Whether you’ve never stood up on a surfboard or caught your fair share of waves, there’s something extra-thrilling about surfing in Hawaii. Is it the fact that you’re paddling out in the place where surfing was invented? Is it the knowledge that you’re following in the footsteps of world-renowned Hawaii-born surfers like Duke Kahanamoku, Eddie Aikau, Gerry Lopez, and Andy Irons? Or is it just the overwhelming beauty of the setting? Whatever it is, there’s no question that Hawaii is a surfing paradise. You’ll find waves nearly year-round in the Aloha State, and you’ll find plenty of different waves to suit your particular ability level....

The Big Island has certainly earned its nickname. With an area of 4,028 mi2, it dwarfs all the other islands in the Hawaiian archipelago. In fact, it’s more than six times as large as Oahu! Now, when it comes to snorkeling, the size of the Big Island becomes your advantage. You’ll find 265 miles of coastline on the Big Island—2.3 times as much as Oahu. In other words, there’s plenty of shoreline to explore. To kickstart your Big Island snorkeling adventures, we’ve put together a list of the eight best spots to snorkel on the Orchid Isle. Whether you’re new to the Big Island, considering...

So, you’re ready to move to Hawaii, but you’re not quite ready to buy a home yet? We completely understand! Moving to Hawaii is a big change, and jumping right into homeownership in the Aloha State might be a bigger commitment than you’re ready for. Finding your first rental in Hawaii can be tricky—especially if you’re new to the state and don’t know anybody out here. However, the tips we’ll share with you below will make it a lot easier. Keep reading to discover how to locate the right spot, how to get landlords interested in renting to you, what makes renting in Hawaii different...

Have you ever found yourself at the airport in Hawaiʻi, heart-sick about getting on the plane? If so, you’ve probably daydreamed about staying and making Hawaiʻi your home. Ready to take that dream further—and buy a home in Hawaiʻi? Becoming a homeowner in Hawaiʻi can be a little different than other places, including the mainland. In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly what you need to know. We’ll also show you how to make your dollar go a little further in Hawaiʻi, offer you some help choosing the right island for you, and help you set yourself up for home-buying success. Let’s start with the...

When you’re moving to an island that’s a couple thousand miles from the nearest major landmass, the logistics can get complicated. Add a few more people to that equation, plus all their belongings, school records, and possibly pets, and things get exponentially more interesting! However, plenty of families before you have made smooth transitions to the Aloha State. If you’re still asking yourself, “Should I Move to Hawaii?”—you’re not alone. This significant life decision requires careful consideration of lifestyle changes, opportunities, and logistics. After helping hundreds of families relocate to Hawaii, we’ve noticed a few trends—and a few strategies that set the stage for simpler...

Hawaii is an isolated place, with thousands of miles of open ocean surrounding the island chain. However, Hawaii’s solitary position has created an incredible number of endemic species in the archipelago—ones you won’t find anywhere else in the world. endemic: an organism that is restricted or peculiar to a locality or region (Source: Merriam-Webster) Nowhere is this more evident than in the waters around Hawaii. Whether you’re snorkeling or diving, you’ll find tons of incredible fish, coral, and invertebrates that are unique to the area. In fact, NOAA researchers estimate that 43% of species on deeper coral reefs are endemic to Hawaii. On the shallower...