Leaving Hawaii is rarely only about money. It’s about family, work, health, housing and a way of life, and most people feel pulled in both directions. This section won’t push you either way. It’s here to help you think it through clearly.

Questions worth answering first

• What, specifically, would be better somewhere else: cost, career, family, schools, healthcare?
• What would you miss most, and could you come back to visit often enough?
• Is your income tied to Hawaii, or can it move with you?
• Have you spent real time in the place you’re considering, outside a vacation?

Guides in this section

• Why people leave Hawaii, and why some come back
• Cost of living: Hawaii vs. the mainland
• Should I leave Hawaii? Pros, cons and what you’ll miss
• Planning a scouting trip to your future city
• Reverse culture shock and the emotional side of leaving the islands

Ready to compare places? Start with Destinations.