Which Hawaiian Island Should You Move To For Work?

Are you thinking about moving to Hawaii for work? If so, you’re in for a treat! Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and it has a lot to offer job seekers. However, there are some things you should know before making the move.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about moving to Hawaii for work. We will cover topics such as the cost of living, the job market, and housing options. We hope this article helps make your transition to Hawaii smooth and enjoyable!

Your First Choice – What Island Are You Moving To?

In this section, we will be giving useful insight into the main similarities and differences between the four major islands—the island of Hawai’i, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. 

We’d also like to note that while Molokai, Lanai, and Niihau are still part of the Hawaiian Island chain, we wouldn’t suggest them as islands you should move to or consider living on. They are extremely secluded and fit for someone who likes a lot of alone time. 

The Big Island 

The Island of Hawaii, commonly referred to as the Big Island, is the largest of the Hawaiian Island archipelago. Here you can experience four different climate zones ranging from warm tropical weather at the beach to alpine conditions at the summit of Mauna Kea. If you like to be active and explore the outdoors during your free time, the Big Island’s diverse landscape is a pro.

There are two main sides of the Big Island, Kona, and Hilo. Kona is catered more toward tourists. With more things to do, more dining options, better weather, and better beaches, living on the Kona side is appealing to those who like the beachy island lifestyle. Hilo, on the other hand, is the wetter side of the island with more rainfall throughout the year and has more land activities such as hiking through rainforests, visiting waterfalls, and touring beautiful parks and gardens. Hilo tends to be more affordable when it comes to living expenses.

Because it is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, having your own car is important. Traffic usually isn’t as heavy compared to Oahu and Maui but getting from one place to another can take a while due to the long and windy two-way roads.

Maui

Maui is the second-largest island which is favored by many tourists for having some of the most stunning beaches in the world. With Haleakala volcano on the east side, Mauna Kahalawai (mountain ridge) on the west, and most of the land in between, Maui is nicknamed “The Valley Isle.” 

Generally, most residents live in the central and southern regions of Maui while the west, north, upcountry, and east regions are mainly made up of natural attractions with small towns sparsely located here and there. There are many towns to choose from throughout Maui, each with their own unique characteristics. If Maui sounds like a good fit for you, we suggest doing more in-depth research on which location would work best for your desired lifestyle. 

Oahu

Oahu is known as the “Gathering Place.” As the most populous island in Hawaii, Oahu is the busiest, with more traffic and congestion than the other islands. However, this also means that Oahu has more to offer in terms of community, shopping, dining, and nightlife. With the city of Honolulu as the capital and central hub of business, tourism, and growth, you’ll find many things to do and appreciate the convenience of everything being nearby. 

Consider living on one of the other Hawaiian Islands if you’re looking for more of a laidback, country-style culture. Oahu is a mix of city life while also having access to the natural wonders of the island. While this does sound ideal, we should also mention that Oahu has the highest cost of living compared to the other Hawaiian Islands. Most residents live in multigenerational households or share a small living space with roommates.

Kauai

Kauai, “the Garden Island,” is a nature lovers’ paradise, home to some of the most well-known hiking landscapes in the world. From the deep red Waimea Canyon to the green sea cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, the natural beauty of Kauai is one of the main reasons people choose to move to Kauai.

Most residents here live close to the coast due to the extreme nature of the inner parts of the island. With the lowest population of the four islands, most people work in the tourism industry. This would include hotels, restaurants, and activities. As a boat touring company based on Kauai, we enjoy the balance between running our business, meeting new people, and enjoying nature. For those who love the outdoors and enjoy an active lifestyle, Kauai is a great place to live.

If you’d like to learn more about The Garden Isle, read more about the history of Kauai, Hawaii’s oldest island.

Don’t Rush Your Decision

Remember that it isn’t a race – don’t rush the move to Hawaii. Do in-depth research once you have a general idea of what you’re looking for and know what to expect from your chosen destination.

The Biggest Differences Between Hawaii & Mainland U.S.

If you’ve visited Hawaii before, you may or may not have gotten a glimpse of how life and the overall culture are much different from mainland America. If you had a short stay, it may not be apparent, but there are some things you should consider before making the move.

Making a huge move like this is an awesome time in your life, but you don’t want to set unrealistic expectations.

Hawaii Cost Of Living

For most people, the cost of living is a huge factor in the quality of life. Because Hawaii is the most remote island chain in the world (with a living population), it means higher costs to get everything there. This means any goods that aren’t produced on the island (most of everything you will buy), are going to be much pricier than on the mainland.

This also applies to the housing market. Finding roommates will always be a better option financially, as the price of a 1-bedroom apartment will vary a lot depending on which island 

you’re on and the location.

Living On An Island

The State of Hawaii has a population of around 1.42 million spread out amongst the archipelagos and some locations can be more secluded than others. Some people take island life as an opportunity to enjoy the peace and isolation within nature. Others make it a point to engage with the community, find others with common interests, and pursue an active lifestyle. If you’re used to being able to drive to the next town or take a short flight to visit relatives, living in Hawaii can be a big adjustment. Moving to Hawaii is a refreshing experience for adventure and self-discovery.

Expect To Minimize Your Lifestyle

In general, the pace of life on the islands is slower than on the mainland, and people tend to focus more on relationships and enjoyment than on material possessions. This doesn’t mean that there isn’t a thriving economy on the islands; it simply means that residents have a different set of priorities. For visitors, this can be a refreshing change of pace, but it’s important to be respectful of local customs and expectations.

People live in smaller spaces and usually own less than mainland residents. If you are attached to many of your possessions and physical belongings, Hawaii may be a challenging adjustment for you.

Have A Solid Plan

While some make it happen, making a last-minute quick decision to move to Hawaii could prove to be very stressful. Have a solid plan for housing, transportation, and hopefully a job.

Move to Kauai, Hawaii – Work With Us At Kauai Sea Tours!

Are you looking for a new adventure? If you love the outdoors and working with people, Kauai Sea Tours might be the perfect place for you! We’re always looking for friendly, hardworking staff to join our team. And what could be better than working in paradise?

Kauai is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and our tours offer a chance to explore its stunning shores and amazing wildlife up close. If you’re interested in joining us, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you!

Feel free to email, call, or stop by to learn more! We would be grateful to have you join