Have you ever found yourself sitting at the airport at the end of your vacation with a pit in your stomach? Maybe you even searched your brain for rational reasons to skip your flight home? Or tried desperately to figure out a way to stay?  If so, you’ve experienced the same feelings many people have after a trip to Hawaii.   However, while some only dream of making the move to paradise, others make it happen. In 2019, 49,708 U.S. residents relocated to the Aloha State. If you want to join them, we’ve put together this Insider’s Guide to moving to Hawaii. Whether you want to establish your home on Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, or Kauai, we’ll offer you the tips and...

The decision to move to Hawaii from California etc. is more complicated than the decision to move to a new destination within the continental 48 states. While relocation to Hawaii does not have to be permanent, it is more expensive, time-consuming, and stressful than a land-based move, so it is much more difficult to return to the states if you become homesick or are simply unhappy in your new environment.

The island of Oahu in Hawaii packs a ton of activities into just 597 square miles. In this list, we’ll run you down our favorite activities, and attractions on Oahu. Even though these are our top recommendations, they’re definitely not the only things to do on Oahu. As the most populated Hawaiian island (nearly a million people call the Gathering Place home!) Oahu offers a ton of activities to keep you busy. Let’s jump in with a classic must-visit . . .   #1: Tour Pearl Harbor National Memorial  The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 was a pivotal moment in world history that drew the...

Are you moving to Honolulu? If you’re considering the Crossroads of the Pacific, you must love being near the center of the action. After all, if Hawaii had a “big city,” this would be it.   Honolulu has been the capital of Hawaii since 1850, after King Kamehameha III moved his royal court from Lahaina, Maui. By that point in the island’s history, Honolulu, which means “sheltered bay, had become a bustling hub of activity, with many ships using it as a way station on trips between North America and Asia.   Today, Honolulu is still one of the busiest areas in all of the...

Last Updated: June 4, 2025 If you’re considering moving to Oahu, we’d love to help you make an easy transition to your new lifestyle. Below, you’ll find our list of must-know tips before you relocate. By working your way through these questions and answers about Oʻahu, you’ll discover exactly how to make a simple move to Oahu, “the gathering place” as it is also known. “Coming to Hawai’i is like going from black and white to color.” That’s how author John Richard Stephenson put it, and we wholeheartedly agree: There’s a unique color and rhythm to life in Hawaiʻi. Additionally, since Hawaiʻi is made up of six distinct...

While Hilo is typically known for verdant and lush botanical gardens, there are plenty of beaches to explore too. So get ready to enjoy snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, beachcombing, a day out with family, and even some small-scale cliff diving! Below, you’ll find our guide to the top seven beaches on the Hilo side of Hawaii’s Big Island. Note: Lifeguard schedules are subject to change. Check the Hawaii Ocean Safety website for the most recent info on lifeguarded beaches in Hawaii. #1: Moku Ola / Coconut Island Facilities: Restrooms and showers Lifeguards: None You’ll find this little island right in Hilo Bay, just north of...