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Hawaii was first explored by Captain James Cook in 1778.

Throughout the following centuries, Hawaii arose from inter-island tribal warring to a completely unified kingdom before it became an official U.S. territory at the turn of the 20th century. It was decades later before the islands entered the Union as the 50th State, on August 21, 1959.

Today, with its isolation from the mainland, Hawaii's notoriously high cost of living still does not stop those who visit the lush tropical islands from dreaming of moving or retiring here some day.

However, with average home prices at $500,000 and up, the rich-and-famous are the lucky few who own villas or vacation homes here. (On a relatively more positive note, Hawaii is one of the handful of US states that does not levy property taxes.)

Not surprisingly, the travel industry continues to boom in Hawaii with a majority of job opportunities available in tourism led by lower-paid wait staff and related hotel and restaurant fields, as well as retail sales.

Since 90% of food must be shipped in from the mainland meanwhile expect higher prices at the supermarket, although costs have been offset somewhat by the introduction of Costco's, Walmart, and other discount chains. More reasonable prices for fruits and vegetables can also be found at local farmer's markets.

So are there any practical reasons for moving to paradise? They would include lower utility bills (no need for heating or air conditioning in many areas), and zero expenditure on snow plows or winter coats. And the beaches are still free.

Hawaii quality-of-life statistics

Cost of Living: Traditionally, Hawaii is known for its relatively high per capita state tax burden and the perception of an unfriendly business climate. Due mainly to shipping costs into the state, Hawaii's cost of living is 52.60% higher than the U.S. average.

Property Taxes : Hawaii's Tax Climate - Hawaii is one of the 13 states that collect no state-level property taxes, meaning its per capita property tax collections equaled $571 for all levels of government in FY 2004, ranking it 42nd nationally.

Personal Income Taxes: Hawaii collects income taxes from its residents using nine brackets, ranging from 1.4 percent to 11.0 percent. Along with Oregon, Hawaii shares the distinction of having the highest top income-tax rate in the U.S. Hawaii residents must file their personal income tax using the Hawaii Individual Resident Income Tax Long Form (N-11) or Short Form (N-13) by April 15.

Housing & Real Estate Overview : also see Zillow - Hawaii Real Estate
Home ownership rate : 56.5%
Average home price: $565,345
Average travel time to work : 26 minutes

Schools : Like many state-run systems, a decent public school may be hard to find in many areas throughout Hawaii except in the more expensive neighborhoods. However, many private schools are also available and attended by some 15% of Hawaiian school children, higher than the national average of 10%. Also see Hawaii Department of Education

Weather : Typically described as tropical, the general climate is more subtropical due to the cooling effect of the surrounding ocean. Summer temperatures seldom reach above the upper 80s °F, and winter temperatures seldom dip below the mid-60s. Snow is not uncommon on the higher elevations of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island.

Crime : see Crime Statistics for Hawaii

also see -> Hawaii Taxes | Hawaii Eviction Laws | Hawai Tourism

Hawaii Beaches | Honolulu Tourism | Christmas in Hawaii

Hawaii Kids Party Locations

More about moving to Hawaii around the Web:

How to Move to Hawaii - Good, general insider tips on moving your possessions long distance plus advice on house and apartment hunting, cost of living, finding a job, and local culture.

A Grass Shack on the Beach - A balanced and detailed look at the cost of living in Hawaii with a discussion on home and land ownership, schools and education, and costs of moving with photos and related resources.

Honolulu Board of Realtors - Detailed guide to the island's real estate market with consumer information, property tax data, current mortgage rates, lists of homes and condos for sale, and a searchable database of approved realtors.

Maui Chamber of Commerce - Real Estate - Island real estate information, related stats & figures, links & resources.

Hawaii Real Estate, Apartments & Job Classifieds:

Honolulu : Hawaii News
Hilo : Hawaii Tribune-Herald