Thinking about moving to Honolulu? This gorgeous city is famous for its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and unparalleled island vibe. However, living in Honolulu comes with its own unique set of challenges.Take a look at this brief breakdown of nine of the most prominent pros and cons of living in Honolulu to help decide if your forever home is in Hawaii.
Honolulu at a glance
Walk Score: 66 | Bike Score: 51 | Transit Score: 56
Median Sale Price: $580,000 | Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,050
Honolulu neighborhoods | Houses for rent in Honolulu | Apartments for rent in Honolulu | Homes for sale in Honolulu
1. Pro: Incredible natural beauty
Living in Honolulu means constant access to stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Whether you’re snorkeling at Hanauma Bay or hiking Diamond Head, Honolulu is unmatched in its natural beauty.
2. Con: High cost of living
The cost of living in Honolulu is one of the highest in the U.S. at 85% over the national average. Essentials like groceries, utilities, and housing are priced well above the national average as well, making everyday life more expensive.
3. Pro: Year-round warm weather
Honolulu enjoys a tropical climate, with temperatures typically ranging from 70°F to 85°F. In Honolulu, you can leave your winter coats behind and enjoy outdoor activities every day of the year.
4. Con: Weak job market
Although tourism and hospitality are booming, Honolulu’s job market can be challenging for professionals in other industries. Finding high-paying jobs outside tourism, military, and healthcare can be difficult.
5. Pro: Strong local culture
Honolulu celebrates its Hawaiian culture with a variety of festivals, music, and food. You can immerse yourself in traditions like ukulele music and island cuisine, making life here culturally enriching.
6. Con: Geographic isolation
Being over 2,000 miles from the mainland, living in Honolulu means higher travel costs and a sense of isolation. Visiting family or taking vacations requires significant time and money, making it harder to stay connected.
7. Pro: Outdoor lifestyle
Many Honolulu locals benefit from an active outdoor lifestyle. Surfing, paddleboarding, hiking, and biking are popular pastimes, with year-round sunshine making it easy to stay active.
8. Con: Limited space and housing availability
Honolulu’s growing population and geographic constraints mean housing is limited, and finding affordable homes can be difficult. This scarcity often leads to inflated real estate prices and rental rates. Apartments in Honolulu go for an average of $2,049 and housing prices are well above the national median of $432,849.
9. Pro: World-class beaches
Honolulu is home to some of the world’s most famous beaches, like Waikiki and Kailua Beach. Whether you love sunbathing or surfing, living in Honolulu means you’re always near beautiful shorelines.
