Island Surge: The moveBuddha 2021-2022 Hawaii Migration Report

Joe Robison

Last Updated: Sep 26, 2024
9 min read

In 2022, Hawaii ranks #1 nationwide for inflow, with an in-to-out ratio of 252 to 100. In other words, moveBuddha search data shows that for every 252 searches for moves into Hawaii, there are only 100 looking to move out.

Big takeaways

Hawaii is the #1 state in the nation for inflow, with the highest ratio of searches for moves in vs. moves out. For every 252 searches for moves-in, there are only 100 out. That’s higher than any other state.
Post-pandemic surge in move interest: Since 2020, the in-to-out move ratio of out-of-staters looking to move to Hawaii has surged +148%. From a flat 102-to-100 in 2020, up to 252-to-100 in 2022.
The Aloha State is trading residents primarily with California, and also Texas. Both states rank in the top two for both Hawaii’s inflow (CA 47% and TX 6%) and outflow (CA 15% and TX 8%).
It’s not just the erupting volcano attracting interest in #1 Hilo. With 370 searches for moves in for every 100 for moves out, the city is hugely popular to move to in 2022. Perhaps the “more affordable” homes here play a role.
#2 Kamuela is next in line for the highest in-to-out ratio, with 246 in for every 100 out. This makes the Big Island the top-ranked island to move to in 2022.

An eruption of interest for moving to Hawaii in 2022

While Hawaii’s overall population may not be exploding, it may be soon according to the latest moveBuddha data. The state has grown by just 100,000 people over a decade, and actually decreased from 2020 to 2021 – but the remote workers are coming in.

Many of these remote workers are coming from California, and bringing their tech salaries with them. They enjoy the relative peace and quiet that the island state offers, in contrast to more dense cities in California (not to mention the great surfing.)

Due to the recent influx of newcomers – many from high-paying states like California – housing values have risen sharply, driving some of the locals away. Interestingly, the places that Hawaiians are moving to most are the same places they’re arriving from.

The story wasn’t the same in 2020, when the data showed a flatline of move interest. The ratio of moves in vs. out was 102 to 100. In fact, Hawaii even lost some of its population in major areas between April 2020 to July 2021 from outmigration. However, this year the numbers are telling a different story that may be changing the island tides. Let’s dive in.

I. Hawaii Moves: Statewide trends from the last decade and into 2022
II. 2022 Forecast: Which Hawaiian cities are surging in popularity and which are losing residents?
III. Real Insights: We asked, why move to Hawaii?
IV. Sources and Methodology

I. Moving to Hawaii

As an island state, Hawaii may be physically separated from the mainland – but it’s definitely not stopping people from moving there. In fact, newcomers are arriving in droves in 2022, as Hawaii ranked #1 based on the in-to-out ratio based on moveBuddha data (252 to 100).

Let’s take a closer look at what is driving the migration to The Aloha State.

Hawaii: more than just a vacation destination

In the past, Hawaii has always been a major tourist draw. It ranks #4 on a list of most frequented states by foreigners, with more than 515,000 visitors (collectively spending $851 million) in the first four months of 2022.

Many are now considering Hawaii as more than just a getaway destination. There are some plausible reasons for this most recent influx:

Remote work. As companies switched to a remote model beginning in 2020, Hawaii has seen an uptick of people moving there. The number of remote workers in the entire state increased from 4.8% in 2019 up to 10.7% in 2021. Sweetening the beach-life incentive, are local programs sponsoring remote workers. Plus, high-earning tech workers from California are choosing the Kona-Kahola Coast beachfront to plug into remote island paradise.
Erupting housing market. People are buying real estate in Hawaii ( despite the chance of volcanic eruptions). One popular destination is Hilo, where a typical single-family home averages $563,497. While that’s more than most major U.S. cities, it’s less than the average value of homes in San Diego ($950K) and a fraction of the cost in cities like San Francisco and Honolulu, where this type of home clocks in at closer to $1.4 million.
Hawaii Culture. When you land in Hawaii, you might be handed a lei, once worn by ancient Polynesians as a status symbol. The Hawaiian islands are steeped in history that influences island life. For instance, locals still stand by a mandate to protect the land and one another, which dates back to the island state’s origins.
Climate. Places like Hilo experience humid, tropical climates, while other locations in the state offer temperate or even cold climates. This makes it friendlier to anyone moving from a hot (or cold) place.
Political preferences. According to Pew Research Center, about 58% of Hawaiians lean Democrat, compared to 24% Republican. This may explain why most state migration is from California, known as a liberal state.

Where are the newcomers to Hawaii arriving from?

47% of newcomers to The Aloha State are from California in 2022, according to moveBuddha search data. The #2 ranked state in terms of outflow to Hawaii (6% of newcomers) is Texas. Other states flocking to Hawaii include Washington (6%), Florida (3.7%), and Oregon (3.1%).

When it comes to interstate moves, moveBuddha data shows there has been a massive increase in overall searches for moving to Hawaii from 2020 to 2022. Searches for moves jumped +148%!

One theory is that remote workers are increasingly searching for a more desirable place to live, and Hawaii fits the bill.

While California is fueling growth, it's also worth noting that the state is a top destination for Hawaiian residents looking to head to the mainland. 14.9% of searches to exit Hawaii are looking to The Golden State.

At the same time, many Hawaiian residents are eyeing Texas as a place to move to, ranking #2 perhaps because Texas has a 0% income tax rate vs. Hawaii’s progressive rate (up to 11%).

Meanwhile, aside from Texas and California, Hawaiians are moving away to Nevada (7.5%). In fact, Las Vegas is often referred to as the Ninth Island due to its appeal to Hawaiians.

II. 2022 Moves: Which Hawaiian cities are the most popular to move to in 2022

The total number of moveBuddha searches for Hawaii is overall less than for other states, at 1,900. However, the data clearly shows a trend of increased inflow, particularly to certain Hawaiian cities.

Our team analyzed cities across the Hawaiian islands, honing in on the most searched 7 within our dataset. Each of these cities has at least 25 searches for moves in and 25 searches for moves out and provide us insights into which cities are most popular to move to in 2022.

Sitting at the top of the list for popularity among newcomers is Hilo (370 to 100). It has a large margin over the #2 most popular place to move to, Kameula (246 to 100), and #3, Honolulu (237 to 100), the state’s biggest city in terms of population.

Settling outside the big city

moveBuddha data shows that while Honolulu is Hawaii’s most populated city, it’s not at the top of the list when it comes to moves in. Newcomers are settling in Hilo, which offers city-like amenities and natural beauty – but with more affordability.

Home prices in the Honolulu CBSA have skyrocketed to well over $1 million, driven by outsiders buying up prime real estate. While there has been a push to create more reasonably priced homes in the Honolulu area, the proposal to add more money to the City’s affordable housing fund was rejected by Oahu residents with other tax dollar priorities.

This is not to say no one is moving to the Honolulu area. However, while many people are arriving in the city itself, others are choosing the outskirts of Honolulu (such as Kailuha) where it’s less densely populated. Kailuha had 227 people per square mile in 2020, compared to 1,692 people in Honolulu County the same year.

The Most Popular Hawaiian Cities to Move to in 2022

#1 Hilo, HI

CBSA: Hilo, HI
County: Hawaii
Census Population (2020): 44,186
Zillow Home Value (Oct. 2022): $563,497
Median Rent: $1,098
Median Income: $65,727
Median Age: 40
College Education or Higher: 34%
Unemployment Rate: 6%

Among the top move-to Hawaiian cities featured here, Hilo offers the lowest housing costs with rent at $1,098 and the average home cost around $563,497. This region of the “Big Island” also offers year-round average warmth that bottoms out at around 64F. With the desirable temperatures and affordable accommodations, it’s easy to see why someone would spend their time here.

#2 Kamuela, HI

CBSA: Hilo, HI
County: Hawaii
Census Population (2020): 9,904
Zillow Home Value (Oct. 2022): $869,996
Median Rent: $1,748
Median Income: $95,667
Median Age: 39
College Education or Higher: 35.5%
Unemployment Rate: 5%

The median home value in Kamuela is much higher than in Hilo (more than $300,000 more), but so is the median income by a wide margin of $30,000. The area boasts low sales and property taxes, and is relatively close to an airport. Higher salaries and location seem to be the winning factors here.

#3 Honolulu, HI

CBSA: Urban Honolulu, HI
County: Honolulu
Census Population (2021*): 345,510
Zillow Home Value (Oct. 2022): $1,391,333
Median Rent: $1,520
Median Income: $72,454
Median Age: 42
College Education or Higher: 37.8%
Unemployment Rate: 4%

Honolulu is tied for the lowest unemployment rate among the cities with the most moveBuddha data, suggesting there are job opportunities here. With Hawaii’s strong tourism, Honolulu offers the highest concentration of jobs in its tourism/hospitality sector. Along with the chance to work, Honolulu offers all the major amenities that would make someone stay – or leave (easily), being close to the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

#4 Kailua, HI

CBSA: Urban Honolulu, HI
County: Honolulu
Census Population (2020*): 40,514
Zillow Home Value (Oct. 2022): $1,626,797
Median Rent: $2,510
Median Income: $122,706
Median Age: 41
College Education or Higher: 49.4%
Unemployment Rate: 4%

With some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the freshest seafood, and a charming local community atmosphere, Kailua properties are a hot commodity. This is not the area for a budget buy, but those who do invest in living here benefit from larger lots and spacious homes fit for Hawaiian royalty.

III. Stories from locals - Why did you move to Hawaii?

Beyond the beautiful landscape and stunning beaches, we wanted to know what is bringing moves into Hawaii. So we reached out to those who caught island fever and loved the island life to better understand what keeps bringing moves in:

Moving to a tropical life and better work-life balance: The primary driver for my boyfriend and me was the quality of life and weather Oahu, Hawaii, had to offer. We love tropical weather all year round and the work-life balance Hawaii has to offer. Hawaii is so diverse, and the mentality here is different. Hawaii locals love and protect the land and respect one another, and that energy is contagious. Living in paradise comes with a high cost but is worth it. - Bridget Gutierrez, moved from Florida to Oahu, HI.

Life in Hawaii is what dreams are made of: My main motivation for moving to Hawaii was the spectacular weather and the casual, out-door based lifestyle. To me, this equals an excellent year-round quality of life. I lived in Kaila, on the windward side of Oahu. I preferred the area because it was a smaller place with fewer traffic issues than Honolulu, for example.
Kailua has an amazing beach and still has a bit of a small-town feel. Nothing is too far away. - Deb Hendricks, lived in Kaila, HI.

An Aloha State of Mind

In 2022, Hawaii is the king of inflow, ranking #1 based on moveBuddha data. It's not a random coincidence – Hawaii has a lot going for it.

Many tech moguls have settled in Hawaii to enjoy its beauty, while still earning substantial salaries. However, newcomers are driving up home prices in a part of the country already struggling with affordable housing. This may mean Hawaii will lose residents headed to other states that may offer similar climates at a much lower price.

Even still, Hawaii's radiant skies and clear waters offer a natural and even healing retreat for both tourists and new residents. Many deem all the bonuses of the Aloha State priceless. Plus, the state is on a mission to keep its beaches and salty air cleaner than ever with a focus on renewable energy through the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative.

While tourism accounts for many jobs in The Aloha State, Hawaii has a plan to diversify its job market by focusing on technology, which may help to keep it high on the list of most sought-out states.

IV. Methodology

This report primarily uses data sourced from moveBuddha’s Moving Cost Calculator with supplemental city-specific details from the U.S. Census Bureau. To understand the cost of area homes, we use Zillow’s Home Value Index.

moveBuddha proprietary data

This data was collected from January 1, 2022, through November 08, 2022, capturing 354,775 searches across the nation by individuals who were either planning to move or hire a moving company throughout 2022.

More information about our move data and in-to-out ratio equation can be found in our annual Migration Report.

U.S. Census Bureau data

U.S. Census Population Data: Population data
American Community Survey: Median rent, median income, median age, college education percentages, and the unemployment rate