Last Updated on February 13, 2025 by Jade and Deeshen

Living in Hawaii

We’re often asked, “What is it like living in Hawaii?” After years of living here, our answer remains the same—it’s amazing, and we’re incredibly grateful every day to wake up in paradise.

A few years ago, we made the life-changing decision to move to Hawaii and never looked back.

As Hawaii travel writers, and local Yoga Qigong teachers and retreats hosts, we’re going to share our experience of living in Hawaii.

The islands offer an incredible quality of life, with breathtaking nature, a deep connection to nature, and a slower pace that allows you to truly appreciate the present moment.

It’s also the closest you can get to living in another country without moving outside of the USA.

What’s it Like Living in Hawaii?

Every morning, we wake up with immense gratitude for the beauty that surrounds us. Living in Hawaii has taught me so much about nature and ourselves.

The white sand beaches, the sunrises and sunsets, and being able to see the sun and moon year round—it never gets old.

Everytime I get off a plane back to Hawaii, it feels as though the banyan trees itself are whispering, E komo mai Welcome home.

What drew us to the Hawaiian Islands? Since our first visit, we felt an undeniable connection to nature here. I (Jade) felt a calling—a pulling from the universe—that told me this was home. After 15+ trips, including multi-month stays, we moved to Hawaii.

There is an energy here, a force greater than words can describe, that fills your soul with a connection to nature.

We asked ourselves, If we could live anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? The answer was clear: Hawaii.

Some people wait til 65 to retire and to move to the place they truly want to live. I didn’t want to live my life counting the years til that, instead I count the life in my years!

In our early 30s, we left everything behind, and sold 95% of our belongings and moved to Hawaii!

As the Tao Te Ching says, “Empty yourself.” And that’s exactly what we did. We allowed ourselves to be emptied and reshaped by the land, the ocean, and the wisdom of the Hawaiian people.

After 15+ trips to Hawaii, we finally took the leap of faith and made the move. To say that our spiritual connection to nature, the sun, and the moon has strengthened would be an understatement.

Hawaii has a way of transforming you, grounding you, and making you feel alive in ways you never imagined. It teaches you to move with the rhythms of the earth, to listen to the wind, and to find peace in the simplicity of a sunset.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the biggest aspects of what it’s like to live in Hawaii:

Nature

Nature is a part of your daily life in Hawaii. Whether it’s listening to song birds in the morning, watching the sunrise from a white sand beach, hiking through lush rainforests, the natural world is always within a 15 minute drive.

It’s no wonder Hawaii is considered one of the best places to retire.

We wake up at 4am every weekend to go see the sunrise from Lanikai beach.

And on the weekends, we can easily fly to another island to see the active volcano on Big Island.

Read our Oahu 6 day itinerary to plan your next trip to Hawaii.

The islands are home to unique ecosystems, from volcanic craters to towering waterfalls. Living here means being constantly surrounded by this raw, untouched beauty.

But beyond the scenery, there’s something deeply spiritual about the land itself. The Hawaiian concept of mana—a divine energy that flows through all things—is felt in every wave, ripple, feather and even a rustling leaf.

Standing at the edge of a volcanic crater in Big Island, Hawaii, you realize you are part of something ancient and powerful, a living, breathing island shaped by fire and water.

Weather

Imagine a place where winter means sunshine, and doesn’t mean not seeing the sun for months. It’s no wonder its considered one of the best places to live.

Hawaii’s weather is consistently warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s year-round. In Honolulu, it changes maybe by 3 degrees year round.

Yes, we get rain—but in Hawaii, rain is a blessing. It keeps the islands lush and vibrant, and most showers pass quickly, leaving behind rainbows that stretch across the sky.

The weather is always fantastic for surfing or paddling!

Read about the best packing list for Hawaii to prepare for your next trip.

We’ve seen hundreds of different shapes of rainbows, and we always say “there’ll never be a day where I’m not amazed by a rainbow, doesn’t matter how small or big. A rainbow is a miracle!”

Rain in Hawaii isn’t just weather; it’s a reminder of life’s cycles, of renewal and abundance. The gentle drizzle that falls in the early mornings feels like a cleansing ritual, washing away worries and making space for new growth.

Cultural Melting Pot

Hawaii is one of the most diverse places in the U.S., with influences from Polynesian, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, and Portuguese cultures (just to name a few). This diversity is reflected in the food (poke bowls, spam musubi, malasadas), traditions, and even language.

Living here, you’ll hear English, Hawaiian, Pidgin, and a mix of languages and accents in everyday conversation.

This cultural richness is a beautiful mix of traditions that we truly appreciate.

The stories of those who came before us, who built lives on these islands, are woven into the very fabric of daily life. It’s a place where history, ancestry, and identity are honored and celebrated.

Aloha Spirit

The Aloha Spirit isn’t just a phrase—it’s a way of life. It’s about kindness, respect, and living with a deep sense of gratitude.

People here take the time to connect, whether it’s chatting with a stranger at the beach or waving a Shaka at drivers letting you merge in traffic. We love throwing Shakas of appreciation!

It’s a slower, more intentional way of living that makes life feel more fulfilling.

People here aren’t driven by work or an ambitious career. They’re just happy and grateful for the qi and mana (life force energy) that flows through all of us.

More than that, aloha is an energy, a vibration that radiates from the land and its people. It’s about being present, about giving without expectation, and about recognizing the divine in every interaction.

Aloha can also be similar to the word Namaste, which means the divine light in me honors the light in you.

Community

There’s a strong sense of community in Hawaii, something that feels rare in many other places. Whether it’s through neighborhood potlucks, hula performances, or volunteering for local conservation efforts, people look out for one another.

After storms and floods in the winter, we’ll see a group of locals picking trash at the local beaches. And we often join beach cleanups.

We all share responsibility in caring for the aina (land in Hawaiian) that provides for us.

There’s a shared understanding that we’re all stewards of these islands, and that sense of responsibility brings people together.

Community here extends beyond just human relationships—it includes the land, the ocean, and even the unseen forces that shape our lives. There’s an understanding that everything is connected, and that caring for one another means caring for the earth as well.

Family First: Ohana Culture

In Hawaii, ohana (family) isn’t just about blood relatives—it’s about the people who become your family. Friends become like siblings, and neighbors look out for each other.

The island lifestyle naturally encourages deep relationships, and living here, you quickly learn that wealth isn’t measured in money, but in the love and support of your community.

Sitting around a table sharing food, and talking story — these moments are what truly define life in Hawaii.

We’re grateful to have found some amazing community through teaching Yoga Qigong at the Still and Moving Center and local parks, and the incredible people we met in nature. However, I would say your first full year here is about finding yourself.

What’s it like to live in Hawaii long term?

Living in Hawaii long term is definitely different from taking a one week vacation here, or even nomad living here for a month.

We had taken 15+ trips before moving here and nomad here for several months before taking the leap!

When you’re only on vacation in Hawaii, people typically want to maximize their vacation and hit as many beaches and spots as possible in a day.

While you get the glimpse of the magic of the aina (land in Hawaiian), you don’t really get to experience the connection with the aina til you slow down.

We highly recommend nomadding in Hawaii or even short term living here for a few months before moving here.

It’s what we did. At one point, Jade was accepted into a highly competitive program called Movers & Shakas and we nomadded in Hawaii for 2 months, while volunteering and giving back to the local nonprofits here.

During that time, it deepened our love for Hawaii, and also allowed us to build community and see that we wanted to live in Hawaii long term.

We have one heck of story to share!

On our final trip to scout for homes in Hawaii before moving there, it was a 2 month trip.

This was one of those life turning moments where we could either to decide to go back to the life we were living, or commit to our dreams.

So many things aligned for us on this trip.

The moment we landed, a complete stranger (friend of a friend) dropped off our keys and literally gifted us 2 sets of SUP paddle boards, and a plethora of beach gear.

She said “You’re going to need this.”

People in Hawaii are incredibly kind, and this Aloha totally blew us away!

In the next few days, Deeshen wanted to see the sunrise so we went to Lanikai beach to see the sunrise.

It was one of the most beautiful sunrises we’ve ever experienced in our lives.

We looked at each other and said “this is the time to bring out the paddle boards!”

Neither of us had ever paddled without supervision of a teacher, or only paddled in a tiny bay.

Now we were about to paddle right in the open of Hawaiian waters and the ocean! (with zero life guards around!)

Over the next few weeks, we continued to search for a home and paddle board 2-3x a week.

Each week we would gather the courage to paddle further and further, towards the Nā Mokulua, which translates to “the two islands” in Hawaiian.

They’re also called the Mokes, a pair of tiny isles roughly a mile and a half off of Kailua Beach Park. Formed over a million years ago, they’re part of the summit caldera of the Ko’olau shield – the balsatic volcano that formed the eastern half of Oahu.

The waves around the island are quite large forming from both sides, and can be quite dangerous for inexperienced swimmers and paddlers.

Every week we would paddle up to a certain point, stare at the Mokes but never date to paddle further.

On our last paddle nearing the end of our trip, we go to the edge of the ocean, about ½ mile from the Mokes. The furthest we’d ever gone.

We stared at each other.

Deeshen asked me if I wanted to continue, and we both noted that we were satisfied with having gone this far.

(even though in both of our hearts, we knew we wanted to make the way to the Mokes!)

About 2 seconds after heading back towards the shore, an old man in what looked like his 70s, with a bright yellow surf board came swimming by and asked Deeshen “Do you want to go to the island? If yes, follow me”  and pointed to the Mokes.

We needed a few seconds to , and the old man continued to swim past us in his yellow surf board.

I yelped at Deeshen “let’s go!” and we paddled towards the old man and yelled “Wait for us! We’re coming!” (the waves were REALLY strong at this point and windy)

The old man said his name was Duck (I kid you not), and he prompted us to observe the waves, and become one with them.

Od man Duck said “Sometimes you have to just punch through the waves, and keep on going. Only stop to observe, and keep punching through the waves in this line of route”  

We knew it was divine intervention!

All of us straight to “punch” paddle through the waves. It was wildly windy and the waves were nonstop coming towards us.

Then came time when we were just one meter from the island now,  and the waves were crashing in towards us from BOTH sides.

Timing was everything here.

We waited for the 2 second opening. Ready, set go! And paddled to shore.

Deeshen reached first being his athletic self, and I waited for another opening and the wave CARRIED me to shore.

I SURFED on my paddle board high and came crashing onto the island.

Both of our hearts FLEW and landed on the

Immediately after landing, I scrambled to stand up as the waves kept crashing in.

And there on the edge of the sandy beach of the Mokes, laid a glorious Hawaiian monk seal.

For the hour, we observed the monk seal napping, rustling about, until it found its perfect spot.

We learned an important lesson that day.

The monk seal knows its important to have a perfect spot for napping. If you’re ever observed one, it doesn’t just settle for the first spot it finds. It swam through trecerhous waters to get to the island, and once it lands, it keeps on moving and flopping around until it finds the PERFECT spot to rest.

Then it’ll keep making this journey to its perfect spot.

In that moment, we realized how lucky we were to have found the perfect spot that we wanted to live in this period of our lives.

We learned to embrace

3 days later, Deeshen found the listing for our home. The photos were terrible but we decided to give it chance.

We were the first to tour the home, and from the moment we walked in… we could see it as our home.

2 hours later, we submitted our application and were approved.

The next week, we moved in and the moment we were handed our keys, our hearts smiled.

We stood in that empty home and I couldn’t stop smiling.

I smiled at Deeshen, at my landlord, at everyone we came across that day. I smiled even when no one was around, I smiled at God and the universe!

I was overjoyed. I knew this time that we had gone in the direction of our inner guides, and I am so grateful for this learning for life.

No amount of uncertainty about the move no longer bothered me, because we knew it was all going to work out for the best. 

For the next few weeks, we built our minimalistic home in Hawaii from scratch, before heading back to our old home to close things out.

The following 2 months, we got rid of 95% of our belongings, sold and donated everything.

I didn’t realize how much I was attached to all the stuff that had accumulated in life, and this was an important part of the journey to empty ourselves.

Only when you empty yourself, can new things come into your life.

On our last day, our best friend Darshik came to help us make our final close out, and sent us to the airport.

It was a happy and emotional day. We embraced and knew that we’d meet again.

Today, I am grateful that I am living in Hawaii and very connected with my inner guide!

The reason why I share this, is because I am grateful to have learned such an important lesson.

The Lesson: Always go in the direction of your inner guide.

All of us have an inner guidance, we know when we’re moving in the direction of our dreams and when we’re not.

We know this by whether we feel good, or bad. Better or worse.

This was one of the turning point moments where I promised myself I would not go against my inner guide for anything ever again.

Every single day, I wake up in paradise and feel so grateful for it.

Not a single day, we take this life for granted.

I thank God and the universe that we had the courage to follow our dreams to move to Hawaii.

If you’ve had that dream to move somewhere you’ve wanted to, I encourage you whole heartedly to do so.

Worst case, it’s not a one way door and you can go back to a mundane life.

Best case, it will change in your life forever, like it did ours.

Things To Consider Before Living in Hawaii

First, consider how you want to live your life for the next five years and feel that dream realized in the present moment. Let go of all the excuses.

Don’t let excuses hold you back from the life you’re meant to live. Whether it’s fear, comfort, or the idea that it’s “too late,” those are just stories you tell yourself.

You are never too old, too stuck, or too attached for a new start. If your heart is pulling you towards moving to Hawaii or something else, trust it—because you go in the direction of your dreams, the whole universe will conspire to help you.

Second, moving to your dream place isn’t a decision you make with your logical mind! You have to follow your heart and spirit.

We made the mistake of weighed the pros and cons of moving to Hawaii with our logical minds probably over 200+ times over 2 years, and it was a waste of energy to go around in circles.

Ultimately we had to go on a journey (that even took us to Europe and Madeira Portugal) when we decided to fully take the leap of faith to move to Hawaii!

Here’s a few other things to keep in mind.

Cost of Living

Cost of living is something to consider but it shouldn’t be your ultimate factor.

Hawaii has high cost of living in the islands due to the fact of how remote Hawaii and islands are. Everything is imported including most fruits.

Hawaii has one of the highest costs of living in the U.S., with expensive housing (due to high demand and limited space), groceries, and gas

However, price is all relative. New York City and San Francisco, the most expensive cities in the US, are 1.5-3x more expensive than Hawaii overall. 

Having lived in New York, Los Angeles, Seattle and traveled across the USA, I’d say cost of living and inflation in general is high across the USA.

You can always consider a more affordable places to live in Hawaii.

We were living in Seattle before, and paying the same amount for rent as we do in Hawaii. (We love the Pacific Northwest as well. However, Hawaii’s sunshine and nature is heaven on earth.

If we could live anywhere in the world right now, at this point of my life, where would we live? The answer was simple, it’s Hawaii.

Fresh produce, can be double or triple the price compared to the mainland. This is definitely true, I was price shocked when I shopped at local grocery stores like Don Quijote, Safeway, Foodland, and Down to Earth.

However there are ways to save on groceries. We enjoy shopping at H Mart, the local India Market, Costco, Whole Foods, China Town, local farmers markets and local factories.

Costco prices are the same as you would find on the mainland. You’ll find some of the freshest and most affordable groceries in China Town and local tofu factories like Aloha Tofu Factory, Ms Cheng’s Soybean products, and Sun Noodle.

Rent and home prices are significantly higher than most places in the U.S., and many locals work multiple jobs to afford life here. However, many find the trade-offs—like the natural beauty and strong sense of community—worth it.

Living simply, growing your own food, and embracing a more minimalistic lifestyle can help make it more manageable.

Living in a Popular Tourist Place

Hawaii has been one of the world’s top tourist destinations for decades, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

I admist, there are times where I get frustrated with the sheer amount of tourists in spots, who don’t care for the land (throw trash on the floor, party, traffic, etc).

When I first moved here, I thought I would go to my favorite tourist spots every single week, but in reality, once you move here, you will find your favorite spots and build your own routine.

Most locals actually don’t go to tourist spots, at least not at peak hours. When

To truly connect with the land, I’ve learned to wake up with the sun—those early mornings are when the islands feel the most alive, before the crowds arrive.

Living here has deepened my gratitude, finding hidden moments of peace in even the busiest places.

Tourism brings both blessings and challenges, but I believe it’s our kuleana (responsibility) to care for the land and honor the spirit of aloha in our daily lives.

Relaxed Pace Of Life

One of the first things I noticed when I moved to the islands was just how different the pace of life is.

Coming from the mainland, where everything moves fast and efficiency is king, this is refreshing.

I love that people care more about nature, spirituality, wellness, ohana, and living life. Rather than simply accumulating things and getting ahead in life.

The more time I spent here, the more I realized that this slower pace isn’t a drawback—it’s a gift. It forces you to be present, to truly see the world around you rather than just passing through it.

Life on the islands moves at a natural, unhurried rhythm that feels completely different from the mainland. There’s no need to rush—people take their time, appreciating nature, good company, and the beauty of simply being in the moment.

Whether it’s watching the waves, listening to the wind in the trees, or chatting with a stranger, the focus is on presence, not productivity.

This mindset also shapes the work culture here, so sometimes things are handled slower here.

FAQs: What’s it Like Living in Hawaii?

Any regrets about moving to Hawaii?

We have absolutely no regrets about moving to Hawaii. In fact, if we could turn back time, we’d move here even sooner! It took us about 2-3 years to make this dream a reality, but every step of the journey was worth it.

The lessons we’ve learned, the deep connection we’ve built with nature, and the spirit of the islands have enriched our lives beyond measure.

Moving here has been worth every ounce of energy and every dollar we’ve invested into building our lives in Hawaii.

Is it ethical to move to Hawaii?

I believe moving to Hawaii comes with a deep responsibility to respect the land, the culture, and the local communities. As a world citizen, I’ve made it a priority to give back, support local businesses, and learn from the nature and people who’ve called this place home for generations.

Hawaii has a history of colonization and struggles with overdevelopment, so I always ask myself how I serve and be a steward for the land, locals, and betterment of collective consciousness.

That’s one reason we teach Yoga Qigong and host wellness retreats, to help people connect with nature, and their highest selves, so that they too can thrive and serve.

I believe ethical moving means integrating with care, not just consuming the beauty of the islands. For me, it’s about listening, learning, and being a respectful being in a place that deserves deep respect.

To learn more, read our how to visit Hawaii ethically guide here, to learn ways you can respect the islands, culture, and volunteer locally.

Is living in Hawaii boring?

Not at all! Hawaii offers endless adventure, from surfing and snorkeling to hiking through lush valleys.

Even a quiet day here—watching the waves, feeling the trade winds, and soaking in the natural beauty—is deeply fulfilling.

If you love nature and a slower pace of life, there is always something to appreciate.

Is living in Hawaii expensive?

Yes, Hawaii has a high cost of living, but it comes down to priorities. See the section on “cost of living” to get an idea.

Many people here embrace a simpler lifestyle, spending more time outdoors and finding joy in the natural world rather than in material possessions. Living with less but experiencing more is a trade-off we wouldn’t change for anything.

Is there anything I miss that’s not in Hawaii?

The only thing I miss in the mainland is our fear friend Darshik and a few key people. Thankfully technology has made it easy to stay in touch.

The only stores I miss in Hawaii are Trader Joes, a beloved grocery story in the mainland. Also, it would be nice if Ikea was in Hawaii. But I can always stock up on my favorites when I travel to a state that has them. I also miss good Italian and Ethopian food, there are some food that just can’t be found here YET. But we’re willing to travel for them.

Final Thoughts: What is it like Living in Hawaii

Living in Hawaii has changed our lives in ways we never expected. It taught us to trust our gut, take risks, and follow what truly makes us happy.

Don’t let excuses hold you back from the life you’re meant to live. Whether it’s fear, comfort, or the idea that it’s “too late,” those are just stories you tell yourself.

You are never too old, too stuck, or too attached for a new start. If your heart is pulling you toward something, trust it—because where there’s a calling, there’s always a way.