6 Best and worst things about living in Honolulu, Hawaii (2024)

Hello and welcome to states explorer! This article discusses the best and worst things about living in Honolulu. It also briefly describes famous things Honolulu is known for! Read it through!

Best and worst things about living in Honolulu, Hawaii

Living in Honolulu, Hawaii is a dream come true for many people. With its white-sand beaches, tropical climate, and diverse cultural activities, it’s no wonder why so many people want to make it their home!

Honolulu is a city with a rich and fascinating history. Over the centuries, Honolulu has been under the rule of multiple different cultures and civilizations, making it one of the most unique cities in all of Hawaii.

From its founding by Polynesian settlers to the arrival of missionaries from Europe in 1820, Honolulu has been shaped by its many different influences over time.

Current Honolulu
Current Honolulu (Creator: Hawaii Business Magazine)

The city of Honolulu was first founded as an independent kingdom known as the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1795. Since then, it has served as the capital for both this kingdom and later for the Republic of Hawaii before becoming a part of the United States in 1898 following the Annexation.

Pearl Harbor Attack 1941
Pearl Harbor Attack 1941 in Hawaii (Creator: History on the Net)

During World War II, Honolulu was also historically important when it served as a strategic base for American forces during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Things Honolulu is known and famous for

1. Iconic Landmarks

Honolulu is an iconic city located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu and full of vibrant culture and stunning scenery. Being one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the United States, Honolulu is home to several iconic landmarks that are worthy of exploration. From historic sites to breath-taking mountain peaks, here are some of the most noteworthy attractions in Honolulu that you won’t want to miss.

Diamond Head State Monument in Honolulu
Diamond Head State Monument (Creator: Hawaii Activities)

The first must-see attraction is Diamond Head State Monument. This iconic crater stands 760 feet tall and provides spectacular views over Waikiki Beach and beyond. Nearby lies Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve – a protected marine life conservation area with excellent snorkeling opportunities and plenty of colorful coral reefs to enjoy.

2. Famous Beaches

Famous Beaches in Honolulu
Image Credit: Best of Oahu

Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and a city filled with plenty of excitement and fun. Known for its breathtaking beaches, stunning vistas, and balmy climate, Honolulu is one of the most desirable cities in the United States.

From Waikiki Beach to Diamond Head Crater Park, there are endless things to do in this heavenly paradise. And when it comes to famous beaches, Honolulu certainly has plenty to boast about!

Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach (Creator: The Times)

Kahanamoku Beach is also undoubtedly among the most famous beaches in all of Honolulu. As part of Waikiki Beach, it offers miles upon miles of white sand beneath turquoise waters that draw visitors from around the world.

A great spot for swimming or just soaking up some sun – no visit is complete without a few hours spent here enjoying all that this beautiful beach has to offer!

3. Cultural Diversity

Image Credit: Go Hawaii

Honolulu City is known for its wide range of cultures that live in harmony together. People from all walks of life come together in this beautiful city to celebrate their differences with art exhibitions and festivals like the ‘Kapukahehu Festival’ which showcases traditional Hawaiian dance performances and music.

Honolulu Festivals
Honolulu Festivals

There are also regular international shows, such as the ‘Festival of Nations’ where people can experience cultures from around the world without having to leave the island!

Also Read // Things Nashville Tennessee is known and famous for!

Best things about living in Honolulu

1. Low crime rate

One of the biggest pros of living in Honolulu is its low crime rate. According to recent statistics, Honolulu is one of the safest cities in the US due to its strong police presence and proactive community engagement initiatives.

This makes it an ideal place to raise children or even retire without worrying about safety issues. Additionally, with such low crime rates, you can enjoy all that the city has to offer without fear.

From exploring pristine beaches, attending outdoor events and festivals, or visiting historical sites like Iolani Palace – Honolulu provides endless opportunities for outdoor entertainment!

2. Year-round Warm Climate

Honolulu, Hawaii is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States. But living here year-round has its own set of perks that visitors may not experience.

From the year-round warm climate to a thriving economy and world-class amenities, Honolulu offers a unique lifestyle for those looking to call this beautiful city their home.

The most obvious pro of living in Honolulu is its year-round warm climate, making it an ideal place to escape from cold winter days and long chilly nights. With temperatures rarely dropping below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, even during the winter months.

3. Amazing Outdoor Activities

Living in Honolulu has many great benefits, but one of the most exciting is the amazing outdoor activities available to residents. From the majestic views of Diamond Head to the white sand beaches, there is no shortage of fun and adventure. With its year-round warm climate and diverse array of natural attractions, Honolulu is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Surfing in Honolulu
Surfing in Honolulu (Creator: Surfer Today)

The city offers some of the best surfing in the world as well as snorkeling, kayaking, whale-watching, and more. For hikers, miles upon miles of trails make exploring Oahu’s beauty accessible to anyone looking for outdoor activity.

After a day spent outdoors, visitors can relax with a sunset stroll along Waikiki Beach or take in a luau show.

Worst things about living in Honolulu

1. Crowded City Streets

One of the major cons of living in Honolulu is that it can be quite crowded at times. The city streets are always bustling with people and cars, which can make traffic difficult and noise levels high.

It can also be hard to get around without a car as public transportation is limited – meaning even walking around town could become an uncomfortable experience quickly due to overcrowded sidewalks.

2. Isolation from Mainland U.S.

Another disadvantage of living in Honolulu is the feeling of isolation from the mainland United States. While it’s true that Hawaiian culture and lifestyle are incredibly distinct and special, there can be a sense of loneliness caused by the distance from friends and family on the mainland.

Those who spend time away from their hometowns, they may find themselves missing out on important events or not being able to take part in meaningful conversations with people back home.

The lack of access to certain products or services can also be a downside for residents living in Honolulu. While this tropical paradise does have plenty to offer its citizens, some items cannot be found locally due to their rarity or lack of popularity on the island.

3. Small Job Market

Finding an ideal job and career growth opportunities can be quite challenging due to limited options.

The majority of jobs available are service industry positions, such as hospitality, food service, or retail sales. While these industries offer competitive wages and benefits, they do not often allow for career advancement within the field or any specialized training programs.

Additionally, the cost of living in Honolulu is much higher than that of other cities in Hawaii so salaries may not be enough to cover expenses like rent or groceries.

Also Read // 4 Worst things about living in North Carolina

Conclusion

In conclusion, living in Honolulu is an incredible experience. From world-class beaches, countless outdoor activities, and a rich culture to explore, Honolulu offers something for everyone.

While there may be some drawbacks such as the cost of living and lack of public transportation, these cons are easily outweighed by the pros. With its beautiful scenery and vibrant spirit, Honolulu is one of the most amazing cities in the world to explore and live in.

Also Read // 4 Worst things about living in Savannah GA