29 Pros and Cons of Living in Hawaii From an Expat

Hawaii is a place like no other.

With its stunning natural beauty, laid-back lifestyle, and diverse culture, it’s no wonder why so many people are drawn to the Aloha State.

But before you pack your bags and move to Hawaii, it’s important to understand what life is like there.

In this article, I’ll explore the 29 major pros and cons of living in Hawaii to help you decide if moving to the Hawaiian Islands is right for you.

Pros and Cons of Living in Hawaii

1. Pro: Weather

Hawaii’s weather is pretty great. The average temperature in Hawaii is about 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 degrees Celsius).

There’s very little variation in temperature from month to month or from year to year.

Even in the “winter” season, it rarely dips below 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

Daily life means lots of outdoor time because of the constant sunshine, with very few pockets of rain throughout the year.

2. Con: Only 1 Season

Having 1 season may seem nice at first, but some people love the autumn breeze, skiing on winter slopes, or the spring rainfall.

You won’t really get that in the state of Hawaii.

So if you’re a lover of winter, Hawaii’s “winter” (the dip of under 10 degrees that happens from November to May) won’t cut it.

Some people get tired of the constant heat, as well, and want to leave for cooler climates.

3. Pro: Beautiful Paradise

The beaches, the waves, the volcanoes, and the hikes.

There’s so much natural beauty to take in while living in Hawaii.

And it’s all very close by!

You don’t have to travel far to find a new place to explore.

The lava flows alone are a major tourist attraction, and you can easily see them without even leaving your island.

And, even if you work 9-to-5, you can end every day on the beach or surfing.

Plus, driving on your commute, you won’t care about traffic at rush hour, because you can sit and enjoy the stunning vistas.

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4. Con: Not Just a Paradise

Despite what movies and TV shows might make you believe, Hawaii is not all paradise.

Like any other state or country, there’s a dark side to the beauty.

The Hawaiian Islands have some drug issues and pickpocketing.

Of course, this is quite minor and more of an inconvenience for people leaving their stuff on the beach than anything actually grisly.

But it’s still something to be aware of. So watch your purse in Downtown Honolulu or on Waikiki Beach.

Hawaii is SIGNIFICANTLY safer than the mainland United States though.

5. Pro: Living on Beautiful Beaches

Did you know that Hawaii has over 120 beaches?

That’s a lot of coastline to explore!

And, since the average temperature is so nice, you can visit them any time of year.

Whether it’s bodyboarding in Oahu or exploring tide pools in Maui, there’s always something to do at the beach.

6. Con: Salt Water = Rust

If you’re planning on moving your car to Hawaii, be aware that the salt water will rust it.

So if you have an older car, it might not make the journey with you.

And, if you do ship your car over, expect to pay a lot in fees and taxes.

It’s often cheaper and easier to simply buy a new car once you arrive.

And it’s definitely not the place to shell out for the fanciest car on the market unless you’re prepared to see it meet an early, rusty grave.

7. Pro: Nature + Outdoors to Explore

One of the best things about Hawaii is that there’s always something new to explore.

Since the islands are constantly being formed and reformed by lava flows, there’s always a new hiking trail or beach to discover.

And, because of the diverse landscape, you can find anything from black sand beaches to bamboo forests.

You can take a scenic drive to enjoy the beautiful scenery or get out of your vehicle to explore on foot. The best ways to discover more of Hawaii’s beauty are through adventures on foot!

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8. Con: Random Rainstorms

Even though it’s warm and sunny most of the year, Hawaii does have a rainy season.

From May to October, you can expect some showers.

They usually don’t last long, but they can be heavy while they last.

So if you’re planning on spending a lot of time outdoors, you might want to visit during the dry season.

While living here, locals learn to feel the heaviness of the air, like in the Caribbean, and can easily predict when to pop in for a siesta or a late lunch to avoid a downpour.

9. Pro: Hawaii is Safe

In addition to being beautiful, Hawaii is also a safe place to live.

The state has a very low crime rate, and you can feel safe walking around at night.

Of course, as with anyplace else, there are always areas that are safer than others.

But overall, you can expect to feel secure living in Hawaii.

10. Con: Except for Natural Disasters

While Hawaii is a safe place to live, it is vulnerable to natural disasters.

The most common ones are hurricanes and tsunamis.

Hurricanes usually happen from June to November, so if you’re planning on moving here, you might want to avoid those months.

As for tsunamis, they can happen any time, but they’re more likely to occur after an earthquake.

There’s always a minor risk of a volcanic eruption, but it’s nothing to worry about too much.

Overall, as long as you’re aware of the risks and take precautions, you’ll be fine.

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11. Pro: Easy to Island Hop

If you get bored of one island, you can always take a short flight to another.

There are plenty of options for island hopping in Hawaii, and each island has its own unique charm.

So if you’re looking for a change of scenery, it’s easy to find.

A plane ticket may be too expensive, so renting a boat or hiring a water taxi service is also a good idea.

12. Con: Off-Island Travel is Hard

While you have easy access to the beautiful islands of Hawaii, you are much farther from the rest of the country.

Flying to the mainland can be expensive, and it’s a long journey.

So if you’re planning on moving here, you should be prepared for more expensive vacations or visits to see family.

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13. Pro: Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

If you love fresh fruit and vegetables, then Hawaii is the place for you.

The state is known for its delicious produce, and you can find everything from pineapples to coconuts at the grocery store.

There are also farmers’ markets where you can buy locally grown produce.

And with the delicious fresh fish on offer, you’ll quickly start adapting to Hawaiian cuisine with fresh poke bowls and more!

14. Con: Hard to Ship to the Islands

While it’s easy to get fresh produce on the islands, it’s not so easy to ship other items to Hawaii.

That means that if you’re looking for something specific, you might have to pay a premium to have it shipped from the mainland.

It’s a con of living in Hawaii that many people aren’t prepared for, but living on an island state means giving up a good price for any non-local good.

15. Pro: People Will Love to Visit You

If you live in Hawaii, be prepared for a lot of visitors.

People love to come and vacation here, so you can expect your family and friends to want to come and stay with you.

Of course, that means you’ll have to be a good host and show them around the island.

But it’s a small price to pay for living in paradise!

Send them to the information center when you need a break or on day trips in their rental cars so you can enjoy paradise on your own once in a while!

Moving to a beautiful place means lots of people you haven’t spoken to since high school will suddenly come out of the woodwork to see if they can visit you. Don’t feel bad saying no!

This is your new home; not a BnB.

16. Con: Heavy Tourist Season

While the tourist season can be great for businesses, it can be a nightmare for those who live in Hawaii.

The roads are more crowded, and it can be hard to find a parking spot.

The beaches are also more crowded, and you might have trouble finding a spot to lay your towel.

If you’re not a fan of crowds, you might want to avoid the tourist season.

I recommend finding some favourite places in the off-season that tourists don’t know about. Then sneak off there so you don’t lose out on summer fun!

17. Pro: Slower Pace of Life

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, then Hawaii is the perfect place for you.

The pace of life is much slower here, and people are more laid-back.

It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind, and you’ll quickly find yourself adapting to the slower lifestyle.

People from New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco often come on vacation and never want to leave because of the relaxation they get to enjoy in Hawaii.

It’s an expensive place to live, but at least you won’t be rushed all the time!

18. Con: High Cost of Living

One of the biggest cons of living in Hawaii is the high cost of living.

Everything from groceries to gas is more expensive here, and it can be tough to make ends meet.

If you’re thinking about moving to Hawaii, you should be prepared for a higher cost of living.

But if you can afford it, the island life is definitely worth it!

Be sure to get a great job that pays more than minimum wage so you can actually live comfortably!

With the ongoing economic development, this is becoming slowly easier.

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19. Pro: You’ll Never Want to Leave

All of the good things in Hawaii, including the Hawaiian culture, make the state what it is.

And that’s what draws people in to stay a long time and even adopt the Aloha spirit.

From the happy and friendly people, to the beautiful scenery and beaches, to the delicious food, there are so many things to love about Hawaii.

Once you move here, you’ll quickly fall in love with everything about it.

And you might never want to leave!

I have friends who have been living in Hawaii for years and they don’t plan on going anywhere else.

20. Con: Housing Market is Expensive

The high cost of living in Hawaii is due, in part, to the expensive housing market.

It can be tough to find a place to live that’s affordable, and the prices are always changing.

The real estate market is also unstable, so it’s not a great place to invest in real estate.

If you’re thinking about moving to Hawaii, be prepared to spend a lot of money on housing.

Or, you can look into renting instead of buying.

There are definitely some expensive areas, but there are also some more affordable places if you do your research!

21. Pro: Rich History and Culture

Hawaii is a place with a rich history and culture.

The native Hawaiians have a strong sense of identity, and they are proud of their culture.

There is a lot to learn about the Hawaiian culture, and it is fascinating.

One fact that always excites me is that the Maori peoples of New Zealand are more closely related to the Polynesian Hawaiians than the, physically closer, Aboriginals of Australia.

If you move to a Hawaii island, be sure to interact with the local people, learn their culture, and understand how to respect them and their customs.

22. Con: Oversaturated with Americans

While the Hawaiian culture is fascinating, some people find it to be oversaturated with Americans.

This is because Hawaii is such a popular tourist destination for Americans.

As a result, the islands are full of American tourists and there are many American-owned businesses.

If you’re looking for a place that feels truly Hawaiian, you might be disappointed.

But if you’re looking for a place to enjoy the sun, the sand, and the waves, then Hawaii is the perfect place for you!

23. Pro: Diverse State

Despite being oversaturated with Americans, Hawaii is actually a very diverse state.

There are people from all over the world living in Hawaii.

So, if you’re looking for a place to meet people from different cultures, Hawaii is a great option.

The diversity of the people is one of the things that makes Hawaii such a perfect place for expats.

24. Con: You’ll Always Be an Outsiders

The downside to the diversity in Hawaii is that you’ll always be an outsider.

No matter how long you live in Hawaii, you will always be considered a mainland American or wherever you’re from.

This can be frustrating for some people, especially if they are looking to truly immerse themselves in the Hawaiian culture.

But these peoples have been persecuted for generations. You have to respect their right to befriend who they want.

25. Pro: No Snakes

If you’re someone who doesn’t like snakes, then Hawaii is the perfect place for you!

There are no snakes in Hawaii.

So, you don’t have to worry about being bitten by a snake or even seeing one slither past you on a trial.

My phobia of snakes drove me to New Zealand, but I’m equally happy to be in Hawaii after learning this!

26. Pro: Locals Get Discounts

If you move to Hawaii, you’ll be able to enjoy many of the same discounts as the locals.

This is because most businesses offer a local discount to people who live in Hawaii.

So, if you’re looking for a place to save money, Hawaii is a great option.

Just be sure to bring your ID!

27. Pro: Amazing Place to Work as a Digital Nomad

If you’re a digital nomad, then you’ll be happy to know that Hawaii is an amazing place to work.

There are many coworking spaces available, and the internet is fast and reliable.

Plus, the weather is always nice, so you can work outside if you want to.

Hawaii is one of the best places as you aren’t far off the US time zone, can easily connect via the internet, and can enjoy living in a true paradise.

28. Con: Limited High Paying Job Opportunities

The downside to working in Hawaii is that there are limited high-paying job opportunities.

This is because the cost of living is so high.

So, if you’re looking for a place to make a lot of money, Hawaii is not the best option.

But if you’re okay with making less money, then Hawaii may still be the right place for you.

Most jobs are tourist based and only pay minimum wage. They may even be seasonal, meaning that you’ll be out of work once the tourist season is over.

You may need to seek out some financial advisors to help you organize your income if you work a seasonal job, to ensure you can spread the income across the year.

29. Live an Adventurous Life

One of the best things about living in Hawaii is that you can live an adventurers life.

There are so many things to do and see, and the possibilities are endless.

If you love to hike, there are plenty of trails to explore.

Or, if you love the beach, you can spend your days surfing until your hair is permanently salty!

No matter what you love to do, you can find it in Hawaii.

Which Island Should you Move to?

Now that you know some of the pros and cons of living in Hawaii, you may be wondering which island is right for you.

Each island has its own unique personality, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Here is a breakdown of the different islands:

1. Island of Oahu

Oahu is the most populated island and is home to the state capital, Honolulu.

If you’re looking for a big city feel, then Oahu is the right island for you.

The island has a diverse population and is a great place to meet people from all over the world.

2. Kauai Island

Kauai is the oldest island and is often referred to as the “Garden Isle.”

If you’re looking for a more laid-back and relaxed lifestyle, then Kauai is the right island for you.

The island is smaller than Oahu.

3. Maui Island

Maui is the second largest island and is a popular tourist destination.

If you’re looking for an island with lots of activities, then Maui is the right island for you.

The island is home to many resorts and hotels.

4. Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island is the largest island and is often referred to as the “Big Island.”

If you’re looking for an island with a lot of diversity, then Hawaii Island is the right island for you.

The island is home to many different cultures.

Cheapest Place to Live in Hawaii

The cheapest place to live in Hawaii is on the island of Kauai.

This is because the cost of living is lower than on the other islands.

If you’re looking for a place to live that is affordable, then Kauai is the right island for you.

About Hawaii

How Many People Live in Hawaii?

According to the United States Census Bureau, 1.42 million people live on the Hawaiian Islands as of 2020.

Of the major islands, the biggest, Oahu, has a population of 1.02 million people.

Honolulu, the capital, is home to over 347,000 people as of 2020.

How Big is Hawaii?

The Hawaiian Islands have a total land area of 10,931 square miles (28,311 km2) making it the 43rd largest state in the U.S.

By comparison, California is 163,696 square miles (423,970 km2).

Is Hawaii a Safe Place to Live?

Overall, Hawaii is a very safe place to live.

The state has one of the lowest crime rates in the country with a violent crime rate of 2.5 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 24.1 per 1,000 residents.

This is significantly lower than the national average which has a violent crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 19.6 per 1,000 residents (this is higher, but its at vacation homes left empty in Hawaii, not used residences).

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Transportation in Hawaii

Public transportation in Hawaii is fairly limited, especially on the smaller Hawaiian islands.

On Oahu, there is a bus system operated by TheBus with routes throughout the island.

However, most people get around by car.

The average commute time in Honolulu is 26 minutes which is shorter than the national average of 27 minutes.

On Maui, it’s run by Maui Bus. Kauai, similarly, has Kauai Bus. And the Big Island of Hawaii has Hele-ON Bus.

But most people get around land via car or scooter.

Boat travel is popular between the islands.

Cost of Living in Hawaii

The cost of living in Hawaii is high. In fact, it’s the most expensive state to live in according to the World Population Review.

According to the cost of living index, Hawaii is ranked 193.3. It’s even more expensive than New York State!

The median home price in Honolulu is $730,000 and the median rent for a one bedroom apartment is $1,600. Housing costs continue to be higher than the national average, including utility fees.

This is significantly higher than the national median home price of $229,000 and the national median rent of $1,063.

Utilities, groceries, and healthcare are also more expensive in Hawaii.

Going to the grocery store weekly will set you back 50% more than the national average; the average cost is around $900/month.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Hawaii?

The median Hawaiian salary is $118,223 per year for a dual income household.

The living wage you need to live comfortably in Hawaii is $107,702 per year. You’ll need to aim for an average salary over $100,000 to live comfortably in Hawaii.

This can be a challenge for an individual to earn alone, especially when they first move to Hawaii.

Is moving to Hawaii a good idea?

There are pros and cons to everything in life and moving to Hawaii is no different.

You’ll need to evaluate your own lifestyle and preferences to decide if a move to the Hawaiian Islands is right for you.

Some people love the laid-back lifestyle and slower pace of life, while others find it frustrating.

The cost of living is high, but the quality of life is also high.

If you love the outdoors, there’s no better place to be than Hawaii.

Conclusion: Pros and Cons of Living in Hawaii

So, should you move to Hawaii?

The answer depends on what you’re looking for in a relocation.

If you want an adventure and are okay with making less money, then Hawaii is the right place for you.

But if you’re looking for a high-paying job, then you may want to consider other options.

However, finding digital jobs that pay more makes it very easy to make the most of your time living on the main islands.

If you’re moving to Hawaii, don’t forget to pack your hiking boots! You won’t want to miss out on the waterfalls and volcanic view spots.

When you’re ready to visit France, find the cheapest flights with this tool.

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