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Hawaii to Kentucky Moving Guide

Updated June 19, 2025

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Planning a interstate move from Hawaii to Kentucky? This moving guide will help you compare living in Hawaii vs Kentucky across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower cost of living), food & health (like Poke vs Fried Chicken), real estate & housing (plantation, modern, asian influences vs colonial, craftsman, ranch), 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 Fried Chicken & Burgoo
  • Kentucky housing costs are 77% less expensive than they are in Hawaii
  • Rent in Kentucky is 55.35% more affordable than in Hawaii
  • Our top recommended Hawaii to Kentucky movers is From Here to There

Hawaii to Kentucky Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Hawaii to Kentucky

ConsHawaii iconHawaii
  • High cost of living
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Expensive housing
  • Lack of seasons
  • Island isolation
ProsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Lower cost of living
  • Growing job market
  • Affordable housing
  • Four distinct seasons
  • Continental connectivity

Kentucky iconKentucky
  • No ocean access
  • Harsh winters
  • Fewer cultural experiences
  • Less geographical variety
  • Less fresh produce
Hawaii iconHawaii
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Mild climate
  • Rich Polynesian culture
  • Diverse landscapes
  • Fresh tropical produce

Pros of moving from Hawaii to Kentucky

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to a lower cost of living
  • Look forward to moving away from limited job opportunities and moving to Kentucky with a growing job market
  • Swap the expensive housing of Hawaii for affordable housing in Kentucky
  • Get ready for four distinct seasons in Kentucky

Cons of moving from Hawaii to Kentucky

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the beautiful beaches in Hawaii to live with no ocean access in Kentucky
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a mild climate and have to settle for the con of harsh winters
  • Time to bid farewell to the rich Polynesian culture and get used to fewer cultural experiences in Kentucky
  • Swap diverse landscapes for less geographical variety

Hawaii vs. Kentucky: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonHawaiiKentucky
Most iconic local food itemPokeFried Chicken
Most popular meat dishKalua PigBurgoo
Most popular street food itemShave IceHot Brown
Most popular vegan foodPoiKentucky Beer Cheese
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Helena's Hawaiian Food
  • Duke's Waikiki
  • Leonard's Bakery
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Hawaii to Kentucky, you will be trading the iconic Poke of Hawaii for the equally delicious Fried Chicken of Kentucky. And while the locals in Hawaii rave about their flavorful Kalua Pig and sumptuous Shave Ice, Kentucky residents know they have tasty Burgoo and Hot Brown to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Poi they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Kentucky Beer Cheese of Kentucky. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Hawaii eateries like Helena's Hawaiian Food, Duke's Waikiki, and Leonard's Bakery. After the boxes are unpacked in Kentucky, don't wait too long before making your way to Kentucky's acclaimed eateries like The Brown Hotel, Patti’s 1880’s Settlement, and Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Hawaii and Kentucky

ComparisonHawaiiKentucky
Typical Architecture StylePlantation, Modern, Asian InfluencesColonial, Craftsman, Ranch
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, LanaiLarge yards, Porches
  • The Plantation, Modern and Asian Influences architecture that Hawaii is known for will be replaced with the Colonial, Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Kentucky.
  • Compared to Hawaii's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and lanai, Kentucky real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and porches.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Kentucky is less walkable than Hawaii.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Kentucky is less bike-friendly than Hawaii.
  • Kentucky has less of an urban feel than Hawaii.
  • Kentucky housing costs are 77% less expensive than they are in Hawaii, with a median home price of $201,332 compared to Hawaii’s $858,106.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kentucky have increased by 47% compared to a 38% increase in Hawaii.
  • Rent in Kentucky is 55.35% more affordable than in Hawaii.

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

ComparisonHawaiiKentucky
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 DisastersHurricanes, TsunamisTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F/70Β°F87Β°F/66Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)78Β°F/63Β°F44Β°F/28Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)63 inches45 inches
Annual Snowfall (Inches)0 inches22 inches
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Hawaii to Kentucky. Kentucky gets 30% fewer sunshine days than Hawaii.
  • Kentucky has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Hawaii.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tsunamis in Hawaii, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Kentucky.
  • The average summer high temperature in Kentucky is 2 degrees warmer than in Hawaii.
  • The average winter lows in Kentucky are 35 degrees colder than they are in Hawaii.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Kentucky. Kentucky receives 18 fewer inches of rain compared to Hawaii.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Hawaii and Kentucky

ComparisonHawaiiKentucky
Avg. Household Income$92,458$59,341
Cost of Living Index165.787.8
State Income TaxUp to 11%Up to 5%
Avg. Property Tax0.28%0.83%
Avg. Sales Tax4.44%6%
Top 3 IndustriesTourism, Military, Real EstateAutomotive, Agriculture, Manufacturing
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessHighLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kentucky tend to earn about 36% less than in Hawaii
  • The COLI in Kentucky will be 47% lower than what you are used to living in Hawaii
  • The state income tax in KY is up to 5% compared to up to 11% in HI
  • The affluence in Kentucky is moderate compared to high in Hawaii
  • The poverty level is moderate in Kentucky compared to moderate in Hawaii
  • In terms of homelessness, it is high in Hawaii and low in Kentucky

Political and Religious Climate in Hawaii vs. Kentucky

ComparisonHawaiiKentucky
Political Make-upDemocraticRepublican
Local PoliticsProgressiveConservative
ReligionChristianity, BuddhismChristianity (Predominantly Protestant)
  • Hawaii tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Kentucky, on the other hand, is often described as Republican
  • Kentucky's religious environment can be described as Christianity (predominantly Protestant)
  • Hawaii's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity and Buddhism

Education Guide When Moving from Hawaii to Kentucky

ComparisonHawaiiKentucky
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 Kentucky
Lexington; University of Louisville
Louisville; Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMomilani Elementary School
Pearl City; Maemae Elementary School
Honolulu; Noelani Elementary School
Honolulu
Glendover Elementary School
Lexington; Southside Elementary School
Versailles; Greathouse Shryock Traditional Elementary School
Louisville
Top 3 Middle SchoolsIolani School
Honolulu; Punahou School
Honolulu; Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus
Honolulu
DuPont Manual High School
Louisville; Beechwood High School
Fort Mitchell; Highlands High School
Fort Thomas
Top 3 High SchoolsIolani School
Honolulu; Punahou School
Honolulu; Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus
Honolulu
DuPont Manual High School
Louisville; Beechwood High School
Fort Mitchell; Highlands High School
Fort Thomas
Top 3 private high schoolsHawaii Preparatory Academy
Kamuela; Le Jardin Academy
Kailua; Maryknoll School
Honolulu
Sacred Heart Academy
Louisville; Lexington Catholic High School
Lexington; Trinity High School
Louisville
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsIolani School
Honolulu; Punahou School
Honolulu; Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus
Honolulu
The Lexington School
Lexington; Kentucky Country Day School
Louisville; Sayre School
Lexington
Top 3 School DistrictsHawaii Department of Education (statewide)Fayette County Public Schools
Lexington; Jefferson County Public Schools
Louisville; Oldham County Schools
Crestwood

Top Hawaii to Kentucky Movers

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

TOP PICK
From Here to There featured image

From Here to There

Best moving company overall for Hawaii to Kentucky

9.16/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Smooth Move Relocation Services featured image

Smooth Move Relocation Services

9.10/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Ewa Moving Co. featured image

Ewa Moving Co.

8.28/10
Very GoodView details