Moving to Hawaii?
Tropical climates, vivid landscapes, rich ecological diversity, golden brown sand beaches,
and oceanic water that transitions from a turquoise blue to emerald green has made the state of Hawaii a playground for
tourists and scientists alike.
The state has been officially nicknamed the Aloha State. It has also been called
“the Paradise of the Pacific,” owing to its natural beauty. The word Hawaii has its etymological roots in the Polynesian
language of Sawaiki, which means “homeland.”
Hawaii has been inhabited by various ethnic groups, so its culture
is an amalgamation of various cultures that quintessentially has come to be known as the culture of Hawaii. Various events
such as the Merry Monarch Festival, Rainbow Film Festival, and the very well-known Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender film
festival are celebrated with pomp and gaiety.
If you’re moving to Hawaii, there are a lot of things you’re
going to need to know. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.
Things to Know When Moving to Hawaii
Hawaii Climate
A tropical climate prevails in the state, although factors such as elevation, rainfall, pressure variations, wind,
and topography contribute to distinct climatic zones in various parts of the Islands. A good example of this
would be the Big Island where you can experience tropical and subarctic climates, the latter on top of Mauna
Kea. The state has two seasons: summer from May to October, and winter from November to April. Geographically,
the islands are located close to the equator so rain is an everyday occurrence. The islands are susceptible to
tropical storms that bring heavy swells and rain. Hawaii is an archipelago of islands formed due to volcanic
activity in the Pacific Ocean.
Registering your Car
You have 30 days to title and register your car after you have established residency
in the state of Hawaii. You have to submit your out-of-state title and registration, a Hawaii vehicle inspection
certificate, the shipping document, an application, and the required fee at any of the Satellite City Hall offices.
Obtaining a Hawaii Driver's License
You can exchange your valid out-of-state driver's license for a Hawaiian
license by producing documents such as a valid U.S. license, your social security card, name change certificates,
if any, and the required fees. Upon clearing a general knowledge, eye, and a written test, you will be given
a type-3 (car) license. If your out-of-state license is expired, then you have to take the road test as well.
Crime Rankings
As of 2011, Hawaii was ranked 16th out of 50 states in violent crime, with a total of less than 20
violent crimes for every 100,000 people in the state.
Industries
The economy of Hawaii is driven by such industries as tourism, agriculture, sugarcane plantations, and
the military. Tourism is the largest industry by far, contributing to a quarter of the total revenue earned by the state.
Agricultural exports include macadamia nuts, coffee, canned pineapple, livestock, and refined sugar. Owing to the stationing
of United States Department of Defense Personnel, the military spends billions of dollars contributing to the state revenue.
Employment Statistics
As of early 2012, the state of Hawaii had an unemployment rate of 6.4 percent, which is lower than the national average
of 8.2 percent.
Average Income
The median household income in the state of Hawaii is $66,420, while the average per capita income
for the state is $28,882.
Moving and Storage
If you are looking for a moving company or storage facility to help you with anything,
you should check to make sure the company is registered with the United States Department of Transportation or
with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Real Estate
The average listing price for homes in Hawaii is $952,115, while the median sales price is just over $522,000. The Hawaii Association of Realtors is the official real estate resource for the state of Hawaii.
Major landmarks and attractions
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; USS Arizona Memorial; Haleakala National
Park; Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve; Diamond Head State Monument; Panawa Rainforest Zoo; Waimea Arboretum and Botanical
Garden.
Largest Cities: Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, Kailua, Waipahu
Schools
The Hawaii State Board of Education oversees the managing and control of the state Public School System and the Public
Library System. This centralization deals with inequalities amongst pupils coming from different backgrounds.
As per the No Child Left Behind Act, the Hawaiian schools have scored less than the national average. As for
the system of higher education, the University of Hawaii system is comprised of three university campuses, seven
community colleges, an employment training center, and various other research facilities. Notable among such
institutions are the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Windward Community College,
and Leeward Community College.
National Parks
Haleakala National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Kaloko-Hanokohau National Historical Park
Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
State park System
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources - State Parks Division oversees the
functioning of 53 state parks. From landscaped grounds with improved facilities to wild land areas and trails,
these parks offer both recreational and educational activities. You can indulge in a myriad of outdoor activities
such as hiking, camping, biking, hunting, fishing, snorkeling, boating, and scuba diving.
Major Airports
Honolulu International Airport
Hilo International Airport
Kona International Airport