Get Quote

Moving to Honolulu in 2025?
Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Honolulu.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Honolulu.

Planning to move to Honolulu?

Honolulu is one of the most expensive cities in the US with a higher cost of living. The economy of the city is growing and heavenly reliant on tourism. The job market in Honolulu is thriving with several opportunities in various sectors. The public transportation in Honolulu is reliable and many neighborhoods are walkable and bikeable. The city offers a relaxed pace of life and plenty of outdoor activities. The city has a strong sense of community and it celebrates various events that offer opportunities to connect with locals. The city follows native Hawaiian culture and traditions. There are various other details that you must know about the city before moving there. This moving guide by Van Lines Move will help you learn about the city-

Quick Facts of Honolulu

Some interesting things to learn about Honolulu-

Iolani Palace is the only official state residence of royalty in the US.

Kawaiahaʻo Church is known as the "Westminster Abbey of Hawaii".

Waikiki Beach in Honolulu is world-famous for its golden sand and surfing waves.

The city has a network of secret underground tunnels beneath Honolulu that was built during WWII.

The city has a historic landmark known as Aloha Tower it once served as a lighthouse and now has shops and restaurants.

Poke is a Hawaiin staple consisting of raw fish salad and various seasonings.

Kapahulu is a charming neighborhood with eclectic shops.

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. know the top-rated moving companies in Honolulu.

Top reasons to move to Honolulu

Each city offers something to everyone. So, before you move to Honolulu, explore the features that encourage you to move to the city.

Job market- The tourism sector is a thriving sector offering various opportunities in the hospitality and service industry. Various other industries are contributing to the economic growth.

Climate—The city enjoys pleasant weather with warmth throughout the year and plenty of sunny days.

Natural beauty- Honolulu has stunning scenery, including volcanic craters, lush valleys, and cascading waterfalls.

Culture- The city embraces a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere. Honolulu is a melting pot of cultures and is rich in history.

Sense of Community- Honolulu has a strong sense of community with many local events and activities. The people are friendly and welcoming in nature.

Pros & Cons of Living in Honolulu

Learning about the pros and cons of living in a new city will help you prepare for the challenges. Here is the list of pros and cons of living in Honolulu-

Pros of Living in Honolulu	Cons of Living in Honolulu
The city has ideal climate with warm and sunny weather with relaxed lifestyle	The cost of living in Honolulu is significantly higher
The city has beautiful scenery from beaches to volcanic landscapes	The job market is limited to tourism sector only
The city offers plenty of outdoor activities, unique culture and slower pace of life	The housing options are limited in the city with higher rental and purchase cost
Honolulu has a strong sense of community and offers easy access to other islands	Some people may experience “island fever” due to feeling of being isolated
The city focuses on wellness and outdoor activities	Beware of natural disasters including hurricanes, tsunami and more

Tip: When you've got a home to move in Honolulu, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Best Neighborhoods in the Honolulu

Moving to a new city can be emotionally and financially challenging. But if you explore the neighborhoods in your destination city, you will find a safe, friendly, and affordable neighborhood. For your convenience, we have listed some top neighborhoods in Honolulu-

Waikiki- This is an iconic and tourist-centric neighborhood. If you love beaches and nightlife, then this is your location. But, don’t forget the housing is expensive in this area.

Kaimuki- This is a trendy and charming neighborhood with a mix of local shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Hawaii Kai- This is a master-planned community with a mix of housing options. It is a family-friendly neighborhood but can be pricey. This location has shopping centers and marinas.

Kahala- This is an exclusive and affluent residential area with large homes, a quite atmosphere, and excellent schools.

Aina Haina- A family-friendly residential neighborhood with a mix of single-family homes and condos. There are good schools and a healthy atmosphere.

Downtown Honolulu- This is the business and financial center of Honolulu with a mix of high-rise condos and offices. This location can be noisy.

Palolo- This is a residential area with affordable housing options.

Cost of living in Honolulu

While planning a move, it is crucial to learn about the cost of living in a new city. This will help you calculate the expenses and create a moving budget. The cost of living in Honolulu is generally considered to be quite high. The cost of housing is the most significant expense. All other essential expenses like groceries, utilities, healthcare, and transportation are generally higher than the national average. Here, we have provided the breakdown of the cost of living in Honolulu-

Category	Honolulu (in USD)
Housing (Rent/Mortgage)	$2,000 - $3,500+
Utilities	$100 - $400+
Groceries	$400 - $800+
Food	$300 - $700+
Transportation	$100 - $200
Entertainment	$200 - $500+

Housing Market in Honolulu

The housing market in Honolulu is currently in flux, with a potential shift from a seller’s market to a more balanced buyer’s market. The median sale price for a house in Honolulu was around $695,876, 7.5% higher than the previous year.

Average rental cost in Honolulu

The average rental cost in Honolulu depends on the size, location, and property type. The average rental price is around $2,200 per month.

Honolulu job market

The economy of Honolulu is diverse and the job market of the city is majorly driven by the tourism industry. However, several sectors are contributing to the economic growth. The unemployment rate in the city is lower than the national average.

Top Career Options in Honolulu

Several industries are thriving with plenty of job opportunities. If you plan to move to Honolulu, learn about the top career options, their average salary, entry-level salary, and the total number of employees on the job role.

Job Title	Average Salary	Entry-Level Salary	Number of employees
Computer Engineer	$86,607	$41,438	620
Nurse Practitioner	$92,458	$41,438	990
Real Estate Broker	$142,726	$41,438	1,530
Judge	$78,368	$41,438	80
Construction Manager	$115,324	$41,438	1,250
Chief Executive	$144,350	$57,210	1,530
Financial Manager	$87,370	$55,940	1,630
Engineering Manager	$116,390	$81,630	550
Medical and Health Services Manager	$109,550	$64,960	990
Postsecondary Education Administrator	$99,530	$58,540	290

Median Salary in Honolulu

The median salary in Honolulu is around $104,000 per year.

Transportation And Navigation In Honolulu

The transportation and navigation in the city decide the quality of life. Before you move to Honolulu, learn about the transportation and navigation in the city.

Public Transportation- The public transportation in the city is comprehensive and well-regarded. These are the following options for public transportation- TheBus, Skyline, and TheHandi-Van. The other options for transportation include car rentals, ridesharing (Uber and Lyft), taxis, bike sharing, and more. Navigation- Honolulu can be navigated using online maps and navigation apps. You can use Google Maps to navigate the city.

Start Your Moving Quote Now!

Get multiple quotes from top professional movers now Start My Quote

Major industries in Honolulu

Honolulu is home to several major industries including

Tourism

Government

Military

Healthcare

Education

Technology

Education System in Honolulu

When you plan to move to a new city, you might be worried about the school or college for your children. But if you explore some good schools and colleges before moving to another city, you will be stress-free. Here, we have listed some of the top schools and colleges in Honolulu for your research-

Elementary Schools in Honolulu
Momilani Elementary School
Noelani Elementary School
Mililani Ike Elementary School
Waikiki Elementary School
Manoa Elementary School

Middle Schools in Honolulu
University Laboratory School
Hawaii Technology Academy Public Charter School
Myron B. Thompson Academy Public Charter School
Kaimuki Middle School
Moanalua Middle School

High Schools in Honolulu
Punahou School
Iolani School
University Laboratory School
Hawaii Technology Academy Public Charter School
Kalani High School

Colleges and Universities in Honolulu
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu Community College
Kapi’olani Community College

Best things to do in Honolulu

Honolulu is a perfect destination to earn new experiences, a rich history, and a vibrant culture. When you move to Honolulu, you can enjoy these things-

The city is full of beaches and you can have a fun time at beaches like Waikiki Beach, Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head, Kualoa Ranch, and more.

Pay your respect at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial which is a historic site.

Discover the rich history of Hawaii at Bishop Museum and Honolulu Museum of Art.

Attend a traditional Hawaiian luau for an evening of food, music, dance, and storytelling.

Visit Honolulu Zoo which is located in the heart of Waikiki.

Take a panoramic view of Honolulu from Aloha Tower.

Taxes in Honolulu

There are different types of taxes that the residents of Honolulu have to pay. Here are the details of local and state taxes-

Income Tax- There is a progressive income tax system in Hawaii, with rates ranging from 1.4% to 11%. You also need to pay federal income tax other than state income tax.

General Excise Tax (GET)- This is a tax on businesses doing business in Hawaii. The tax rate for GET is 4.5%. w

Property Tax- This tax is relatively low compared to other states. There is around 0.27% of property value annually.

Fuel Taxes- These taxes apply to gasoline.

Type of insurance required in Honolulu

In Honolulu, you need certain types of insurance to ensure the security of your belongings, yourself, and your property.

Auto Insurance- This insurance is mandatory in Honolulu. Hawaii is a no-fault state which means that your insurance will cover your initial medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. This is the breakdown for minimum liability coverage-

$20,000 bodily injury liability per person

$40,000 bodily injury liability per accident

$10,000 property damage liability per accident

Health Insurance- This is not legally mandated but is essential to cover the high cost of medical care.

Life Insurance- This insurance can provide financial security to your family in the event of your death.

Homeowners and Renters Insurance- This insurance will protect your belongings and property from damage or theft.

Flood Insurance- This insurance will cover the damage caused by the flood.

Earthquake Insurance- Hawaii is in a seismically active area, so it is easy to get earthquake insurance.

Ready to start planning your move?

Tell us a little bit about your move and let us make your move simple. Start My Quote

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.

State Moving Guides