of the summer seasons, you’ll love living in Hawaii.
It has predominantly sunny weather all year round.
This makes it the perfect place to indulge in water sports and get your tan on.
Cheap Flights To and From Mainland USA
All the airlines have cheap flights to Hawaii. See which are the airports in Hawaii you should fly into for good deals.
Crime Is Low
Hawaii is relatively safe and has low crime rates. Because the state is smaller than other places in the US, it is difficult for criminals to hide.
The outlook of the community also encourages supportive and positive morale.
The Lovely People
You don’t need to be nervous about making new friends or meeting people here.
The locals in Hawaii are known for being welcoming and friendly.
There is also little discrimination against other cultures across the state.
Travelling Within Hawaii
Hawaii is home to many islands, some of which haven’t been fully explored yet.
By living there you will be able to travel around and see plenty of different sites.
It is common for Hawaiians to own their own boat so that they can regularly travel between islands.
The Jaw-Dropping Scenery
Hawaii is home to plenty of beautiful national parks, volcanos and much more.
You won’t come across too many billboards or skyscrapers in Hawaii.
This state is filled with lush green areas and there’s plenty to see on all the islands.
It Is Blissfully Quiet
Looking for some peace to escape the hustle and bustle of the city?
Hawaii is a great escape from more stressful environments.
Daily life tends to move at a slower pace and there is a relaxed atmosphere in Hawaii.
The Fascinating History
Hawaii has an incredibly rich history and there is so much to learn about the place (not just Pearl Harbor).
It is also the only place in the United States to have a royal palace!
Each of the islands will have its own story so be sure to check them all out!
It’s Eco-Conscious
Hawaii has a huge emphasis on the environment and this is reflected in the lifestyle.
Recyclable packaging is everywhere and plastic bags are scarce.
Many houses in Hawaii are also made of eco-friendly materials.
The Cons of Living in Hawaii
Of course, there are cons to living in every state.
It’s also vital that you consider whether this is the place for you and your family.
Have a look at some of Hawaii’s cons and consider whether they fit with your lifestyle.
The Bugs And Pests
If you squirm at the sight of cockroaches and caterpillars, you may struggle with Hawaii.
Bugs and pests are extremely common and can be found in most homes.
The waters of Hawaii are also home to the Box Jellyfish which is incredibly deadly.
The Cost Of Living Is High
Living in Hawaii is expensive and much higher than in other states.
This is mostly due to it being in an isolated location and delivery costs.
It will of course depend on where in Hawaii you live, but costs are typically higher. You can try house sitting for free rent, it helps lower the living costs then.
See the house sitting in Hawaii availabilites.
The Homeless Population
Because of the high costs of living in Hawaii, there is also a large homeless population.
This may not affect your day to day life but it is important to be aware of.
This is mostly attributed to high housing costs and unemployment.
Water Difficulties
There are areas in Hawaii where water supply is dependent upon rainwater systems.
This can be an issue if it doesn’t rain for a long period of time.
Transporting water can also be expensive and inconvenient if you are running low.
The Weather (Again)
If you’re not a fan of the heat, Hawaii will probably not be the place for you.
It’s hot pretty much all year round and has a high rainfall.
There are often hurricanes and tropical storms which result in heavy winds.
Getting Mail Delivered Can Take A While
Home mail delivery is not always an option in Hawaii.
You will probably need to rent a PO Box from the US Postal Service.
Shipping can also be more expensive than in other states due to Hawaii’s isolation.
Hawaii Is Isolated
Hawaii is significantly further away than the other states and much more difficult to get to.
The only way to get to and from Hawaii is by plane, which can be expensive.
It is also much more difficult to visit family and friends if they don’t live locally.
Trash Collection
Trash collection is limited in rural areas and you may not find it available where you live.
You may need to take your own trash to a local collection center each week.
For this, you will most likely need a vehicle to get to the center.
Lava Flow
This is particularly an issue with lava flow in the Kailua-Kona region.
Because the lava absorbs the sunlight’s heat, there are often droughts in the area.
This results in water usage restrictions which can be a regular inconvenience.
The Public School System Isn’t Great
Many families in Hawaii tend to send their children to private school.
This is because public schools are often underfunded, understaffed and lacking resources.
Private schools in Hawaii are very good but are also not cheap.
Traffic
If you’re driving in Hawaii, you can expect regular delays on the road.
The islands tend to struggle with the amount of daily traffic.
You’ll also find that people are more prone to speed in Hawaii and ignore speed limits.
Hawaii is an amazing destination that is great to live in but also to visit on holiday but you can also visit Hawaii for next to nothing
It is full of fantastic culture, friendly locals and phenomenal scenery.
But, it is also home to higher costs of living, homelessness and water difficulties.
These are all things you need to consider when moving and whether it’s the right step for you and your family.
Are you thinking of moving to Hawaii?
Author: Britt
I am Britt. I have been house-sitting and pet-sitting for the past seven years. I have cared for 25 dogs, 35 cats, one turtle, and one rabbit over 80+ houses in 15 countries.
The opportunity to experience different homes, cultures, and communities has been extraordinary.
I’ve connected with homeowners seeking reliable sitters through house-sitting platforms like Aussie House Sitters and Trusted House Sitters. This unique way of living has allowed me to save money on accommodation, explore new cultures, and meet new people.
Being a member of these platforms has broadened my horizons and opened doors to short- and long-term house-sitting jobs. I’ve found joy in providing excellent pet care and ensuring the home is well-maintained.
I get many questions about how to start as a housesitter, so please reach out if you have any questions! I want everyone to enjoy this incredible lifestyle as well!
You can read more about Jay and me here!
Or connect with me on Facebook or in our house-sitting community on Facebook.
