I was born and raised in Hawaii. I don’t advise moving here, but here’s what you need to know if you insist on trying.

• I was born and raised in Hawaii, a tropical respite where many people dream of living full time.
• Moving to Hawaii is expensive and requires securing housing, shipping one’s belongings, and more.
• People who move here can unintentionally exacerbate cultural and economic issues in our community.

If you were to ask a born-and-raised Hawaii resident what they’d say to someone who wants to move here, a majority of the time their answer will simply be, “Don’t.”

From the infamously high cost of living that’s pushing Native Hawaiians out of their homes to the additional logistics that come with moving across an ocean, there are many things to consider before making the move to Hawaii.

And though living in a tropical paradise is a dream for many, those same people may be surprised by everything that comes with actually moving to the Aloha State.

Here are a few things to know before attempting to move to any of the Hawaiian islands.

Finding reasonably priced housing is a challenge, whether you’re born and raised here or arriving for the first time.

For many years, high housing costs have been one of several factors pushing Native Hawaiians and lifelong locals out of their homes.

It should also be a concern for anyone looking to move to Hawaii.

According to data collected by Zillow, the average rent in Hawaii is over $3,000 a month, 52% higher than the national average. Because of this, many locals opt to live with family in multigenerational households to help offset this cost.

Tragically, the devastating Lahaina fire in August 2023 further exacerbated this housing crisis, displacing thousands of Maui residents who lost their homes — including me and my parents.

This tragedy has left many of us competing for scarce rental options, driving prices even higher and prompting some to make the difficult choice to leave the islands altogether.

Many Hawaii residents work multiple jobs to make ends meet.

Housing expenses aren’t the only factor putting financial strain on Hawaii residents. According to a recent analysis by World Population Review, Hawaii’s cost of living is the highest in the US at nearly double the national average.

In order to afford the astronomically high prices of rent on top of other necessary expenses like groceries, utilities, and gas, many residents have to work multiple jobs.

To generate my income, I own two businesses as a freelance writer and tarot reader. I’ve also taken on various side hustles, including work as a social-media content creator, food delivery driver, retail sales clerk, and restaurant worker.

Even with a significant amount of savings, it’s crucial to have a job lined up before moving to Hawaii, as a steady income is imperative to survive.

Moving costs are inherently high, but coming to Hawaii incurs additional fees.

Moving is always an expensive endeavor, with costs for packing materials, movers, renting a U-Haul, and potentially using a storage unit. Plus, there’s so much time and energy involved.

However, relocating to Hawaii adds significant expenses due to the logistics of crossing an ocean.

These costs include flights to the islands, which may be needed multiple times depending on your situation, and shipping fees.

Shipping a vehicle alone can cost $1,500 or more (depending on distance and size), and transporting other possessions by sea or air can also quickly add up.

Transportation needs to be taken into consideration.

Though living in Hawaii without a car is possible, it can be inconvenient, especially if you’re not in a central area.

The main islands have bus systems, but they are often unreliable. Rideshare services are mostly practical on Oahu, but they can be outrageously expensive or even unavailable on other islands.

Commuting on a bike, skateboard, or other types of personal transportation may work for short distances, but the islands are bigger than many people realize, so it can’t get you everywhere.

If you’re planning to ship a car from the mainland or purchase one after arriving, it’s important to budget for these significant expenses.

Both options are costly, and buying a vehicle locally often means limited availability and higher prices.

There’s a complex process for bringing pets into the state.

You won’t be able to spontaneously hop on a plane with your pet and start a new island life together.

Hawaii is the only rabies-free state, so extra precautions must be taken when new animals are brought to the islands. The process is neither short nor simple.

The first step is to determine if your animal is even allowed into the state. Dogs, cats, and rabbits are generally permitted, along with some species of birds and fish. However, many animals are prohibited, including snakes, hermit crabs, hamsters, and ferrets.

Owners must then ensure their pets meet strict requirements and that they have all of the documentation around blood tests, rabies vaccinations, microchips, and more.

This entire process can take months and costs hundreds of dollars.

Hawaii relies on imported goods, which means there are food scarcity concerns and high grocery prices.

One of the biggest concerns of locals in Hawaii is food security.

With about 90% of the state’s food supply imported from the mainland, some estimate that Hawaii residents would only have up to one week’s worth of food if shipments stopped.

As most of our goods are imported, local grocery prices are also infamously high.

Depending on your shopping list, it can sometimes be cheaper to dine out than to cook at home. However, dining options outside Honolulu can be limited, and menus can quickly become repetitive.

Some locals address these issues by hunting invasive game like deer and boar, or growing their own food like mangoes, papayas, bananas, and avocados. And, of course, many share the wealth with their neighbors.

Alternative living situations aren’t always feasible.

I’ve often heard of people’s plans to move to Hawaii and sleep on the beach, live in a campervan, or reside on a houseboat.

Though these alternative living situations may seem adventurous and cost-effective, they often come with significant challenges.

Sleeping on the beach requires a special permit, which not all beaches offer. Car camping is not allowed outside designated campgrounds, and it can be difficult to find safe and consistent places to park a campervan.

For houseboats, moorings and slips are limited, and some harbors prohibit sleeping on boats entirely.

That’s not to say these living situations are impossible — for example, I have a friend who successfully lived on a sailboat off the coast of Maui — but they require careful planning and navigating complex logistics.

Each island offers distinct lifestyles and housing options.

Each of Hawaii’s eight major islands is unique, and it’s imperative to research them all when deciding which one may be the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.

Hawaii Island, also known as the Big Island, is more laid-back compared to the others. It has a few areas with lower costs of living, like the city of Hilo, which is considered one of the cheapest places to live in the state.

Its active lava flows are both stunning and dangerous, as they can threaten homes in their path, while volcanoes produce vog that causes poor air quality even on neighboring islands.

Maui is known for its beauty and popularity as a vacation destination, but this creates challenges for locals. The prevalence of short-term rentals makes long-term housing difficult to secure.

Lanai and Molokai are smaller islands in Maui County, making them far less populated and more isolated. Residents often rely on ferries or flights to Maui for shopping and other personal needs.

Lanai has a resort-driven economy, whereas Molokai is more traditional and community-focused with strong ties to Hawaiian culture.

Oahu is the most populated island and home to Honolulu, the state capital. It has a vibrant city vibe with abundant activities and business opportunities, but it also has some of the highest housing costs in Hawaii.

Many residents live in apartments or high-density neighborhoods, and traffic congestion is a common problem.

Kauai, also known as the Garden Isle, is renowned for its lush landscapes and rural charm — but it’s also got especially high living costs.

Nicknamed the “Forbidden Island,” Niihau has been privately owned for over a century, with a small population of residents who have been invited to live there and follow strict rules. It’s not a place you simply visit for a daycation.

Climates change drastically throughout the islands.

Moving to a tropical place doesn’t mean you should sell all of your warm clothes, as the islands experience a surprisingly wide range of weather. Some of our volcanoes even get topped with snow in the winter months.

On Maui, where I was born and raised, my hometown of Lahaina is known for its hot, dry climate.

In contrast, upcountry areas like Kula offer cooler temperatures, while North Shore towns like Haiku receive consistent rain. This means you can encounter vastly different climates, even on the same island.

Learn how the elements may affect your possessions so you can care for them properly.

Living in Hawaii means adapting to the effects of the environment on your possessions, especially if you’re moving from a different climate.

For example, coastal areas expose items to salt air, which can cause certain things to rust or experience sun damage more quickly. In some of the islands’ wetter climates, moisture can lead to mold and mildew, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.

So, before you move, look into how your things could be impacted by the elements so you can take care of them and prevent damage with protective measures and regular maintenance.

Locals often dress in casual beach attire — until the temperature drops below 70.

You can, of course, wear whatever you want, but most Hawaii locals tend to don casual attire like a T-shirt, shorts, and slippers (Hawaiian slang for flip-flops, not to be confused with house shoes).

It’s also a running joke among locals that the moment the temperature drops below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, most longtime residents will be inclined to put on a sweater and maybe even jeans.

Study Native Hawaiian history and culture before moving to the islands.

Before moving to a place like Hawaii, it’s important to understand the depth of its cultural, historical, political, and spiritual significance — especially of the specific area in which you plan to reside.

Seek out education on these topics, talk to Native Hawaiians, participate in cultural activities, and truly immerse yourself in the community.

Showing a willingness to learn and honor Hawaii’s unique heritage can make a significant difference in how locals perceive and welcome you.

Lastly, Hawaiian superstition says that the islands will spit you out if you’re not meant to live here.

According to local lore, the islands will either welcome you with the aloha spirit or they’ll spit you right back out.

Meaning, those who move to Hawaii but aren’t aligned with its energies may face hardships or unexpected events that make it difficult to stay.

Whether you believe this or not, if you’re not meant to be here, the islands might just let you know — and you may want to listen.

Read the original article on Business Insider

The post I was born and raised in Hawaii. I don’t advise moving here, but here’s what you need to know if you insist on trying. appeared first on Business Insider.