Moving From Hawaii to Washington

Why Hawaii residents move to Washington

The Pacific Northwest pulls Hawaii residents for jobs, military assignments (JBLM), no wage income tax, and a sizable Pacific Islander community around Seattle and Tacoma.

Cost of living: Washington vs. Hawaii

Seattle-area prices are high; Pierce County and south King County are common alternatives.

Income tax: No tax on wages; 7% tax on certain long-term capital gains above a threshold. Sales tax: 6.5% state rate plus local rates.

Climate shock

Western Washington is mild but gray and wet from fall through spring with short winter days; eastern Washington is hot in summer and snowy in winter.

Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community

Significant Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities in King and Pierce counties, including Samoan, Tongan and Micronesian families.

Jobs

Tech, aerospace, healthcare, maritime, logistics and the military around JBLM.

Getting your things there

Seattle–Tacoma receives Hawaii freight from several carriers.

Neighbor-island goods ride a barge to Honolulu first. See the shipping guides for timing.

First steps after you arrive

• Get a WA driver's license and register your car — check the deadline with Washington Department of Licensing.
• Understand your first-year tax filing with Washington Department of Revenue.
• File a part-year resident return in Hawaii for the year you leave.