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Hawaii to Delaware Moving Guide

Updated June 14, 2025

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Planning a interstate move from Hawaii to Delaware? This moving guide will help you compare living in Hawaii vs Delaware across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high living cost vs lower living expenses), food & health (like Poke vs Scrapple), real estate & housing (plantation, modern vs colonial, cape cod), 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 Scrapple & Chicken and Slippery Dumplings
  • Delaware housing costs are 55% less expensive than they are in Hawaii
  • Rent in Delaware is 36.88% more affordable than in Hawaii
  • Our top recommended Hawaii to Delaware movers is SSW Moving & Junk Removal

Hawaii to Delaware Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Hawaii to Delaware

ConsHawaii iconHawaii
  • High living cost
  • Limited job market
  • Isolation
  • Vog issues
ProsDelaware iconDelaware
  • Lower living expenses
  • Diverse job opportunities
  • Accessibility to big cities
  • Cleaner air

Delaware iconDelaware
  • No ocean coastline
  • Cold winters
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Flat terrain
Hawaii iconHawaii
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Pleasant weather
  • Rich culture
  • Tropical landscapes

Pros of moving from Hawaii to Delaware

  • Say goodbye to high living cost and hello to lower living expenses
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Delaware with diverse job opportunities
  • Swap the isolation of Hawaii for accessibility to big cities in Delaware
  • Get ready for cleaner air in Delaware

Cons of moving from Hawaii to Delaware

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful beaches in Hawaii to live with no ocean coastline in Delaware
  • You'll lose out on the pro of pleasant weather and have to settle for the con of cold winters
  • Time to bid farewell to rich culture and get used to less cultural diversity in Delaware
  • Swap tropical landscapes for flat terrain

Hawaii vs. Delaware: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonHawaiiDelaware
Most iconic local food itemPokeScrapple
Most popular meat dishKalua PigChicken and Slippery Dumplings
Most popular street food itemSpam MusubiItalian Sausage Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodTaro-based dishesRoasted Vegetable Board
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Helena's Hawaiian Food
  • Leonard's Bakery
  • Matsumoto Shave Ice
  • Harry's Savoy Grill
  • Deer Park Tavern
  • Sammy's Kitchen
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 Delaware, you will be trading the iconic Poke of Hawaii for the equally delicious Scrapple of Delaware. And while the locals in Hawaii rave about their flavorful Kalua Pig and sumptuous Spam Musubi, Delaware residents know they have tasty Chicken, Slippery Dumplings, and Italian Sausage Sandwich 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 Roasted Vegetable Board of Delaware. 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 Matsumoto Shave Ice. After the boxes are unpacked in Delaware, don't wait too long before making your way to Delaware's acclaimed eateries like Harry's Savoy Grill, Deer Park Tavern, and Sammy's Kitchen.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Hawaii and Delaware

ComparisonHawaiiDelaware
Typical Architecture StylePlantation, ModernColonial, Cape Cod
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, LanaiHistoric details, Proximity to beaches
  • The Plantation and Modern architecture that Hawaii is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Delaware.
  • Compared to Hawaii's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and lanais, Delaware real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and proximity to beaches.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Delaware is less walkable than Hawaii.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Delaware is more bike-friendly than Hawaii.
  • Delaware has less of an urban feel than Hawaii.
  • Delaware housing costs are 55% less expensive than they are in Hawaii, with a median home price of $385,745 compared to Hawaii’s $858,106.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Delaware have increased 42% compared to a 38% increase in Hawaii.
  • Rent in Delaware is 36.88% more affordable than in Hawaii.

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

ComparisonHawaiiDelaware
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 DisastersVolcanoes, TsunamisHurricanes, Nor'easters
Air QualityGoodVaries, mostly Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 70Β°F87Β°F / 66Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)78Β°F / 63Β°F45Β°F / 28Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)63.7"45.7"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)0"20.2"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Hawaii to Delaware. Delaware gets 28% fewer sunshine days than Hawaii.
  • Delaware has higher 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 hurricanes and nor'easters in Delaware.
  • The average summer high temperature in Delaware is 2 degrees warmer than in Hawaii.
  • The average winter lows in Delaware are 35 degrees colder than they are in Hawaii.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Delaware. Delaware receives 18 fewer inches of rain compared to Hawaii.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Hawaii and Delaware

ComparisonHawaiiDelaware
Avg. Household Income$92,458$82,174
Cost of Living Index165.7102.45
State Income Tax1.4 - 11%0 - 6.6%
Avg. Property Tax0.28%0.56%
Avg. Sales Tax4.5%0%
Top 3 IndustriesTourism, Defense, AgricultureFinance, Manufacturing, Agriculture
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateLower
HomelessnessHighLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Delaware tend to earn about 11% less than in Hawaii
  • The COLI in Delaware is 38% lower than what you are used to living in Hawaii
  • The state income tax in DE is 0 - 6.6% compared to 1.4 - 11% in HI
  • The affluence in Delaware is moderate compared to high in Hawaii
  • The poverty level is lower in Delaware compared to moderate in Hawaii
  • In terms of homelessness, it is high in Hawaii and low in Delaware

Political and Religious Climate in Hawaii vs. Delaware

ComparisonHawaiiDelaware
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsHigh engagement in environmental issuesHigh priority on education and healthcare
ReligionMix of Christianity, Buddhism, and Hawaiian religionsPrimarily Christian, with a significant Catholic community
  • Hawaii tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Delaware, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
  • Delaware's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian, with a significant Catholic community
  • Hawaii's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a mix of Christianity, Buddhism, and Hawaiian religions

Education Guide When Moving from Hawaii to Delaware

ComparisonHawaiiDelaware
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Hawaii at Manoa
Hawaii Pacific University
Chaminade University of Honolulu
University of Delaware
Delaware State University
Wilmington University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMomilani Elementary School
Pearl City; Maemae Elementary School
Honolulu; Noelani Elementary School
Honolulu
Cook (John M.) Elementary School
Newark; Booker T. Washington Elementary School
Dover; North Star Elementary School
Hockessin
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWashington Middle School
Honolulu; Kaimuki Middle School
Honolulu; Ewa Makai Middle School
Ewa Beach
H.B. DuPont Middle School
Hockessin; Alfred G. Waters Middle School
Middletown; Cab Calloway School of the Arts
Wilmington
Top 3 High School SchoolsKalani High School
Honolulu; Moanalua High School
Honolulu; Mililani High School
Mililani
Charter School of Wilmington
Wilmington; Newark Charter Jr./Sr. High School
Newark; Cab Calloway School of the Arts
Wilmington
Top 3 private high schoolsIolani School
Honolulu; Punahou School
Honolulu; Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus
Honolulu
Archmere Academy
Claymont; Tower Hill School
Wilmington; St. Andrew's School
Middletown
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLe Jardin Academy
Kailua; Hanalani Schools
Mililani; La Pietra Hawaii School for Girls
Honolulu
Tower Hill School
Wilmington; Tatnall School
Wilmington; Sanford School
Hockessin
Top 3 School DistrictsHawaii Department of Education
Honolulu; Kauai District
Lihue; Maui District
Wailuku
Brandywine School District
Wilmington; Appoquinimink School District
Middletown; Cape Henlopen School District
Lewes

Top Hawaii to Delaware Movers

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

TOP PICK
SSW Moving & Junk Removal featured image

SSW Moving & Junk Removal

Best moving company overall for Hawaii to Delaware

9.08/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Keep It - Moving & Labor

Keep It - Moving & Labor

8.99/10
ALSO GREAT
Ewa Moving Co. featured image

Ewa Moving Co.

8.28/10
Very GoodView details
Top Hawaii to Delaware Routes

Honolulu to Delaware