Best Hawaiian Island to Live On | Best Places to Live in Hawaii (2024)

FAQs

Best Hawaiian Island to Live On | Best Places to Live in Hawaii? ›

Among the Hawaiian Islands, Molokai is known as the Friendly Isle, and those who live there would consider it the best island to live on by far. With many longtime families and few visitors living on remote Molokai, it is one of the most secluded Hawaiian Islands.

Among the Hawaiian Islands, Molokai is known as the Friendly Isle, and those who live there would consider it the best island to live on by far. With many longtime families and few visitors living on remote Molokai, it is one of the most secluded Hawaiian Islands.

What's the most affordable Hawaiian island to live on? The Big Island. With Hawaii's lowest average cost of living (according to MIT's Living Wage project), lowest fair market rents, and lowest typical yearly expenses, the Big Island can be the most economical island in Hawaii.

Oahu has the largest and best, state-of-the-art medical facilities in all of Hawaii.

Most people choose to move to Oahu for the variety of things to do, as well as the ease of finding part-time or full-time work. Oahu's beaches are every bit as lovely as most of those on Kauai and Maui – and you'll have access to world class shopping and entertainment on Oahu.

Molokai is the least visited island of Hawaii. With about 65,000 visitors, the island attracts only a fraction of all the tourists that visit the island group each year. The island is more rural and doesn't have resorts. Molokai is most definitely a destination off the beaten path.

Oahu - The Gathering Place

Oahu is the most visited of all the Hawaiian islands, at nearly 4.7 million visitors annually. Oahu is primarily defined by the state capital of Honolulu, as well as Pearl Harbor and the famous beach known as Waikiki. These areas attract tourists by the thousands daily.

To live comfortably in Hawaii, an annual income of around $70,000 to $100,000 for a single person, or $120,000 to $200,000 for a family is recommended. Is it expensive to live in Hawaii? Yes, Hawaii is known for its high cost of living due to factors such as housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation.

Notably, though, Hawaii was named the healthiest and happiest state seven years in a row in Gallup's National Health and Well-Being Index from 2012–2019. If you're a retiree looking to maximize your quality of life in your golden years, Hawaii is worth a look.

Living in Hawaii has its perks, including year-round warm weather and access to some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world. The island lifestyle is laid-back and relaxed, and there is a strong sense of community and connection to the land.

What is the biggest health problem in Hawaii? ›

Native Hawaiians have the highest mortality rates of cardiometabolic diseases, like heart disease and diabetes.

If you're looking for the Hawaiian island with the clearest water, the answer is Kauai. With its secluded beaches and lush greenery, Kauai is a paradise for beachgoers and nature lovers alike. Its crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.

With 227 miles of shoreline, Oahu is the best Hawaiian Island for beaches. Oahu has the best beaches in Hawaii due to Oahu's many protected bays, reefs surrounding the island, gold-sand beaches, and calm waters year-round.

The most obvious drawback to living in Hawaii is our cost of living. Because everything needs to be imported, the cost of goods is significantly higher than any mainland market. This cost of living is magnified by high housing costs.

Maui in a Nutshell

It has beautiful beaches, gorgeous resorts, the best whale watching, and fewer tourists, compared to Oahu. It is a bit more relaxing and a lot slower, and the people who visit enjoy that pace. It's the second most visited Hawaiian island after Oahu.

While Maui is more developed as a tourist destination and offers generally drier weather, Kauai is the perfect option if you want to visit a rugged and authentic Hawaiian island that won't ever feel overly crowded, even in the summer months.

Of the four easily-accessible Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is the most remote and also receives the fewest tourists. If you're looking to get away from daily life, Kauai will probably feel the least connected from the mainland and have the lowest number of other visitors.

Niihau, also known as the Forbidden Isle, is a beautiful small island in Hawaii spread across 180 sq km. The island is off-limits to outsiders and only the Robinson family, their relatives, invited guests, government officials and US Navy personnel are allowed here.

Generally speaking, the best Hawaiian island to visit without a car is Oahu. This is because the bus system goes throughout much of the island and it's convenient enough to take the Oahu bus to different places, and there's also a bus from the Honolulu airport.

About eighteen miles southwest of the Garden Island (Kauai), sits Hawaii's “Forbidden Island”, also known as Niihau.

Which Hawaiian Islands do celebs usually go to? ›

Hawaii Celebrities: Oahu Edition

Oahu is a favorite spot for many global travelers, and a number of celebrities have visited the island in recent years. President Barack Obama makes regular visits to the island he grew up on.

Housing Costs

A one-bedroom apartment or home can range from about $1,500 to more than $2,000 per month and a two-bedroom apartment or a house will start at $1,800 per month. Looking at a luxurious, new one-bedroom condo? Expect to fork out at least $3,000 a month.

The average Hawaii home value is $831,629, down 0.0% over the past year and goes to pending in around 25 days.

The average rent for apartments in Honolulu, HI, is between $1,450 and $1,877 in 2023. For a studio apartment in Honolulu, HI, the average rent is $1,877. When it comes to 1-bedroom apartments, the average rent in Honolulu, HI, is $1,450. For a 2-bedroom apartment, the average rent is $1,850.

Retirees who move to Hawaii also benefit from the Aloha State's lower health care costs, state-of-the-art medical system, and retiree-friendly tax laws. Social Security income and public pension withdrawals are not taxed for Hawaiian residents, leaving more money in your pocket.

Is Social Security taxable in Hawaii? According to Hawaii law, Social Security income is not subject to state income taxes.

Hawaii Income Taxes

Social Security benefits are not taxed by the state. Income from private, government, and military retirement plans is fully exempt if the employee did not contribute to the plan (e.g., a traditional pension).

In 1959, Hawaii officially became the 50th state. As a result, anyone who has the ability to legally live in the United States—including citizens and permanent residents—can move to Hawaii. Legally, it's just like moving to any other state. However, there is one major difference you'll want to be aware of.

Remember that it's pretty hard to find a job on the islands even though the unemployment rate is generally low. However, this depends on your skills and the industry you are looking in. Some of the most thriving industries include tourism, health care, hospitality, IT, marketing, and property management.

Thousands of Hawaii residents are leaving their homes in the islands, many of them like the Porlas 'ohana. Based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, more than 15,000 people left the state for other parts of the U.S. over the past year alone, up from 13,000 five years ago.

How much does it cost to live in Hawaii comfortably? ›

To live comfortably in Hawaii, an annual income of around $70,000 to $100,000 for a single person, or $120,000 to $200,000 for a family is recommended. Is it expensive to live in Hawaii? Yes, Hawaii is known for its high cost of living due to factors such as housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation.

The four best places to use as home base for your Big Island adventures are: Hilo (the capital), Kailua Kona (outdoors!), Waimea (beaches and valleys) and Volcano Village (Jungle and volcanoes).

Kalaupapa, Molokai

In Kalaupapa, HI, there is a small community with single-family households present. What is this? This is also rated the safest city in the entire state of Hawaii according to Neighborhood Scout. The city is on the northern island of Molokai, one of the eight major Hawaiian islands.

Kauai is the winner

In our opinion, Kauai takes the throne as the prettiest Hawaiian island. It has a variety of views and terrain to see. Rocky coastlines, beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and mountains and valleys. There is so much to see and do.

Hawaii is 76% more expensive than the US average, while Florida is just 2% more. In simpler terms, if you're a US citizen, you'd have to spend 76% more money to buy an item in Hawaii, whilst in Florida, you'd have to pay 2% more than what you would pay in your home state.

Generally, the cost of things in Hawaii is 30% more than on the mainland. Hawaii is the most expensive state in the U.S. while California ranks third. When you compare the cost of living in Hawaii and that of California, you will likely find that Hawaii's cost of living is considerably higher.

Kona offers better weather, the best beaches and snorkeling, newer resorts, more vacation rentals, and more nightlife compared to Hilo Town.

Kauai is the safest island in Hawaii, with the lowest violent and property crime rate compared to other islands.

With its limited availability, stable market, and growing vacation rental market, owning a piece of Hawaii is a solid, safe investment. Whether you're looking for a vacation home, rental property, or a long-term investment, Hawaii real estate offers something for everyone.

As a result of this exodus, nearly 50% of all Native Hawaiians live outside of Hawaii. California hosts the largest Hawaiian diaspora community, followed by Washington state and Nevada. Due to a notable Hawaiian presence in Las Vegas, the city is sometimes referred to as the “ninth island” by Hawaii residents.

Is Kauai Hawaii safe place to live? ›

Kauai is a safe place to travel and has relatively low crime, but it is always smart to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Always swim and hike with a buddy. Obey lifeguard rules, precautions, and warning signs. Don't leave valuables in your car when you are off for a long hike or beach day.

The Kohanaiki club isn't a place that you can just show up and hang out in: It's a 450-acre patch of land on the Kona Coast of Hawai'i, the Big Island where the richest of the rich—literally billionaires, as they claim—come to live in what essentially amounts to a luxury commune.

O'ahu (Population 876,156, Area 597 sq. miles) The most populated island, where Honolulu is the Capital City, the principal port, the major airport, and business and financial center, and the educational heart of the State. O'ahu is the military command center of the Pacific. Waikīkī is the visitor center.