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Oregon to Hawaii Moving Guide

Updated June 17, 2025

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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

Oregon to Hawaii Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Oregon to Hawaii

ConsOregon iconOregon
  • Rainy weather
  • High state taxes
  • Earthquake risk
  • Long commutes
  • Cold winters
ProsHawaii iconHawaii
  • Sunny beaches
  • No state tax
  • Tranquil atmosphere
  • Island simplicity
  • Tropical climate

Hawaii iconHawaii
  • Limited nightlife
  • Import reliance
  • Higher expenses
  • Tsunami warnings
  • Seasonal tourism
Oregon iconOregon
  • 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

ComparisonOregonHawaii
Most iconic local food itemDungeness CrabPoke
Most popular meat dishPortland Beef BrisketKalua Pork
Most popular street food itemFood Truck TacosSpam Musubi
Most popular vegan foodTempeh ReubenLaulau (Vegetarian version)
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pok Pok
  • Le Pigeon
  • Salt & Straw
  • Helena’s Hawaiian Food
  • Hukilau CafΓ©
  • Matsumoto Shave Ice
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 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 Helena’s 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

ComparisonOregonHawaii
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsmanPlantation
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 listingsEco-friendly features & outdoor spacesOcean 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 Oregon’s $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

ComparisonOregonHawaii
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 DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresHurricanes, Volcanic Eruptions
Air QualityGoodVaries (Generally Good)
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)80Β°F/55Β°F88Β°F/75Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47Β°F/35Β°F80Β°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

ComparisonOregonHawaii
Avg. Household Income$75,657$92,458
Cost of Living Index110.55165.7
State Income Tax4.75% - 9.9%1.4% - 11%
Avg. Property Tax1.10%0.28%
Avg. Sales Tax0%4%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Agriculture, TourismTourism, Military, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessProminentSignificant
  • 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

ComparisonOregonHawaii
Political Make-upLiberal-leaning, especially in urban areas like PortlandStrong Democratic lean, with a history of supporting Democratic candidates
Local PoliticsLocal politics may vary by county, with urban areas leaning Democrat and rural areas more RepublicanLocal issues often focus on indigenous rights, environmental conservation, and tourism impacts
ReligionLess religious overall, with significant numbers of unaffiliated individualsDiverse religious landscape, including Christianity, Buddhism, and indigenous spiritual practices
  • Oregon tends to lean Liberal-leaning, especially in urban areas like Portland in its political climate
  • Hawaii, on the other hand, is often described as having a strong Democratic lean, with a history of supporting Democratic candidates
  • Hawaii's religious environment can be described as a diverse religious landscape, including Christianity, Buddhism, and indigenous spiritual practices
  • Oregon's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religious overall, with significant numbers of unaffiliated individuals

Education Guide When Moving from Oregon to Hawaii

ComparisonOregonHawaii
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Oregon
Oregon State University
Portland State University
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Hawaii Pacific University
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsAinsworth Elementary (Portland)
Findley Elementary (Beaverton)
Lake Oswego Junior High (Lake Oswego)
Mililani Mauka Elementary (Mililani)
Momilani Elementary (Pearl City)
Noelani Elementary (Honolulu)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLake Oswego Junior High (Lake Oswego)
Rosemont Ridge Middle School (West Linn)
Conestoga Middle School (Beaverton)
Washington Middle School (Honolulu)
Kaimuki Middle School (Honolulu)
Ewa Makai Middle School (Ewa Beach)
Top 3 High SchoolsCorbett High School (Corbett)
School of Science & Technology (Beaverton)
South Eugene High School (Eugene)
President Theodore Roosevelt High School (Honolulu)
President William McKinley High School (Honolulu)
Moanalua High School (Honolulu)
Top 3 private high schoolsPhillips Academy Andover (Andover)
Choate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford)
St. George's School (Middletown)
Iolani School (Honolulu)
Punahou School (Honolulu)
Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus (Honolulu)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCatlin Gabel School (Portland)
Oregon Episcopal School (Portland)
Delphian School (Sherwood)
Le Jardin Academy (Kailua)
Hawaii Preparatory Academy (Kamuela)
Parker School (Kamuela)
Top 3 School DistrictsLake Oswego School District
Riverdale School District
West Linn-Wilsonville School District
Hawaii Department of Education (statewide)
not fragmented into districts like many other states

Top Oregon to Hawaii Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pacific Northwest Moving featured image

Pacific Northwest Moving

Best moving company overall for Oregon to Hawaii

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Elite Relocation Services featured image

Elite Relocation Services

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Northwest Grace Moving featured image

Northwest Grace Moving

9.31/10
ExceptionalView details

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