If you’re dreaming of living by the ocean and leading an outdoor lifestyle, Hawaii could be the ideal place for you. With year-round great weather, world-class beaches, incredible nature all on your doorstep, and a high level of safety, there’s a reason so many people flock to live in this state.
Want to know the best places to move to in Hawaii?
There are a staggering 137 islands in the Hawaiian archipelago. They are stretched over a distance of 1,500 miles. Don’t worry, though; you don’t have to choose from all 137 islands. There are eight main islands, seven of which are permanently inhabited.
There are numerous great places to live in Hawaii, so choosing the right spot for you can be tough. There are varying levels of affordability, accessibility, and amenities. The weather is also different depending on the island you choose. Think about what is most important for you and your family before making a decision.
Here is a rundown of the top 5 places:
1. Honolulu
Two-thirds of the 1.4 million population live in Honolulu. It is the state’s capital and situated on O’ahu island. The state capital may be an seem like a lazy choice, but in last year's EIU Global Liveability Ranking, Honolulu was the highest-ranking city.
PROS
The city is safe compared to other US cities, and there is little to no violent crime. The weather is warm all year round with very little rainfall. The infrastructure is great, and there are many parks, botanical gardens, and bike paths. Public transport is also very efficient; the city is well connected. As it is the islands’ economic hub, finding a job here should be easier than elsewhere.
CONS
The cost of living in Honolulu is twice as much as the national index, and rent is the state’s highest.
2. Waikele
Another area in the south of O’ahu island, Waikele is small, with around 7,500 inhabitants.
PROS
This area of Hawaii is said to be great for raising a family. With family-friendly facilities and a slightly lower cost of living than Honolulu. By Hawaii standards, the rent is much lower than many other places (although still high compared to the national average). The median listing home price was $670,000 in 2023.
Unemployment is low in this area, always around 2%. The population in this area is young, with an average age of 36.4. It is also a very highly educated population who live here. The schools are also of a high standard.
CONS
This is a small place so it may take some getting used to moving here from a big city. The infrastructure is not as good as in Honolulu, so you will definitely need your car to get about. Don’t worry; it’s straightforward to ship a car over to O’ahu.
3. Wailea
Situated on the second biggest island of Maui, this is the place to be if you want to be submerged in nature. There’s a reason the island welcomes nearly 3 million visitors a year.
PROS
Wailea has great weather; it is warm year-round and has less rainfall than the more central Maui island area. The north-east of Maui can be very windy, so Wailea is situated in a great location to enjoy year-round warmth.
Incredible beaches and hiking trails surround Wailea. You will never be short of things to do here. The island of Maui also has the world’s largest dormant volcano. There are also great schools in this area, and the infrastructure is good.
CONS
As with all of Hawaii, the property prices are not low here. Also, during the high season, the number of tourists who descend on the island may be frustrating for you.
4. Mililani Mauka
This city is situated right in the middle of O’ahu island. It is known for its strong sense of community and accessibility to incredibly fresh produce.
PROS
The quality of the schools here is exceptional, with exam results consistently being above average. People who live here love the feeling of community and the proximity to the O’ahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge. It’s a very safe place and great for families.
CONS
If you’re looking for beach life, then Mililani Mauka maybe isn’t the place for you.
5. Oceane Point
This coastal town on O’ahu is gaining popularity amongst the younger generations. It is a very liveable place. It has one of the youngest populations on the island, and the population there is growing.
It’s a little more affordable than the bigger cities and there are also plenty of job opportunities here. It is a safe and clean place with low poverty and good quality schools.
What Are the Cons of Moving to Hawaii?
Affordability is the biggest issue with moving to Hawaii. Property prices are high and salaries are not much higher than the average US salary. Many wealthy people have second homes here, which drives the property prices in the popular locations up.
If you wonder which Hawaiian island is the most affordable to live on, it’s Big Island. The more unpredictable weather and lower level of infrastructure make it the more affordable place to live.
The volcanic eruptions on this island mean more land frequently becomes available. The last eruption of the Kilauea volcano was in spring 2018. Of course, this means some properties are at risk from lava damage.
Hilo, the capital city of Big Island, is one of the most affordable places to live in Hawaii.
Consider both the pros and the cons before taking the next step to move to Hawaii. Also, consider the regulations to transport your automobile and belongings to the island.
Best Places to Move to in Hawaii: Have Your Pick!
If reading this has inspired you to make the big move to one of the most beautiful places on our planet, you need to start making a plan. You now have an idea of the best places to move to in Hawaii and what life on the island looks like.
Explore our blog to learn how you can plan a hassle-free move.
