Moving From Hawaii to Los Angeles & Orange County

Why Hawaii transplants choose Los Angeles & Orange County

Huge job market, direct flights, and one of the largest Hawaii and Pacific Islander communities on the mainland.

Neighborhoods popular with Hawaii transplants

Torrance, Gardena, Long Beach, Carson, Cerritos and Irvine are frequently mentioned.

Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and Asian food and community

Gardena and Torrance have deep Japanese American and Hawaii roots; Tokyo Central/Marukai, Mitsuwa and Nijiya markets; many Hawaiian restaurants and Ono Hawaiian BBQ locations.

Cost of living: Los Angeles & Orange County vs. Honolulu

Comparable to or above Honolulu in many areas.

Climate shock notes

Warm and dry; summer heat inland; ocean water is cold.

Jobs

Entertainment, logistics, aerospace, healthcare, ports.

Schools

LAUSD plus many independent districts in South Bay and Orange County.

Request records from your Hawaii DOE school before you leave so enrollment isn't delayed.

Which port your goods arrive at

Household goods bound for Los Angeles & Orange County usually arrive at Long Beach/Los Angeles, then travel under 1 hour by truck to your door.