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Hawaii to North Carolina Moving Guide

Updated June 3, 2025

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Planning a interstate move from Hawaii to North Carolina? This moving guide will help you compare living in Hawaii vs North Carolina across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Poke vs Pulled Pork BBQ), real estate & housing (plantation, modern vs colonial, craftsman), 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 Pulled Pork BBQ & Eastern NC BBQ
  • North Carolina housing costs are 62% less expensive than they are in Hawaii
  • Rent in North Carolina is 40.93% more affordable than in Hawaii
  • Our top recommended Hawaii to North Carolina movers is Just Move It, LLC

Hawaii to North Carolina Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Hawaii to North Carolina

ConsHawaii iconHawaii
  • High cost of living
  • Island isolation
  • Limited job market
  • Tourism congestion
ProsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Affordable housing
  • Proximity to mainland cities
  • Diverse employment opportunities
  • Community-focused environment

North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Lack of coastline
  • Seasonal weather variations
  • Fewer cultural festivals
  • Limited to seasons
Hawaii iconHawaii
  • Breathtaking beaches
  • Warm climate year-round
  • Unique Hawaiian culture
  • Outdoor activities

Pros of moving from Hawaii to North Carolina

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from island isolation and moving to North Carolina with proximity to mainland cities
  • Swap the limited job market of Hawaii for diverse employment opportunities in North Carolina
  • Get ready for a community-focused environment in North Carolina

Cons of moving from Hawaii to North Carolina

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the breathtaking beaches in Hawaii to live with a lack of coastline in North Carolina
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a warm climate year-round and have to settle with the con of seasonal weather variations
  • Time to bid farewell to the unique Hawaiian culture and get used to fewer cultural festivals in North Carolina
  • Swap outdoor activities for those limited to the seasons

Hawaii vs. North Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonHawaiiNorth Carolina
Most iconic local food itemPokePulled Pork BBQ
Most popular meat dishKalua PigEastern NC BBQ
Most popular street food itemShave IceHot Dogs
Most popular vegan foodTaro dishesSweet Potato dishes
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Helena's Hawaiian Food
  • Matsumoto Shave Ice
  • Hukilau Cafe
  • Lexington Barbecue
  • Beasley’s Chicken + Honey
  • The Pit
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 North Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Poke of Hawaii for the equally delicious Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina. And while the locals in Hawaii rave about their flavorful Kalua Pig and sumptuous Shave Ice, North Carolina residents know they have tasty Eastern NC BBQ and Hot Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Taro dishes they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Sweet Potato dishes of North Carolina. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Hawaii eateries like Helena's Hawaiian Food, Matsumoto Shave Ice, and Hukilau Cafe. After the boxes are unpacked in North Carolina, don't wait too long before making your way to North Carolina's acclaimed eateries like Lexington Barbecue, Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, and The Pit.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Hawaii and North Carolina

ComparisonHawaiiNorth Carolina
Typical Architecture StylePlantation, ModernColonial, Craftsman
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 listingViews, Access to NatureLarge Yards, Proximity to Business Centers
  • The Plantation and Modern architecture that Hawaii is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of North Carolina.
  • Compared to Hawaii's real estate listings that commonly reference views and access to nature, North Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and proximity to business centers.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. North Carolina is less walkable than Hawaii.
  • North Carolina is similarly bike-friendly to Hawaii.
  • North Carolina has less of an urban feel than Hawaii.
  • North Carolina housing costs are 62% less expensive than they are in Hawaii, with a median home price of $329,225 compared to Hawaii’s $858,106.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Carolina have increased 63% compared to a 38% increase in Hawaii.
  • Rent in North Carolina is 40.93% more affordable than in Hawaii.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Hawaii and North Carolina

ComparisonHawaiiNorth Carolina
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 DisastersVolcanic Eruptions, TsunamisHurricanes, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F/75Β°F88Β°F/68Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)78Β°F/63Β°F50Β°F/30Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)63"50"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)0"5"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Hawaii to North Carolina. North Carolina gets 23% fewer sunshine days than Hawaii.
  • North Carolina has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Hawaii.
  • Say goodbye to the possible volcanic eruptions and tsunamis in Hawaii, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in North Carolina.
  • The average summer high temperature in North Carolina is 3 degrees warmer than in Hawaii.
  • The average winter lows are 33 degrees colder than they are in Hawaii.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in North Carolina. North Carolina receives 13 fewer inches of rain compared to Hawaii.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Hawaii and North Carolina

ComparisonHawaiiNorth Carolina
Avg. Household Income$92,458$67,481
Cost of Living Index165.795.85
State Income Tax1.4 - 11%5.25%
Avg. Property Tax0.31%0.84%
Avg. Sales Tax4%6.75%
Top 3 IndustriesTourism, Military, AgricultureTechnology, Finance, Manufacturing
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessHighLower
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Carolina tend to earn about 27% less than in Hawaii
  • The COLI in North Carolina will be 42% lower than what you are used to living in Hawaii
  • The state income tax in NC is 5.25% compared to 1.4% to 11% in HI
  • The affluence in North Carolina is moderate compared to high in Hawaii
  • The poverty level is moderate in North Carolina compared to moderate in Hawaii
  • In terms of homelessness, it is high in Hawaii and lower in North Carolina

Political and Religious Climate in Hawaii vs. North Carolina

ComparisonHawaiiNorth Carolina
Political Make-upPrimarily DemocraticSwing State, leaning Republican
Local PoliticsProgressive on social issuesMixed, with both conservative and progressive areas
ReligionChristianity, Buddhism, ShintoPrimarily Christian (Protestant)
  • Hawaii tends to lean primarily Democratic in its political climate
  • North Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state, leaning Republican
  • North Carolina's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian (Protestant)
  • Hawaii's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity, Buddhism, and Shinto

Education Guide When Moving from Hawaii to North Carolina

ComparisonHawaiiNorth Carolina
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Hawaii at Manoa
Hawaii Pacific University
University of Hawaii at Hilo
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina State University
Duke University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMaemae Elementary School (Honolulu)
Noelani Elementary School (Honolulu)
Mililani Ike Elementary School (Mililani)
Morrisville Elementary School (Morrisville)
Thales Academy (Rolesville)
Sterling Montessori Academy (Morrisville)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsIolani School (Honolulu)
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus (Honolulu)
Punahou School (Honolulu)
Phillips Middle School (Chapel Hill)
Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy (Charlotte)
Jay M Robinson Middle School (Charlotte)
Top 3 High SchoolsIolani School (Honolulu)
Punahou School (Honolulu)
Moanalua High School (Honolulu)
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham)
Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh)
Early College at Guilford (Greensboro)
Top 3 private high schoolsIolani School (Honolulu)
Punahou School (Honolulu)
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus (Honolulu)
Charlotte Latin School (Charlotte)
Providence Day School (Charlotte)
Durham Academy (Durham)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLa Pietra-Hawaii School for Girls (Honolulu)
Le Jardin Academy (Kailua)
Hawaii Preparatory Academy (Kamuela)
Cary Academy (Cary)
Charlotte Country Day School (Charlotte)
Ravenscroft School (Raleigh)
Top 3 School DistrictsHawaii Department of Education (state-run)Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Wake County Public School System
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

Top Hawaii to North Carolina Movers

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

TOP PICK
Just Move It, LLC featured image

Just Move It, LLC

Best moving company overall for Hawaii to North Carolina

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Illuminated Moving & Packing featured image

Illuminated Moving & Packing

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Ewa Moving Co. featured image

Ewa Moving Co.

8.28/10
Very GoodView details