Culture & Community
Living in Hawai‘i
Hawaii Residency Programs is located in the city of Honolulu on the island of O‘ahu. Hawai‘i has a population of 1.4 million (of which approximately 1 million are in Honolulu) and over 8 million visitors annually. Being somewhat centrally located in the Pacific Ocean and densely populated lends to Hawai‘i’s rich and unique, ethnically diverse atmosphere. People share their rich history, culture, and food making Hawai‘i a beautiful mosaic of experiences. Is there anywhere else that has various Asian, American, French, Himalayan, Italian and Hispanic restaurants within a 1-2 block walking distance of each other?
We know moving can seem daunting, which is why we have compiled general information to support your move and help you get settled with more ease. View more information on the list below at Hawaii.gov – Newcomer’s Guide for help.
- Becoming a resident of Hawai‘i
- Registering your vehicle
- Getting a driver’s license
- Getting a state ID card
- Registering to vote in Hawai‘i
- Utilities (water/electricity/gas/telephone)
- Animals and Pets
- Traveling and shipping information
- Interisland flights and ferries
- Demographic information
Transportation is a major concern for anyone moving to a new place, even if that place is an island. Read up on Hawai‘i’s traffic safety/driving laws and find information about its bus systems and airports and set your mind at ease.
We understand that everyone is at a different stage in life when pursuing their residency. That being the case, you may have children and are concerned about continuing their education as you continue yours. Explore the variety of educational opportunities available for your children on the island.
Here is some extra information that we feel might be helpful and will benefit you as you join us here at HRP!
O‘ahu Neighborhoods
The Gathering Place
O‘ahu, meaning “The Gathering Place,” is the third largest Hawaiian island and home to a diverse population of just over one million people. Professionals and tourists alike briskly go about their day in Honolulu, the capital of Hawai‘i located on O‘ahu. With a perimeter of just 111 miles and only spanning 65 miles across, O‘ahu is home to vibrant communities with unique attributes.
Six areas or districts comprise O‘ahu with more than 80% of Residents & Fellows living in Metropolitan O‘ahu.
Makiki – Mō‘ili‘ili – Kaka‘ako – Kalihi – Mānoa – Pauoa – Downtown – Kaimukī – Waikīkī
Area Hospitals
- Kaiser Permanente
- Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children
- Kuakini Medical Center
- The Queen’s Medical Center
- Shriners Hospitals for Children
- Straub Medical Center
- Tripler Army Medical Center, Veterans Administration
Resident Comments
Pros: Close proximity to work and town, convenient location for needs, central, most within walking distance to needs/beaches, abundance of restaurants
Cons: Relatively expensive, noisy, crowded, inadequate parking, homeless population, touristy, hard to find pet-friendly locations, small size for price, lots of sirens, construction
Points of Interest
- Waikīkī district for shopping and beach
- Ala Moana Beach Park
- Diamond Head
- Ala Wai Golf Course
- Convention Center
- Bishop Museum
- Iolani Palace
- Art museums
ʻĀina Haina – Kāhala
Area Hospitals
- None
Resident Comments
Pros: Close to hospitals, clean, safe, quiet, gated communities, close to beaches and shopping
Cons: Expensive, traffic can get long at peak timess of sirens, construction
Points of Interest
- Hanauma Bay
- Sandy Beach Park
- Makapu‘u Lighthouse
- Sea Life Park
- Hiking
Kāne‘ohe – Kahalu‘u – Kailua – Waimānalo
Area Hospitals
- Castle Medical Center
- Hawaii State Hospital
Resident Comments
Pros: Beautiful countryside, family-friendly, quiet, good vibe in Kailua, easy access to beaches and golf courses, hiking, great restaurants
Cons: Commute to town is about 30 minutes
Points of Interest
- Waimānalo Beach Park
- Kailua Beach Park
- Sea Life Park
- Valley of the Temples
- Kualoa Ranch
Wahiawa – Pearl City – ‘Aiea – Salt Lake – Waipahu
Area Hospitals
- Wahiawa General Hospital
- Pali Momi Medical Center
Resident Comments
Pros: Quiet, not crowded, residential clean streets and air, gated communities
Cons: Commute to town is about 30-45 minutes, heavy traffic in peak times, far from beaches
Points of Interest
- Wahiawa Botanical Gardens
- Pearl Harbor
- Aloha Stadium
- Dole Plantation
- Hawai‘i Plantation Village
Kapolei – Wai‘anae – Nānākuli – Makakilo – Waikele – ‘Ewa Beach
Area Hospitals
- The Queen’s Medical Center West
Resident Comments
Pros: Quiet neighborhoods, dry climate, rural areas, lots of beaches, hiking
Cons: Long commute, heavy traffic, about 45 minutes to town
Points of Interest
- Nānākuli Beach Park
- Pōkaʻī Bay
- Mākaha Beach
- Yokohama Bay
- Aulani Resort
- Wet ‘n’ Wild Water Park
- Kaʻena Park
Lā‘ie – Kahuku – Hau‘ula – Hale‘iwa – Waialua
Area Hospitals
- Kahuku Medical Center
Resident Comments
Pros: Community-oriented, not crowded, country-side, surf competitions, hiking
Cons: About 1 hour commute to town, flooding during stormsg commute, heavy traffic, about 45 minutes to town
Points of Interest Mokulēʻia Beach Park Haleʻiwa Beach Waimea Bay Sunset Beach Polynesian Cultural Center Shrimp Farms Temple
Emergency Preparedness
A potential reason one might consider our program is for Hawai‘i’s well deserved reputation for tropical temperatures ranging in 80 degrees fahrenheit. We enjoy a majority of sunny days and tradewinds, as well as days with some light rainfall on the windward and mauka sides (windward and mountain areas) of the island. However, like any place, Hawai‘i does have more severe weather concerns. The most common being tropical storms and flooding or flash flooding. Hawai‘i also occasionally experiences natural disasters. These include hurricanes (June to November), tsunamis (tidal waves) and earthquakes. It is best to be prepared for these events to ensure your safety.
The state’s emergency sirens are tested on the 1st WORKDAY of every month at 11:45am. When the emergency sirens are sounded, tune in to a local radio or TV station for emergency information and further instructions.
