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Hawaii to California Moving Guide

Updated June 10, 2025

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Planning a interstate move from Hawaii to California? This moving guide will help you compare living in Hawaii vs California across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs more varied job market), food & health (like Poke vs California Roll), real estate & housing (plantation, modern vs modern, spanish), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Hawaii), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Poke and Kalua Pig, but get your taste buds ready for California Roll & Tri-tip
  • California housing costs are 9% less expensive than they are in Hawaii
  • Rent in California is 7.03% more affordable than in Hawaii
  • Our top recommended Hawaii to California movers is OCD Moving Services LLC

Hawaii to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Hawaii to California

ConsHawaii iconHawaii
  • High cost of living
  • Geographic isolation
  • Limited cultural diversity
  • Strong local economy reliance
ProsCalifornia iconCalifornia
  • More varied job market
  • Numerous travel options
  • Diverse multicultural community
  • Diversified industries

California iconCalifornia
  • Coastal congestion
  • Busy, hectic lifestyle
  • Less traditional culture
  • Seasonal weather variations
Hawaii iconHawaii
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Relaxed pace of life
  • Unique Hawaiian culture
  • Year-round warm weather

Pros of moving from Hawaii to California

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to a more varied job market
  • Look forward to moving away from geographic isolation and moving to California with numerous travel options
  • Swap the limited cultural diversity of Hawaii for a diverse multicultural community in California
  • Get ready for diversified industries in California

Cons of moving from Hawaii to California

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the beautiful beaches in Hawaii to live with coastal congestion in California
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a relaxed pace of life and have to settle for the con of a busy, hectic lifestyle
  • Time to bid farewell to the unique Hawaiian culture and get used to a less traditional culture in California
  • Swap year-round warm weather for seasonal weather variations

Hawaii vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonHawaiiCalifornia
Most iconic local food itemPokeCalifornia Roll
Most popular meat dishKalua PigTri-tip
Most popular street food itemSpam MusubiTacos
Most popular vegan foodTaro-Based DishesAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Helena's Hawaiian Food
  • Leonard's Bakery
  • Mama's Fish House
  • Chez Panisse
  • n/naka
  • The French Laundry
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 Hawaii to California, you will be trading the iconic Poke of Hawaii for the equally delicious California Roll of California. And while the locals in Hawaii rave about their flavorful Kalua Pig and sumptuous Spam Musubi, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Taro-Based Dishes they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado Toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Hawaii eateries like Helena's Hawaiian Food, Leonard's Bakery, and Mama's Fish House. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, n/naka, and The French Laundry.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Hawaii and California

ComparisonHawaiiCalifornia
Typical Architecture StylePlantation, ModernModern, Spanish
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 listingOcean view, LanaiSolar panels, Eco-friendly
  • The Plantation and Modern architecture that Hawaii is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Spanish architecture typical of California.
  • Compared to Hawaii's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and lanais, California real estate listings often highlight features like solar panels and eco-friendly items.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than Hawaii.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than Hawaii.
  • California has more of an urban feel than Hawaii.
  • California housing costs are 9% less expensive than they are in Hawaii, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Hawaii’s $858,106.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 38% increase in Hawaii.
  • Rent in California is 7.03% more affordable than in Hawaii.

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

ComparisonHawaiiCalifornia
Days of Sunshine per Year278284 (varies by region)
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 DisastersVolcanoes, TsunamisEarthquakes, Wildfires
Air QualityGood to ModerateVaries widely; Major cities: Moderate to Unhealthy
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 70Β°F75Β°F / 55Β°F to 85Β°F / 65Β°F (varies by region)
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)78Β°F / 63Β°F55Β°F / 40Β°F to 70Β°F / 50Β°F (varies by region)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)17-40"10-50" (varies by region)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)0" (except mountain tops)0-400" (varies greatly by region)
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Hawaii to California. California gets 2% more sunshine days than Hawaii.
  • California has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Hawaii.
  • Say goodbye to the possible volcanoes and tsunamis in Hawaii, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in California is 10 degrees colder than in Hawaii.
  • The average winter lows in California are 23 degrees colder than they are in Hawaii.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 7 fewer inches of rain compared to Hawaii.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Hawaii and California

ComparisonHawaiiCalifornia
Avg. Household Income$92,458$91,551
Cost of Living Index165.7136.4
State Income Tax1.4% - 11%1% - 13.3%
Avg. Property Tax0.28%0.76%
Avg. Sales Tax4.44%8.68%
Top 3 IndustriesTourism, Military, AgricultureTechnology, Agriculture, Entertainment
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessHighSevere
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 1% less than in Hawaii
  • The COLI in California is 18% lower than what you are used to living in Hawaii
  • The state income tax in CA is between 1% and 13.3% compared to 1.4% and 11% in HI
  • The affluence in California is high compared to moderate in Hawaii
  • The poverty level is high in California compared to moderate in Hawaii
  • In terms of homelessness, it is high in Hawaii and severe in California

Political and Religious Climate in Hawaii vs. California

ComparisonHawaiiCalifornia
Political Make-upDemocraticDemocratic
Local PoliticsModerately liberal, strong Democratic control in urban areasLiberal, with Democratic stronghold in major cities
ReligionChristianity, Buddhism, ShintoChristianity, unaffiliated, other religions
  • Hawaii tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • California, on the other hand, is often described as Democratic
  • California's religious environment can be described as Christianity, unaffiliated, and other religions
  • Hawaii's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity, Buddhism, and Shinto

Education Guide When Moving from Hawaii to California

ComparisonHawaiiCalifornia
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu; Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu; Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu
University of California
Los Angeles; Stanford University
Stanford; University of California
Berkeley
Berkeley
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsManoa Elementary
Honolulu; Noelani Elementary
Honolulu; Maemae Elementary School
Honolulu
Montemalaga Elementary
Palos Verdes Estates; Westwood Charter Elementary
Los Angeles; Old Orchard Elementary
Valencia
Top 3 Middle SchoolsIolani School
Honolulu; Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus
Honolulu; Punahou School
Honolulu
Miller Middle School
San Jose; Egan Junior High School
Los Altos; Carmel Valley Middle School
San Diego
Top 3 High School SchoolsIolani School
Honolulu; Punahou School
Honolulu; Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus
Honolulu
Henry M. Gunn High School
Palo Alto; California Academy of Mathematics and Science
Carson; Troy High School
Fullerton
Top 3 private high schoolsIolani School
Honolulu; Punahou School
Honolulu; Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus
Honolulu
The Webb Schools
Claremont; Harvard-Westlake School
Studio City; Polytechnic School
Pasadena
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLe Jardin Academy
Kailua; Island Pacific Academy
Kapolei; Assets School
Honolulu
The Athenian School
Danville; The Thacher School
Ojai; Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences
Santa Monica
Top 3 School DistrictsHawaii Department of Education (Statewide)Los Altos School District
Los Altos; San Marino Unified School District
San Marino; Palo Alto Unified School District
Palo Alto

Top Hawaii to California Movers

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

TOP PICK
OCD Moving Services LLC featured image

OCD Moving Services LLC

Best moving company overall for Hawaii to California

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Pure Moving featured image

Pure Moving

9.64/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Ewa Moving Co. featured image

Ewa Moving Co.

8.28/10
Very GoodView details