Living in Hawaii
Our main office is located in the city of Honolulu on the island of Oahu. Hawaii has a population of 1.4 million (of which approximately 1 million are in Honolulu) and over 8 million visitors annually. This lends to its richness in ethnic diversity of its people, culture and food with a particular emphasis on the Asia-Pacific. Where else can you find Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Korean, American, French, Himalayan, Italian and Mexican restaurants all within a 1-2 block walking distance of each other?
Click here to learn more about Activities to do in Hawaii.
Getting settled in Hawaii
General information to help you get settled in Hawaii is listed below and can be found HERE.
- Becoming a resident of Hawaii
- Registering your vehicle
- Getting a driver’s license
- Getting a state ID card
- Register to vote in Hawaii
- Utilities (water/electricity/gas/telephone)
- Animals and Pets
- Traveling and shipping information
- Interisland flights and ferries
- Demographic information
Getting around
Information about Hawaii’s airports, buses and traffic safety/driving laws can be found HERE.
Schools
- Hawaii Public Schools
- Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (Private Schools)
- Kindergarten information
Budget Tips for Residents, Created by HRP Residents (pdf)
Oahu Neighborhoods
OAHU, “The Gathering Place,” is the third largest Hawaiian Island and home to the majority of Hawaii’s diverse population. Honolulu is the capitol of Hawaii and is a bustling area of professionals and tourists. Even though Oahu is only about 65 miles across and 111 miles around the perimeter, each section of the island has its own personality and quirks.
METROPOLITAN OAHU
Makiki – Moilili – Kaka’ako – Kalihi – Manoa – Pauoa – Downtown – Kaimuki – Waikiki
Area Hospitals: Kaiser Permanente, Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, Kuakini Medical Center, The Queen’s Medical Center, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Straub Medical Center, Tripler Army Medical Center, Veteran’s Administration
Resident Comments:
Pros: Close proximity to work and town, convenient location for needs, central, most within walking distance to needs/beaches, abundance of restaurants.
Cons: Relatively expensive, noisy, crowded, inadequate parking, homeless population, touristy, hard to find pet-friendly locations, small size for price, lots of sirens, construction.
Points of Interest: Waikiki district for shopping and beach, Ala Moana Beach Park, Diamond Head, Ala Wai Golf Course, Convention Center, Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, art museums.
EAST OAHU
Aina Haina – Kahala
Area Hospitals: None
Resident Comments:
Pros: Close to hospitals, clean, safe, quiet, gated communities, close to beaches and shopping
Cons: Expensive, traffic can get long at peak times
Points of Interest: Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach Park, Makapuu Lighthouse, Sea Life Park, Hiking
WINDWARD OAHU
Kaneohe – Kahalu’u – Kailua – Waimanalo
Area Hospitals: Castle Medical Center, Hawaii State Hospital
Resident Comments:
Pros: Beautiful countryside, family friendly, quiet, good vibe in Kailua, easy access to beaches and golf courses, hiking, great restaurants
Cons: Commute to town is about 30 minutes.
Points of Interest: Waimanalo Beach Park, Kailua Beach Park, Sea Life Park, Valley of the Temples, Kualoa Ranch
CENTRAL OAHU
Wahiawa – Pearl City – Aiea – Salt Lake – Waipahu
Area Hospitals: Wahiawa General Hospital, Pali Momi Medical Center
Resident Comments:
Pros: Quiet, not crowded, residential clean streets and air, gated communities
Cons: Commute to town is about 30-45 minutes, heavy traffic in peak times, far from beaches.
Points of Interest: Wahiawa Botanical Gardens, Pearl Harbor, Aloha Stadium, Dole Plantation, Hawaii Plantation Village
LEEWARD OAHU
Kapolei – Waianae – Nanakuli – Makakilo – Waikele – ‘Ewa Beach
Area Hospitals: The Queen’s Medical Center West
Resident Comments:
Pros: Quiet neighborhoods, dry climate, rural areas, lots of beaches, hiking
Cons: Long commute, heavy traffic, about 45 minutes to town.
Points of Interest: Nanakuli Beach Park, Pokai Bay, Makaha Beach, Yokohama Bay, Aulani Resort, Wet ‘n’ Wild Water Park, Kaena Park
NORTH SHORE
Laie – Kahuku – Hau’ula – Haleiwa – Waialua
Area Hospitals: Kahuku Medical Center
Resident Comments:
Pros: Community-oriented, not crowded, country-side, surf competitions, hiking
Cons: About 1 hour commute to town, flooding during storms
Points of Interest: Mokuleia Beach Park, Haleiwa Beach, Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, Polynesian Cultural Center, Shrimp Farms, Temple