r/MovingtoHawaii

I heard it's very expensive to live here. But I want to move here. I wonder how to native Hawaiians and locals feel about moving there? I'm planning to move with 200k in savings but I'm looking for a software engineering front end job. Would 60-70k a year be doable? I want to rent 3k-3.5k a month. maybe 4k. I also plan on getting a second job. I'm in my mid 20s. I'm just curious on how it is there. I am also black and wonder how it is for other black people there.

I’m a 45yo divorcee who is seriously thinking about relocating to Hawai’i to teach.

I have several years living expenses in savings and several years living expenses in alimony so the incredibly low pay isn’t as much of a deal breaker as it could be although I’m very aware that I’ll be bleeding cash for at least the first 6-8 years.

My concern centers around being able to afford to live long term. Drawing down savings will will hold me for a decade or so, but eventually the cash will be gone.

I doubt I’ll be able to do more than date casually and that the odds of remarrying or finding a partner who will ‘subsidize’ my low salary are very low. So many teachers come to the island and stay when they find themselves bankrupt? Do they have to leave teaching? (if they can even find another job?)

The HCOL doesn’t shock me, Boston is comparable, nor will ‘island fever’ bother me, but I do worry about becoming a pauper with both a teaching certificate and an MBA. Does anyone have thoughts besides ‘don’t come’?

I’m thinking of moving to Hawaii, is it super isolated like I’ve heard? I’m going there for school. I like my alone time tho and exploring on my own. But I heard you run out of things to do (I doubt tho cause I love to swim and surf and finally having an ocean right next to me that I can all the time is sick). I’m prob going to have to be on Honolulu…

Edit: I’m being rage baited into talking about the financial difficulties of college out of state: don’t talk about that I’m Gen so done with repeating myself. It isn’t relative to what I’m talking about and it isn’t something I’m concerned with.

I've read all the wikis and this sub for a while now. My partner and I are planning to move to Oahu in summer 2027. We work remote and have two cats we will be bringing. we have two sedans, plan is to sell one and bring the other to either keep or sell later and then buy a second car once in Hawaii. We are going to do another short trip this winter to narrow down locations we'd like.

We want to find a short (3-9ish month) lease on 2 bedroom apartment around $3000-3500 rent. How much should we budget for utilities? Is this realistic to do from the mainland or would you suggest something else? Is a short term lease so we can look for something long term once in Hawaii a good plan? Is it realistic to find a short term lease like this in Hawaii, specifically while on the mainland?

Will the cats be a problem? They are indoor only and I won't let them hurt the local wildlife. I've read about the requirements for bringing pets over and will make sure they have the vaccines within the required timeframes.

Where can I look for short-ish term leases that will allow cats?

After the short term lease we will either buy something or rent more long term. The biggest thing is we recognize the learning curve it will take to maintain a home and life in Hawaii and don't want to get in over our heads.

We're moving from the PNW and I understand we'll go from heat and humidifiers to AC and dehumidifiers. If you're from the PNW is there anything you'd suggest I be prepared for to change as far as the living space or life on Oahu in general?

Edit: could someone share why i'm getting downvoted? This is the moving to hawaii sub. not sure what I'm doing wrong here...

Edit 2: I have added my specific questions

Hello fellow Redditors.

Life has been a journey that is seemingly leading me back to the Big Island. I have a steady job lined up and everything is set to go other than a place to live until August. Does anyone happen to know of someone needing a roommate or have even a couch to help out? Moving to Kona side with the job already set in stone and solid references if that helps.

Peace, I'm a 30 yr old "black" man, i just want out .. to make a long story short. Grew up in Durham NC, currently living in Alabama for almost a year now. I'm ready to leave the american continent & never look back. I don't have much options, im not fiscally fit. I'm respectful, understanding, honorable, vegetarian, extremely creative & deeply into craftsmanship, a great worker, simple & healthy habits, minimal lifestyle, not into video games, I don't drink, & im celibate. I don't have family nor friends, never have, noone that has ever been near me has ever been remotely like me.

Lately ive been looking into WWOOF, but i see no point in doing anything in mainland America (for me personally) so i looked into Hawaii. Ive seen mixed reviews about it. So i figured, why not just go get a job in Hawaii (& or do wwoof too). --Im here to ask, where are the more genuine areas of Hawaii? The non-touristy, genuine-hearted, nature-oriented regions?--- Because honestly i know nothing of the terrain. I just know im losing my mind in america & im better off on my own, i know life will work out for me when i take the leap to live alone instead of playing it safe in the nest.

Yes I'm aware Hawaii is america. Duh. Yes I'm aware Hawaii is not rainbows & sunshine. I know the price of living is high. I know what happened with the aerial-torching of people/cars/homes last year, just for Oprah to buy land for a mansion. Yes I know some Hawaiians see Hawaii as h*ll on Earth. I'm not green. Save the "you're better off on the mainland" comments because no I am not. Yes I have plans. No I am not looking for Hawaii to magically save my life, IM saving my life. No im not looking to stay there permanently, this is a stepping-stone-act for me. This is Earth, men can have destinations & still need to seek out the steps/chapters towards them. Im well aware. Don't tell me to save up several thousands. Don't tell me to bRiNg mY job WiTh mE. If I had those opportunities, if it was that easy/simple, I wouldn't be here asking for geolocational-guidance.

Thankyou to those who give a genuine answer, who understand & show respect.

Peace.

USCG family

3 children

No animals

:

We just got our orders for Honolulu

We move in two months

We are looking for a four bedroom home, close to family, friendly activities, and beaches

:

Are there any tips tricks or recommendations?

What are the best homes according to space in the home, neighborhood, and travel to beaches?

What are some do’s and dont’s??

Other than universal respect, How do I be mindful to show respect to local Hawaiians?

Hey everyone! I’m moving to Hawaii in August for a job and I was wondering if anyone has recommendations on moving with succulents/props. I’m planning on rehoming most of my plants but I would really like to bring over a few props to regrow as some of them i’ve had for 10+ years.

I’ve seen the department of agriculture qualifications and banned plants; i’m just wondering if anyone had advice on plane vs shipping and whether I have to declare them ahead of time. Thank you!

Posting on Reddit because we’re desperate to help our friend who isn’t doing so well and don’t know who to turn to since he has limited funds and cannot afford expensive in-home / facility care at this time. Please help.

We are seeking a reliable, compassionate individual to live with and assist a pleasant, 86-year-old gentleman with moderate dementia.

Responsibilities include:

Providing daily supervision and companionship
Ensuring medications are taken on time and at the correct dosage

Assisting with basic daily routines and reminders

Monitoring for safety and helping prevent wandering or confusion

Communicating with family members as needed

This position is best suited for someone who is patient, dependable, and comfortable working with individuals who have memory impairment.
In exchange, we offer **free rent in a nice apartment in Waikīkī and the individual will get their own room, breaks and day offs.**

Additional compensation may be available depending on experience, availability, and level of care provided.

Experience with dementia, caregiving, nursing, home health, or elder care is preferred but not required for the right person.

Please dm me to provide information about your background, caregiving experience, availability, and references.

Hello,

I'm looking for information on funding for building on land in the Lava 2 zone. Was denied a construction loan from the bank based on insurance not being available in zone 2. Any thoughts on any other options for construction that aren't hard money loans? Thanks

Aloha! I'm an incoming international student moving from the Philippines to Hawaii soon, and I'm trying to figure out my mobile phone setup.

Back home we use prepaid "load" promos, but I know the US works on monthly cycles. Since I'm a student on a budget, I'm looking for a cheap prepaid eSIM plan with heavy or unlimited data (ideally around $20 - $25/month).

My phone is factory unlocked and I have a physical Smart SIM that I need to keep active for bank OTPs from home, so I definitely need a US carrier that supports eSIM.

Here’s my plan: I want to purchase the plan and download the eSIM profile to my phone before I leave the PH so it’s sitting in my settings ready to go. I don't need active service in Manila, I just want it to immediately find a signal and work the second I land at the airport.

I've been looking at budget carriers like Visible (uses Verizon network), Tello (uses T-Mobile), and US Mobile (lets you choose network).

A couple of questions for locals and students:

1. Which carrier has the best coverage/speeds around campus, but more importantly, all around the islands? When I go to beaches, hikes, or explore on weekends, which network actually holds a solid data signal so I don't lose GPS?
2. Have any of you successfully downloaded a US Mobile, Visible, or Tello eSIM profile while physically outside the US before moving? Did the app give you any geolocation errors during checkout?

Any advice would be amazing. Mahalo!