The island paradise is how Hawaii is often described, but moving to Hawaii is very different from vacationing there. If you’re in the process of determining whether or not a move to Hawaii is worth it, let’s take a moment to weigh the pros and cons of this decision.
Pros of Moving to Hawaii
• Climate
Hawaii is home to just about all possible subtropical climate combinations. Typically, the northern and eastern (windward) sides of Hawaii’s islands are wetter. The southern and western (leeward) sides tend to be drier. You’ll get colder weather in higher elevations and warmer temps if you move closer to sea level.
• Other Opportunities to Save
Living in Hawaii can be expensive, but there are smart ways you can move to Hawaii and save money once you get settled in. For instance, you’ll find farmer’s markets where fresh fruits and veggies are reasonably priced. There are also secondhand stores and re-use centers where you can find affordable household items.
• Getting Around Is Usually Easy
The well-developed parts of Hawaii tend to keep up their roads fairly well. Cities like Honolulu and Wailea and historic towns like Hilo and many of the places found in Hawaii County also have an abundance of publicly accessible trails, pathways, and walkways. The main cities are also served well by public transportation.
• Island Culture
One of the biggest pros of moving to Hawaii is the culture that thrives here. It’s a very relaxed and diverse environment with many unique events, foods, and entertainment opportunities.
• Generally Low Crime Rate
Locations like Kauai and other hubs of activity tend to have crime rates on the low side. Ultimately, this means many of Hawaii’s major cities are considered safe places to live.
Cons to Keep in Mind
• Storm Risks
For all the wonderful things that can be said about Hawaii’s weather, there is one notable downside. Hawaii is in a prime location that makes it susceptible to hurricanes and severe storms under the right conditions.
• Cost of Living
As another guide about moving to Hawaii mentions, the cost of living here is higher than in any other state. However, a home here may be a bit less budget-stretching if you are willing to opt for less square footage, live away from main activity hubs, and consider a fixer-upper property. Insurance rates can also be high. Additionally, you can expect to pay more for everyday items if you prefer to live in any of Hawaii’s more populated cities.
• Traffic Can Sometimes Be a Nightmare
Yes, getting around is “usually” easy, but you can also expect congestion in the more populated cities, especially rush hour. Other potential infrastructure issues you may have to deal with include seasonal construction and no direct trash pickup in some areas.
• It Can Take Some Time to Be Fully Accepted in Your New Location
Some native Hawaiians are very protective of their culture, so it can take a while to gain full acceptance. You’ll be more likely to do so if you make an effort to learn more about the culture.
• Exploring Can Be Dangerous If You’re Not Careful
It’s perfectly fine to do some exploring once you get settled in. However, some newcomers aren’t as careful as they should be about potentially dangerous sites like volcanoes and lava fields.
The final call is yours when it comes to whether or not a move to Hawaii is right for you. If it’s something you have your heart set on, however, be as prepared as possible so you can work around some of the less-than-desirable aspects of life in Hawaii, especially ones involving the cost of living.
