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Kentucky to Hawaii Moving Guide

Updated June 11, 2025

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Planning a interstate move from Kentucky to Hawaii? This moving guide will help you compare living in Kentucky vs Hawaii across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild climate), food & health (like Fried Chicken vs Poke), real estate & housing (cape cod, colonial vs plantation, modern tropical), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Hawaii), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Chicken and Burgoo, but get your taste buds ready for Poke & Spam Musubi
  • Hawaii housing costs are 326% more expensive than they are in Kentucky
  • Rent in Hawaii is 123.99% more expensive than in Kentucky
  • Our top recommended Kentucky to Hawaii movers is From Here to There

Kentucky to Hawaii Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kentucky to Hawaii

ConsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited beaches
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Landlocked
  • Less diverse cuisine
ProsHawaii iconHawaii
  • Mild climate
  • Beautiful coastlines
  • Vibrant festivals
  • Island lifestyle
  • Rich culinary scene

Hawaii iconHawaii
  • Higher cost of living
  • Limited agriculture space
  • Fewer historical sites
  • Tourist crowds
  • Lack of seasonal change
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Lower cost of living
  • Ample farmland
  • Historic landmarks
  • Quieter lifestyle
  • Four distinct seasons

Pros of moving from Kentucky to Hawaii

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a mild climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited beaches and moving to Hawaii with beautiful coastlines
  • Swap the fewer cultural events of Kentucky for vibrant festivals in Hawaii
  • Get ready for an island lifestyle in Hawaii

Cons of moving from Kentucky to Hawaii

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Kentucky to live with a higher cost of living in Hawaii
  • You'll lose out on the pro of ample farmland and have to settle with the con of limited agricultural space
  • Time to bid farewell to historic landmarks and get used to fewer historical sites in Hawaii
  • Swap a quieter lifestyle for tourist crowds

Kentucky vs. Hawaii: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonKentuckyHawaii
Most iconic local food itemFried ChickenPoke
Most popular meat dishBurgooSpam Musubi
Most popular street food itemHot BrownShave Ice
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitPoi
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Brown Hotel
  • Ramsey's Diner
  • The Green River Grill
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 Kentucky to Hawaii, you will be trading the iconic Fried Chicken of Kentucky for the equally delicious Poke of Hawaii. And while the locals in Kentucky rave about their flavorful Burgoo and sumptuous Hot Brown, Hawaii residents know they have tasty Spam Musubi and Shave Ice to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the BBQ Jackfruit 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 Kentucky eateries like The Brown Hotel, Ramsey's Diner, and The Green River Grill. 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, Leonard's Bakery, and Aloha Mixed Plate.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kentucky and Hawaii

ComparisonKentuckyHawaii
Typical Architecture StyleCape Cod, ColonialPlantation, Modern Tropical
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 listingLarge yards, privacyOcean view, access to amenities
  • The Cape Cod and Colonial architecture that Kentucky is known for will be replaced with the Plantation and Modern Tropical architecture typical of Hawaii.
  • Compared to Kentucky's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and privacy, Hawaii real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and access to amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Hawaii is more walkable than Kentucky.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Hawaii is more bike-friendly than Kentucky.
  • Hawaii has more of an urban feel than Kentucky.
  • Hawaii housing costs are 326% more expensive than they are in Kentucky, with a median home price of $858,106 compared to Kentucky’s $201,332.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Hawaii have increased by 38% compared to a 47% increase in Kentucky.
  • Rent in Hawaii is 123.99% more expensive than in Kentucky.

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

ComparisonKentuckyHawaii
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 DisastersTornadoes, FloodsVolcanic Eruptions, Tsunamis
Air QualityGenerally GoodVaries, Generally Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87/6685/70
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)43/2378/63
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4863-160 (varies by location)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)220 (except mountaintops)
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Kentucky to Hawaii. Hawaii gets 39% more sunshine days than Kentucky.
  • Hawaii has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Kentucky.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Kentucky, but be on the lookout for potential volcanic eruptions and tsunamis in Hawaii.
  • The average summer high temperature in Hawaii is 2 degrees colder than in Kentucky.
  • The average winter lows are 40 degrees warmer than they are in Kentucky.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Hawaii. Hawaii receives 15 more inches of rain compared to Kentucky.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kentucky and Hawaii

ComparisonKentuckyHawaii
Avg. Household Income$59,341$92,458
Cost of Living Index87.8165.7
State Income Tax5%11%
Avg. Property Tax0.83%0.28%
Avg. Sales Tax6%4.5%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, MiningTourism, Military, Services
AffluenceModestHigher
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessLowerSignificantly Higher
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Hawaii tend to earn about 56% more than in Kentucky
  • The COLI in Hawaii will be 89% higher than what you are used to living in Kentucky
  • The state income tax in HI is 11% compared to 5% in KY
  • The affluence in Hawaii is higher compared to modest affluence in Kentucky
  • The poverty level is higher in Hawaii compared to moderate poverty in Kentucky
  • In terms of homelessness, it is lower in Kentucky and significantly higher in Hawaii

Political and Religious Climate in Kentucky vs. Hawaii

ComparisonKentuckyHawaii
Political Make-upLean RepublicanLean Democratic
Local PoliticsConservative on most issuesProgressive on most issues
ReligionChristian predominanceDiverse: Christianity, Buddhism, Shinto
  • Kentucky 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 diverse, including Christianity, Buddhism, and Shinto
  • Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having Christian predominance

Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to Hawaii

ComparisonKentuckyHawaii
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Hawaii Pacific University
Brigham Young University-Hawaii
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsPikeville Elementary in Pikeville
Rosa Parks Elementary in Lexington
Mann Elementary in Union
Pearl Ridge Elementary in Aiea
Mililani Mauka Elementary in Mililani
MaΚ»emaΚ»e Elementary in Honolulu
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBeechwood Middle School in Fort Mitchell
North Oldham Middle School in Goshen
Murray Middle School in Murray
Iolani School in Honolulu
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus in Honolulu
Punahou School in Honolulu
Top 3 High School SchoolsDuPont Manual High School in Louisville
Highlands High School in Fort Thomas
Beechwood High School in Fort Mitchell
President Theodore Roosevelt High School in Honolulu
President William McKinley High School in Honolulu
Moanalua High School in Honolulu
Top 3 private high schoolsSacred Heart Academy in Louisville
St. Xavier High School in Louisville
Lexington Catholic High School in Lexington
Iolani School in Honolulu
Punahou School in Honolulu
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus in Honolulu
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Lexington School in Lexington
Kentucky Country Day School in Louisville
Sayre School in Lexington
Le Jardin Academy in Kailua
Hanalani Schools in Mililani
Hawaii Preparatory Academy in Kamuela
Top 3 School DistrictsFayette County Public Schools
Jefferson County Public Schools
Boone County Schools
Hawaii Department of Education
(Statewide System)

Top Kentucky to Hawaii Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Kentucky to Hawaii 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 Kentucky to Hawaii

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

Smooth Move Relocation Services

9.10/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
BG Home Movers featured image

BG Home Movers

8.96/10

Louisville to Hawaii

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