Oregon to Hawaii Moving Guide
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Updated August 20, 2025
Planning a interstate move from Oregon to Hawaii? This moving guide will help you compare living in Oregon vs Hawaii across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like rainy weather vs sunny beaches), food & health (like Dungeness Crab vs Poke), real estate & housing (craftsman vs plantation), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Hawaii), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Dungeness Crab and Portland Beef Brisket, but get your taste buds ready for Poke & Kalua Pork
- Hawaii housing costs are 72% more expensive than they are in Oregon
- Rent in Hawaii is 66.09% more expensive than in Oregon
- Our top recommended Oregon to Hawaii movers is Pacific Northwest Moving

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

Pacific Northwest Moving
Best moving company overall for Oregon to Hawaii

Elite Relocation Services

Northwest Grace Moving
Oregon to Hawaii Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Oregon to Hawaii
- Rainy weather
- High state taxes
- Earthquake risk
- Long commutes
- Cold winters
- Sunny beaches
- No state tax
- Tranquil atmosphere
- Island simplicity
- Tropical climate
- Limited nightlife
- Import reliance
- Higher expenses
- Tsunami warnings
- Seasonal tourism
- Local breweries
- Foodie scene
- Cost of living
- Proximity to forests
- Rich history
Pros of moving from Oregon to Hawaii
- Say goodbye to rainy weather and hello to sunny beaches
- Look forward to moving away from high state taxes and moving to Hawaii with no state tax
- Swap the earthquake risk of Oregon for a tranquil atmosphere in Hawaii
- Get ready for island simplicity in Hawaii
Cons of moving from Oregon to Hawaii
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from local breweries in Oregon to live with limited nightlife in Hawaii
- You'll lose out on the pro of the foodie scene and have to settle for the con of import reliance
- Time to bid farewell to the cost of living and get used to higher expenses in Hawaii
- Swap proximity to forests for tsunami warnings
Oregon vs. Hawaii: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Oregon | Hawaii |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Dungeness Crab | Poke |
Most popular meat dish | Portland Beef Brisket | Kalua Pork |
Most popular street food item | Food Truck Tacos | Spam Musubi |
Most popular vegan food | Tempeh Reuben | Laulau (Vegetarian version) |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Oregon to Hawaii, you will be trading the iconic Dungeness Crab of Oregon for the equally delicious Poke of Hawaii. And while the locals in Oregon rave about their flavorful Portland Beef Brisket and sumptuous Food Truck Tacos, Hawaii residents know they have tasty Kalua Pork and Spam Musubi to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tempeh Reuben they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Laulau (vegetarian version) of Hawaii. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Oregon eateries like Pok Pok, Le Pigeon, and Salt & Straw. After the boxes are unpacked in Hawaii, don't wait too long before making your way to Hawaii's acclaimed eateries like Helenaβs Hawaiian Food, Hukilau CafΓ©, and Matsumoto Shave Ice.
When comparing lifestyles, Hawaii shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Oregon. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Hawaii compared to what you are used to in Oregon. Also, the overall foodie scene is similarly bustling in Hawaii.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Oregon and Hawaii
Comparison | Oregon | Hawaii |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman | Plantation |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listings | Eco-friendly features & outdoor spaces | Ocean views & proximity to beaches |
- The Craftsman architecture that Oregon is known for will be replaced with the Plantation architecture typical of Hawaii.
- Compared to Oregon's real estate listings that commonly reference eco-friendly features and outdoor spaces, Hawaii real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and proximity to beaches.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Hawaii is more walkable than Oregon.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Hawaii is less bike-friendly than Oregon.
- Hawaii has more of an urban feel than Oregon.
- Hawaii housing costs are 72% more expensive than they are in Oregon, with a median home price of $858,106 compared to Oregonβs $497,946.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Hawaii have increased by 38% compared to a 39% increase in Oregon.
- Rent in Hawaii is 66.09% more expensive than in Oregon.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Oregon and Hawaii
Comparison | Oregon | Hawaii |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Hurricanes, Volcanic Eruptions |
Air Quality | Good | Varies (Generally Good) |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 80Β°F/55Β°F | 88Β°F/75Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 47Β°F/35Β°F | 80Β°F/65Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 43" | 63" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 25" | 0" (except mountain tops) |
- Break out the sunglasses for your move from Oregon to Hawaii. Hawaii gets 88% more sunshine days than Oregon.
- Hawaii has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Oregon.
- Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in Oregon, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and volcanic eruptions in Hawaii.
- Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Hawaii is 8 degrees warmer than in Oregon.
- The average winter lows in Hawaii are 30 degrees warmer than they are in Oregon.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Hawaii. Hawaii receives 20 more inches of rain compared to Oregon.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Oregon and Hawaii
Comparison | Oregon | Hawaii |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $75,657 | $92,458 |
Cost of Living Index | 110.55 | 165.7 |
State Income Tax | 4.75% - 9.9% | 1.4% - 11% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.10% | 0.28% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 0% | 4% |
Top 3 Industries | Technology, Agriculture, Tourism | Tourism, Military, Agriculture |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Moderate | Low |
Homelessness | Prominent | Significant |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Hawaii tend to earn about 22% more than in Oregon
- The COLI in Hawaii will be 50% higher than what you are used to living in Oregon
- The state income tax in HI is 1.4% - 11% compared to 4.75% - 9.9% in OR
- The affluence in Hawaii is high compared to moderate in Oregon
- The poverty level is low in Hawaii compared to moderate in Oregon
- In terms of homelessness, it is prominent in Oregon and significant in Hawaii
Political and Religious Climate in Oregon vs. Hawaii
Comparison | Oregon | Hawaii |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Leans Democratic statewide; urban centers (Portland, Eugene) vote strongly progressive while many rural/eastern counties are more conservative; large share of nonaffiliated voters due to automatic voter registration; statewide offices and the legislature are typically Democratic. | Strongly Democratic-leaning in statewide and federal elections; Republicans hold relatively few seats; no party registration, but voting patterns consistently favor Democrats; unions and community networks have notable influence. |
Local Politics | Home-rule cities and counties; Portland metro shapes regional policy; priorities include housing, homelessness, climate policy, and land use (urban growth boundaries); active citizen initiatives and referenda; universal vote-by-mail and automatic voter registration. | Four county governments (Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui, Kauai) manage many local services; priorities include housing affordability, cost of living, tourism management, infrastructure, and conservation; strong role for the state legislature; neighborhood boards (e.g., Honolulu) facilitate community input; all-mail elections statewide. |
Religion | Among the most religiously unaffiliated states; Christian presence (mainline Protestant, evangelical, Catholic) alongside smaller communities (LDS, Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim); generally secular culture in many urban areas. | Religiously diverse; significant Christian population (Catholic and Protestant), notable Buddhist communities and some Shinto traditions; LDS presence (including Laie); high share of unaffiliated; Native Hawaiian spiritual practices hold cultural significance. |
- Oregon tends to lean Democratic in its political climate.
- Hawaii, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic-leaning.
- Hawaii's religious environment can be described as religiously diverse with a significant Christian population, including Catholic and Protestant, notable Buddhist communities, and some Shinto traditions; there is an LDS presence, including Laie, and a high share of unaffiliated individuals; Native Hawaiian spiritual practices hold cultural significance.
- Oregon's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as among the most religiously unaffiliated states, with a Christian presence that includes mainline Protestant, evangelical, and Catholic alongside smaller communities such as LDS, Buddhist, Jewish, and Muslim; the culture is generally secular in many urban areas.
Education Guide When Moving from Oregon to Hawaii
Comparison | Oregon | Hawaii |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Oregon (Eugene) Oregon State University (Corvallis) Portland State University (Portland) | University of Hawaii at Manoa (Honolulu) Hawaii Pacific University (Honolulu) Chaminade University of Honolulu (Honolulu) |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Findley Elementary School (Portland) Jacob Wismer Elementary School (Portland) Charlemagne at Fox Hollow Elementary School (Eugene) | Helemano Elementary School (Wahiawa) Liholiho Elementary School (Honolulu) Manoa Elementary School (Honolulu) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Silverton Middle School (Silverton) Rosemont Ridge Middle School (West Linn) South Middle School (Grants Pass) | Niu Valley Middle School (Honolulu) Kaimuki Middle School (Honolulu) Kailua Intermediate School (Kailua) |
Top 3 High School Schools | Catlin Gabel School (Portland) Lake Oswego Senior High School (Lake Oswego) West Linn High School (West Linn) | Punahou School (Honolulu) Hawaii Technology Academy (Statewide) Mililani High School (Mililani) |
Top 3 private high schools | Oregon Episcopal School (Portland) Catlin Gabel School (Portland) Central Catholic High School (Portland) | Punahou School (Honolulu) Iolani School (Honolulu) Mid-Pacific Institute (Honolulu) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Oregon Episcopal School (Portland) Catlin Gabel School (Portland) Northwest Academy (Portland) | Punahou School (Honolulu) Iolani School (Honolulu) Mid-Pacific Institute (Honolulu) |
Top 3 School Districts | Lake Oswego School District (Lake Oswego) West Linn-Wilsonville School District (Tualatin) Portland Public Schools (Portland) | Hawaii Department of Education (Statewide) Kamehameha Schools (Honolulu) Punahou School (Honolulu) |