Top 10 Things to Know if You Are Moving to Hawaii

Situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, almost halfway between the mainland of the United States and Japan, the Hawaiian Islands are the most remote island chain in the world. There are seven main islands, and while each boasts a different vibe, they are all incredibly majestic and unlike anywhere else across the globe.

Millions visit this dreamy paradise and tens of thousands move to Hawaii annually. And, it’s no wonder, with its world-famous surf, laid-back lifestyle, and year-round good weather. If you’re toying with the idea to move here, have already bought your tickets, or recently relocated to the Aloha State, these are the top 10 things you should know when moving to Hawaii.

#1. Set Your Clock to Island Time

First things first, the pace here is slower. You’re on an island after all, so where are you really in a hurry to go to? Maybe you’ll notice the island time when waiting in line, stuck in traffic, or dining at a restaurant. Be warned mainlanders, you might need to practice patience or better yet, shift your mentality altogether. Everyone is cruising, and there’s no rush to get things done because you’ll get to where you’re going, eventually. The good news is that the views aren’t so bad along the way. Yes, traffic can be terrible on the main islands during traffic hours. If you can, avoid driving during peak commuting times. And, please don’t honk your horn, a simple “shaka” hand gesture, will suffice.

#2. Respect the Locals

The Aloha spirit of love, harmony, and positive interactions with others and the environment, is alive and well in Hawaii, and it’s best to carry this sense of respect, community, and warmth with you. Generally speaking, you’ll get back the energy you put out. The island lifestyle and year-round good weather help with the warm and friendly disposition. Local people are courteous, generous, and compassionate with a culture centered around family and community. It’s common to reference strangers with familial terms: sister, cuz (cousin), auntie, and uncle. When invited to someone’s home don’t arrive empty-handed and always take off your shoes before entering someone’s home.

#3. The Cost of Living Is High

Get ready to reach deeply into your pockets because it’s expensive here. Housing, gas, and groceries are sky-high, as well as car registration fees, insurance, and dining out. When it comes to imported grocery items, the rates are astronomical. It’ll make you rethink drinking milk, buying cheese, and forfeiting those go-to delicacies.

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Feasible solutions include making friends with farmers, joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) service, shopping at the local markets, and supporting locally grown ingredients and producers. Thanks to the tropical climate it’s easy to have a little garden because fruits and vegetables thrive in Hawaii. There’s an abundance of papaya, mango, dragon fruit, fresh veggies, local honey, and more!

#4. Treat the Ocean with Care

It’s best to live by the motto: when in doubt, don’t go out. Unless you’re an experienced swimmer, if the waves are big, stay away. There’s an unnecessarily high number of people vacationing in Hawaii who don’t listen to the lifeguards shouting through the megaphones that need to be rescued. Even if you’re standing in the whitewash the Pacific Ocean is powerful, and a wave’s force can knock you down and pull you into the danger zone. Until you get your bearings on the different breaks and beaches, stick to ones with lifeguard towers. Look around and see what others are doing. Are they in the water? If so, how do they enter and exit the water? And remember: never turn your back to the ocean.

When picking a spot to lay out on the beach be mindful of the shifting tides. There’s nothing worse than being woken up from a nap by an encroaching wave or having your belongings swept out to sea. Be sure to check the beach for posted signs with information on sharks, currents, jellyfish, and weather conditions.It’s illegal to approach the wildlife so let them be. And, don’t step on or touch the reef because it’s razor-sharp!

Even on cloudy days, keep applying that reef-safe sunscreen. After a beach day, brush that sand off your feet before climbing back into your vehicle because it adds up quickly. It’s also a smart idea to rinse off with fresh water after getting out of the ocean so the salt water doesn’t damage your skin and belongings. The warm turquoise-colored water is magnificent and welcoming, but should be enjoyed with care, admiration, and respect.

#5. The Food Scene is “Ono”

Being on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean has its culinary advantages especially when it comes to freshly caught seafood. There are so many varieties of delectable fish to enjoy in locally prepared styles. From poke bowls and exquisite sushi rolls, to whole fried snapper and mahi mahi sandwiches, get ready to eat well. The food in Hawaii is “ono”, meaning delicious.

If you’re not a fan of seafood, no worries. The great weather provides fresh fruits and vegetables galore. The healthy and active lifestyle is also met with vegan and vegetarian eateries pumping out smoothies, juices, and salads.

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There is also a heavy influence from Asian cultures, flavors, and cuisines, translating into outstanding Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Philippine food. There’s no shortage of ramen shops, hand-rolled dumplings, steaming bowls of pho, and creative hybrid restaurants.

When it comes to local food, you might want to schedule a hike or a nap on the beach afterward because the portions are hefty. A typical lunch feature two scoops of rice, a heaping side of macaroni salad, and a protein of your choice. There’s a little something for every palate from high-end fine dining restaurants and secret sushi spots to side-of-the-road smoothie shacks and popular food trucks.  

#6. Each Island is Unique

There are four popular islands and each has its own unique vibe. Why not visit them all and discover your favorite, especially before making the move? You won’t feel so isolated on the majestic shores of Maui because neighboring Lanai and Molokai are close by. Embrace the laidback upcountry lifestyle in the higher elevations, leading up to the stunning Haleakalā National Park while the windy and majestic road to Hana is a stark contrast to the resort haven of Wailea.

Kauai is known as the Garden Isle and is the second wettest place on Earth. This lush island is further north than the other islands and has attracted A-list celebrities and tech CEOs. It’s a slower pace of life here with drop-dead gorgeous landscapes.

The densely populated island of O’ahu is home to the state capital, Honolulu. It’s called the Gathering Place and over one million people are packed onto this island. On O’ahu, you’ll find all the comforts of big city life but there’s still nature to escape to, including countryside, rainforests, and even active volcanoes.

No matter which island you decide on, each has its own unique microclimate. The islands on the west side are called the leeward sides and tend to be hotter and drier. The east side islands are called the windward sides, getting more rain and wind. The tropical rainforests are dense and humid, and tend to have wild pigs! While in the higher elevations, you’ll find cooler temperatures; it even snows on Mauna Kea.

#7. Get Familiar with the Local Slang

The unofficial language of Hawaii is Pidgin, originating from the plantation workers hailing from Portugal, Japan, Polynesia, the Philippines, China, and more. All these languages and cultures worked and communicated alongside one another, resulting in Hawaiian Pidgin which is spoken today. Here are some words that are commonly used in the day-to-day lingo:

• Pau = Finished, done, over
• Haole = People who are not native Hawaiian, mainlanders
• Mahalo = Thank you
• Shoots = Okay, yeah, it’s good, right on, understood
• Talk story = Have a conversation, catch up, talk
• A hui hou = see you soon, until next time
• Howzit = How are you? How is it going? What’s new?
• Keiki = kids
• Slippahs = sandals, flip flops

While you don’t want to be super haole and try to speak Pidgin unnaturally, get ready to incorporate some of these words into your daily vocabulary. You’ll most likely be living in your slipphas. Pau hana indicates being done with work and is interchangeable with happy hour. Mahalo is a great way to thank someone because being polite never goes out of style.

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#8. There Are Stray Chickens and Cats Everywhere

Get ready for the great outdoors, vibrant nature, and the animals that come with the package. There are stray cats and chickens everywhere. It’s best not to feed them, especially at restaurants, but use your own discretion. It’s not uncommon for birds to fly into businesses and buildings, as it comes with the open-air lifestyle.

Around every corner are cute geckos and not-so-cute cockroaches. However, it’s best to make peace with the cockroaches because there’s an excessive amount of them, everywhere, at all times. In wooded areas, you’ll likely encounter harmless and large cane spiders. The good news is that there aren’t any poisonous snakes. 

#9. Island Fever Is a Thing

The stunning and remote Hawaiian islands are about 2,400 miles from the nearest continent, taking around 6 hours by plane. For some, this only adds to the magic of Hawaii. However, for others, a little island fever might manifest, showing up as a sense of anxiety, or an entire rejection of the island way of life. For some the inability to drive for hours in any given direction is unattractive, but luckily there are places in the world better suited for expansive road trips. While island fever isn’t a major concern, it’s something to consider especially if you don’t like remote destinations or have a touch of claustrophobia. 

#10. Don’t Leave Your Belongings Unattended

While the Hawaiian Islands are relatively safe, there is a large houseless situation and drug usage is rampant. These two issues are contributing factors to the high crime rates. It’s mostly nonviolent thefts and certain areas are hotspots. However, it’s best to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Don’t invite prying eyes by leaving a phone, wallet, or bag unattended on the beach or in a parked car.

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While Hawaii is an island paradise there are realities here that should be considered before packing up your things and jumping across the pond. For the most part, it’s a dream come true, with sandy beaches, blue skies, and epic surf. The people are laid back, and the vibes are good. The Hawaiian Islands are a popular destination and for good reason, but island life isn’t a perfect match for everyone. It’s expensive and remote which can make it hard to settle down, so it can be a transient place. But if you’re ready to slow down and enjoy the beauty of nature, it’s truly a spectacular life, and those who come to Hawaii will never be the same.

Aloha and a hui hou! 

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Elizabeth McGonagle is a travel and food writer currently based in Lisbon, Portugal. She’s been lucky enough to live in five countries and is passionate about exploring different landscapes, learning languages, and discovering new cuisines.