Hawaii Is Even More Fascinating Than the Postcards
Think you really know Hawaii? This is a state full of fiery volcanos, SPAM musubi (don't knock it before you try it!), and humpback whales that breach majestically right offshore. Let's run through some facts, stats, and coconut wireless gossip that showcase what makes Hawaii's tropical brag reel irresistible.
Matt, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Matt was born and raised on Oahu and currently makes the North Shore playground his home. He has lived in four states, half a dozen countries, and more houses across Oahu than he can remember. Each move requires relocating something like 40 surf, foil, and paddle boards and the sobering realization that they all have to fit somewhere. He is an adventure journalist, backcountry snowboarder, rock climber, mountain biker, and relentless swell tracker who loves scouting out obscure waves in far-flung corners of the world. Favorite constants include swell checks, tide charts, and vegan sushi at Tane. At Snappy Scout, Matt edits Hawaii guides with saltwater honesty and local precision.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Makes Hawaii Hawaii?
The weird, useful, and surprisingly relevant facts that shape everyday life here.
Common nicknames for Hawaii
The Aloha State, the Rainbow State, Paradise of the Pacific.
Local reality check
Endless vacation? Real life includes daily traffic, high cost of living, occasional vog (volcanic fog, which pops up when the winds go Kona), and fierce local pride.
You're most likely moving from
California, Washington, Nevada, Japan, and kamaaina returning from the mainland.
Strangely large concentration of
ABC Stores in Waikiki, feral chickens in the country areas, and SPAM musubi enthusiasts everywhere.
Music scene
Slack key guitar, ukulele virtuosos, KCCN FM100, Jawaiian reggae, Merrie Monarch hula, Honolulu jazz clubs.
You'll have to see it to believe it
Night manta ray ballet off Kona; volcanic eruptions at Kilauea.
Unique Geography
Volcanic islands with diverse climate zones, colorful coral reefs, and Mauna Kea (technically the world's tallest mountain, when measured from its base far below the surface of the ocean).
Hawaii is home to
Iolani Palace, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Haleakala, Polynesian Cultural Center.
Well known for its
Surf breaks, poke, shave ice, malasadas, plate lunches, leis, luaus, hula, and aloha spirit.
Fun history fact
Iolani Palace had electric lights in 1886, before the White House.
Celebrity sightings
Obama on Oahu, Bruno Mars at shows, Jason Momoa in Haleiwa, professional surfers all over Oahu's North Shore.
Noteworthy Census stat
#1 for multiracial residents share per Census.
Most interesting sub-cultures within Hawaii
Outrigger canoe paddling clubs and sunrise regattas; dedicated shore-casting anglers; drift car racers; Mormons in Laie and Hauula (near BYU); Honolulu's traditional Asian neighborhoods and markets.
Population
40th largest state by population, 47th largest by land size.
Hawaii is roughly the same geographic size as
Fiji.
Locals Know Best
If possible, time everything around the daily traffic patterns. Running counter-flow can mean the difference between minutes and hours, whether you are driving to Town or avoiding Turtle Traffic in the Country.
— Matt Rott
Hawaii Local Expert
Ready to See If Hawaii Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Hawaii guide for the bigger picture.