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Alaska to Hawaii Moving Guide

Updated June 7, 2025

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Planning a 3,016 mile interstate move from Alaska to Hawaii? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alaska vs Hawaii across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like extreme cold vs warm climate), food & health (like King Crab vs Poke), real estate & housing (log cabins, modern vs plantation, modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Hawaii), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to King Crab and Reindeer Sausage, but get your taste buds ready for Poke & Kalua Pig
  • Hawaii housing costs are 142% more expensive than they are in Alaska
  • Rent in Hawaii is 68.34% more expensive than in Alaska
  • Our top recommended Alaska to Hawaii movers is Ewa Moving Co.

Alaska to Hawaii Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to Hawaii

ConsAlaska iconAlaska
  • Extreme cold
  • Long, dark winters
  • Remote locations
  • High energy costs
  • Limited agriculture
ProsHawaii iconHawaii
  • Warm climate
  • Year-round sunshine
  • More urban areas
  • Lower energy usage
  • Abundant fresh produce

Hawaii iconHawaii
  • Natural disasters
  • High living costs
  • Tourism crowds
  • Limited forests
  • Isolation
Alaska iconAlaska
  • Stunning scenery
  • Rich wildlife
  • Low population density
  • Vast wilderness
  • Unique culture

Pros of moving from Alaska to Hawaii

  • Say goodbye to extreme cold and hello to a warm climate
  • Look forward to moving away from long, dark winters and moving to Hawaii with year-round sunshine
  • Swap the remote locations of Alaska for more urban areas in Hawaii
  • Get ready for lower energy usage in Hawaii

Cons of moving from Alaska to Hawaii

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from stunning scenery in Alaska to live with natural disasters in Hawaii
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich wildlife and have to settle for the con of high living costs
  • Time to bid farewell to low population density and get used to tourist crowds in Hawaii
  • Swap vast wilderness for limited forests

Alaska vs. Hawaii: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonAlaskaHawaii
Most iconic local food itemKing CrabPoke
Most popular meat dishReindeer SausageKalua Pig
Most popular street food itemSalmon JerkySpam Musubi
Most popular vegan foodKelp SalsaPoi
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Simon & Seafort's
  • The Alaska Eatery
  • Moose's Tooth
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Alaska to Hawaii, you will be trading the iconic King Crab of Alaska for the equally delicious Poke of Hawaii. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous Salmon Jerky, Hawaii residents know they have tasty Kalua Pig and Spam Musubi to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Kelp Salsa they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Poi of Hawaii. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alaska eateries like Simon & Seafort's, The Alaska Eatery, and Moose's Tooth. After the boxes are unpacked in Hawaii, don't wait too long before making your way to Hawaii's acclaimed eateries like Helena's Hawaiian Food, Da Kitchen, and Leonard's Bakery.

When comparing lifestyles, Hawaii shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alaska. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Hawaii, compared to what you are used to in Alaska. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Hawaii.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and Hawaii

ComparisonAlaskaHawaii
Typical Architecture StyleLog Cabins, ModernPlantation, Modern
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious Land, Natural SceneryOcean Views, Tropical Landscape
  • The Log Cabins and Modern architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Plantation and Modern architecture typical of Hawaii.
  • Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious land and natural scenery, Hawaii's real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and tropical landscapes.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Hawaii is more walkable than Alaska.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Hawaii is more bike-friendly than Alaska.
  • Hawaii has more of an urban feel than Alaska.
  • Hawaii housing costs are 142% more expensive than they are in Alaska, with a median home price of $858,106 compared to Alaska’s $354,563.
  • Over the prior 9 years, home prices in Hawaii have increased by 67% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska.
  • Rent in Hawaii is 68.34% more expensive than in Alaska.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alaska and Hawaii

ComparisonAlaskaHawaii
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, EarthquakesVolcanic eruptions, Tsunamis
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F/40Β°F85Β°F/70Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)20Β°F/-10Β°F78Β°F/63Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)22"63"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)75"0"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to Hawaii. Hawaii gets 85% more sunshine days than Alaska.
  • Hawaii has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Alaska.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and earthquakes in Alaska, but be on the lookout for potential volcanic eruptions and tsunamis in Hawaii.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Hawaii is 25 degrees warmer than in Alaska.
  • The average winter lows are 73 degrees warmer than they are in Alaska.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Hawaii. Hawaii receives 41 more inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and Hawaii

ComparisonAlaskaHawaii
Avg. Household Income$88,121$92,458
Cost of Living Index132.6165.7
State Income Tax0%1.4%-11%
Avg. Property Tax1.19%0.28%
Avg. Sales Tax1.76%4.44%
Top 3 IndustriesOil, Fishing, TourismTourism, Military, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Hawaii tend to earn about 5% more than in Alaska
  • The COLI in Hawaii will be 25% higher than what you are used to living in Alaska
  • Bummer... By moving from AK to HI, you'll now have a state income tax of 1.4% to 11%
  • The affluence in Hawaii is high compared to moderate affluence in Alaska
  • The poverty level is moderate in Hawaii compared to low poverty in Alaska
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Alaska and high in Hawaii

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. Hawaii

ComparisonAlaskaHawaii
Political Make-upLeans RepublicanLeans Democratic
Local PoliticsMixed, with strong independent streakDemocratic dominance in state governance
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse religious presenceChristianity predominant, significant Buddhist & Shinto influence
  • Alaska tends to lean Republican in its political climate
  • Hawaii, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
  • Hawaii's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity with significant Buddhist and Shinto influence
  • Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with a diverse religious presence

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to Hawaii

ComparisonAlaskaHawaii
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Pacific University
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Hawaii Pacific University
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsAurora Elementary - Anchorage
Northern Lights ABC K-8 School - Anchorage
Pearl Creek Elementary - Fairbanks
Momilani Elementary School - Pearl City
Mililani Ike Elementary School - Mililani
Noelani Elementary School - Honolulu
Top 3 Middle SchoolsRomig Middle School - Anchorage
Mears Middle School - Anchorage
Mirror Lake Middle School - Chugiak
Iolani School - Honolulu
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus - Honolulu
Punahou School - Honolulu
Top 3 High School SchoolsWest High School - Anchorage
South Anchorage High School - Anchorage
Dimond High School - Anchorage
President Theodore Roosevelt High School - Honolulu
Henry J. Kaiser High School - Honolulu
Kalani High School - Honolulu
Top 3 private high schoolsGrace Christian School - Anchorage
Anchorage Christian Schools - Anchorage
Holy Rosary Academy - Anchorage
Iolani School - Honolulu
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus - Honolulu
Punahou School - Honolulu
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPacific Northern Academy - Anchorage
Anchorage Waldorf School - Anchorage
Lumen Christi High School - Anchorage
Le Jardin Academy - Kailua
Hanalani Schools - Mililani
Hawaii Preparatory Academy - Kamuela
Top 3 School DistrictsAnchorage School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
Hawaii Department of Education (statewide)

Top Alaska to Hawaii Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Alaska to Hawaii movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Ewa Moving Co. featured image

Ewa Moving Co.

Best moving company overall for Alaska to Hawaii

8.28/10
Very GoodView details
RUNNER-UP
Mint Moving and Cleaning Solutions LLC featured image

Mint Moving and Cleaning Solutions LLC

7.93/10
ALSO GREAT
The Moving Man featured image

The Moving Man

7.79/10
Top Alaska to Hawaii Routes

Anchorage to Hawaii