Living in Honolulu: Convenient, Comfortable -- and Costly

Honolulu is the major hub of commerce and entertainment in Oahu, and an excellent place to invest in homes or condominiums. Though Waikiki may be more nationally and internationally famous, Honolulu is by far the most popular place in which to live and work. First settled by Hawaiian royalty, Honolulu is now home to nearly 1 million Hawaii residents throughout its neighborhoods and boroughs. Each neighborhood has its own distinct charm.

The Demographics and Culture in Honolulu

Honolulu has extremely diverse demographics -- and it shows within the culture. The median age within Honolulu is 41.3 years old, owing to a substantial senior population. The culture in Honolulu tends to be dominantly Asian, with 54.8% of the population. Chinatown is one of the larger market areas in Downtown Honolulu, and the Asian influence shows in the cuisine, entertainment, and art. Cultural influences include the Bishop Museum, which is one of the largest museums in Honolulu and showcases Hawaiian culture. The median household income within Honolulu is $72,764, compared to the household income of Hawaii overall, which is $67,402. The poverty level is far lower in Honolulu than other locations within the island; there is a stronger economy in Honolulu owing both due to the presence of major businesses and the strong tourist industry. Nevertheless, the average individual in Honolulu does commute nearly 27 minutes, which is likely explained by commutes from the bedroom communities (such as Hawaii Kai and Kahala) to Downtown Honolulu (the major hub of commerce). The homeownership rate in Honolulu is 55.5% -- lower by 2.2% in the rest of the island -- but the rental market is exceptionally strong. 12% of the residents throughout Honolulu are single, with 38.9% of households being married couples without children and 35% being married with children. The remaining 13.8% of households in Honolulu are single heads of household with dependents. Honolulu tends to be fairly educated, with 37% of all residents attaining a Bachelor's degree or higher.

The Cost of Living and Quality of Life in Honolulu

It's inarguable that Honolulu has one of the highest costs of living in the nation. In fact, the cost of living in Honolulu is rivaled only by that of New York City and certain areas of Alaska. Everything is said to be more expensive in Honolulu, from getting a hair cut to purchasing a gallon of milk. Real estate values also reflect the high cost of living, with median property values throughout Honolulu averaging over $600,000 for condominiums, townhomes, and single-family homes.

Despite the cost of living, the actual quality of life is quite high in Honolulu. Honolulu has ranked very highly on world livability charts, based on a number of factors: health, weather, friendliness, and amenities. Though it may be an expensive city in which to live, everything is available to a resident within a few blocks of their home. Employment is readily available, and there are numerous high-profile educational institutes, such as Punahou School, Iolani School, and Kamehameha School. All of this combined shows that the city is worth the cost. Economically, Honolulu has continued to grow. Not only does it have a strong retail and service industry, but it's also a major hub for military defense and military spending. A significant portion of the economy is supported through the military installations in and around the city. In the Downtown city area of Honolulu, government offices and jobs are plentiful; those with security clearances can very easily get work at numerous installations and offices.

The Attractions and Entertainment Venues in Honolulu

Honolulu is replete with attractions, ranging from the performing arts to shopping centers. Outdoor attractions include the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium, the Foster Botanical Garden, and the Lili'uokalani Botanical Garden -- all of which, naturally, are open throughout the year. Shopping venues include the Ala Moana Center (the world's largest open air shopping center), Aloha Tower (which also hosts events throughout the year), and Ward Center (a collection of boutique stores). The Honolulu Symphony performs throughout the year and the Hawaii Opera Theatre is host to a variety of musical events and performances. The Neal Blaisdell Center and the Waikiki Shell both bring in live music events. All this is aside from the natural attractions which include numerous hiking trails, beaches, and overlooks.

Honolulu is likely best known for its weather, which remains at a moderate 72 to 76 degrees throughout much of the year -- in addition to its gorgeous white sand beaches, which can be found all along the coastline. Many of the properties in Honolulu have remarkable views of the city, beach, and the horizon. Visitors to Honolulu will often be drawn to the world famous Waikiki Strip, which hosts the majority of the luxury resorts and spas on the island. Locals commonly find themselves venturing into Honolulu to visit Ala Moana Shopping Center. Honolulu is undoubtedly a costly place to live, but this is the price that its residents pay for both their convenience and comfort. In addition to year-round good weather and a variety of outdoor activities, Honolulu has low crime rates, excellent public transportation, good health, and a surprising number of solid educational options. Honolulu may be an expensive place to live, but it isn't a difficult place to live -- and for many, the benefits substantially outweigh the drawbacks.