Before making the leap across the Pacific Ocean, you should spend some time researching the types of jobs available in Hawaii and assessing how well your present skills would transfer. If the size of an employer is any indication, the University of Hawaii system, the financial industry, and the medical industry would be good choices. Also, keep in mind that, as one of the world's top tourist destinations, Hawaii has a better-than-average selection of jobs in the airline, lodging, and ancillary tourist service industries, both in management and front line positions.
The state of Hawaii is one of the most expensive places to live in the United States. The statistics behind this claim are pretty brutal. The National Low-Income Housing Coalition estimates that the average monthly rental in the state in April 2009 was $1,536. A person would need to earn over $29 per hour to afford this cost of living, while the mean wage in the state is only $13 per hour. This leaves a large segment of the population scrambling to find public assistance and second or third jobs to make ends meet. Consider that it might not be a good idea to relocate to Hawaii unless you are certain you can afford the cost.
There are six islands in the Hawaiian chain and each offers a very different lifestyle experience. The best way to choose what's best for you would be to take a trip there before the actual move, visit as many areas as possible, and make an informed decision regarding which would work. Oahu offers more entertainment and employment options, but expect the kinds of traffic and crime problems of any large city. Islands like Maui or the Big Island of Hawaii move at a more leisurely pace but it's harder to find good jobs there.
Hawaii is a long way from the west coast of the United States. Think how far it is from, say, New York to California -- approximately 3,000 miles. To reach Hawaii requires you to travel almost that distance again, about 2,500, out into the Pacific Ocean. If you want to ship your car and household belongings, it will be expensive. Moving plants or pets means even more red tape because the state is quite strict on these kind of imports, and will likely require a quarantine period to make sure diseases that could contaminate crops or sicken people are not allowed in.
