Employment is not the first thing that comes to anyone’s mind when thinking about relocation to Aloha State. However, if a move to these parts is your dream, finding a job in Hawaii will be necessary. It will not be all sunshine and rainbows, but it’s not mission impossible, either. This simple guide is all you need to prepare yourself for what awaits you. Follow our tips to make your search successful and to achieve your goals.
For Americans, it sure sounds fine that they don’t have to move across the world to enjoy a piece of heaven. For non-Americans, it could be moving to another country for the love of tropical beauty that motivates them to relocate. Either way, that dream must be financially supported. We are here to show you how.
Why Is It So Hard to Find a Job in Hawaii?
More often than not, people decide to relocate here before even thinking about finding employment. According to that, one of the main questions has become how can I find work rather than should I take a job in Hawaii. However, when you start researching, you will find yourself in a not-so-ideal situation.
One of the terms most employers have is for an applicant to already live on the island. They usually have a bad experience in scheduling interviews with mainlanders. People change their minds and plans, which ultimately results in a loss of time and energy on the employer’s side. In addition to that, many foreigners and mainlanders decide to move back from where they came after a year or so. Hiring them represents a certain risk, which made employers more cautious.
In addition to that, the second difficulty is connected to the business distribution. Oahu island is Hawaii’s business hub, with Honolulu as its capital. It is the most populated and urban area between the islands, so you are expected to find the most opportunities here. Even if your main goal is to live in some smaller and peaceful region, the smart thing to do is move to Honolulu or other populated cities first. After that, you could explore possible jobs in neighborhood islands, and achieve your initial goal. For instance, living in Molokai or opting for the Big Island and relocating to Kona.
How Hard is Finding a Job in Hawaii as an Expat Worker?
Hawaii’s one of America’s states, which means it is easier for Americans to relocate and live here. On the other hand, if you are moving internationally, you first must apply for a US visa. Find out if you are eligible for certain types of visas and gather all necessary documents needed to travel abroad to the States. After that, the process remains the same. Hire an international moving company and implement tips that we will present to you. It doesn’t matter if you are a foreigner or an American, the information we give will help you adjust faster and cope with the moving stress better.
Sacrificing Your Time and Money for the New Life
Finding employment on these islands is a process that will take most of your free time, and you must be prepared for it. Many people are fascinated with Hawaii’s beauty from the first days after the move and want to enjoy it. That almost always results in postponing employment search, so try not to fall into this trap.
Note that If you have professional skills in demand, you usually won’t have to waste too many days before getting hired. However, if your targeted professional market is not that developed, searching could last for even a whole year. Still, all the trouble will be worth it if you devote yourself to the process of finding and ending up with employment. All you need to do is imagine yourself in a tropical heaven, and everything will become more bearable.
How Much Money Do I Need to Start Life on This Wonderful Island?
However, you must know that it won’t be possible to move on a short budget. Just count the costs of hiring an overseas shipping company, moving by sea, and finding accommodation. You will also have to save some funds prior to the move. If you are moving alone, $10 000 should be enough to cover your expenses for 2-4 months. Naturally, the amount is higher if you are relocating with kids. And if you want to be entirely prepared for any outcome, have some money stashed for plan B. In case of learning that island life is just not for you, it will help you get on your feet somewhere else.
Average Salary vs. the Cost of Living
When the nickname of a place is Paradise of the Pacific, it is only natural to expect higher living costs. Median home income is very close to the national average, with salaries usually from $30 000 to $50 000 a year. The ratio between salary and cost of living in Hawaii could represent a difficulty at the beginning, but it will get better as days pass. And if you want to save money, it is possible to look for the cheapest places to live in Hawaii, but remember to secure a position there first. Minor difficulties should not be the reason to give up. After all, the Aloha culture doesn’t give any value to material goods, and neither should you if you want to become a part of it.
Eventually, you’ll find more details about Hawaiian life and learn how to save money. For example, you will be surprised about the price of groceries at first, but you’ll soon realize the reason – many products need to be shipped from the mainland. If you want to save money, you’ll adapt and learn to cook with what you have in your surroundings. Living in this part of the world certainly has its pros and cons, but it’s the case with every country in the world. However, if you are interested in finding out more about the benefits and disadvantages of living in the Paradise of the Pacific, watch the following video closely:
How to Become a Worker in the Aloha State?
So, you hired an overseas shipping company and secured accommodation. What now? The search is not that much different from what it would be in any other part of the world. Whether you decide to relocate between states, as an American, or move to another country, as a foreigner, the process is the same. Use websites made for searching through jobs, such as:
- Real jobs Hawaii
- Career Builder
- Indeed, and the like.
The even better information you’ll get if you by networking with people who live on the islands. They will know companies that are hiring and could even recommend you to their friends or employers. Never question the power of good recommendations. With it, chances of you getting a position are much higher.
Volunteering on Different Jobs – Take Time to Immerse Yourself in Hawaiian Culture
People living here see Aloha as a preferable lifestyle, and meeting it is bound to leave you with the feeling of culture shock. Americans, for example, need less time to adapt if they are moving abroad and relocating to Canada than to these islands. Know that the Aloha culture is unique and implies a life full of love, compassion, togetherness, and empathy. With that in mind, it’s not surprising that volunteering is important here. Know that Honolulu is the best volunteering location, mainly in the field of teaching, technology, or conservation.
If you plan on moving to Hawaii for good and make it your home, it is important to become a part of the community, and volunteering is a good you will achieve it. Other than that, it is also an excellent way of meeting locals and building your network further to help you. You know how the saying goes – do good, and good will come to you.
What Jobs Are in High Demand in Hawaii?
It is more likely for you to get a position with jobs that are in demand. It would be best if you are interested and capable of working in the following fields:
- Tourism – Hawaiian islands are one of the most visited tropical destinations in the world. Therefore, it doesn’t come as a surprise that working as a receptionist, tour guide, and hotel manager can be an achievable goal. However, know that with the current pandemic situation, there are fewer opportunities in this field. With many things to know about coronavirus and its impact on Hawaii’s employment market, ensure to stay updated.
- Sales – in this group, working in the real estate branch is the most lucrative. With this position, you could expect a salary that could be almost double Hawaii’s average.
- Construction – it involves renovations and landscaping more than building from the ground.
- Healthcare – this is one of the states with the best health system and medical service, and it is always in need of health workers.
Information technology – website developers, graphic designers, network engineers are just some of the positions with excellent salaries that are easy to find. - Service jobs – working as a cashier, waiter or bartender is very common for newcomers, but be prepared for a low salary. However, tips could significantly increase your income if your employment is in some luxurious and well-visited hotels.
Finding a Job in Hawaii Before Moving
As we mentioned above, finding employment before moving overseas or just between states isn’t always easy. However, it is not impossible. The key is to show to your (hopefully) new bosses that you are serious. When you land an interview, do everything to prepare properly. You will probably have to answer questions concerning your reasons for moving. Your answer should include explaining the connection you have with this place. It could be love, family, going back to your roots, and so on, as long as it shows you have some. Keep in mind that the least chance of getting employment have people who never even visited.
You should also demonstrate general knowledge you have about islands. They won’t even think about hiring a person who knows this land only through young Khal Drogo in North Shore. Prove to them that you did your homework and research Hawaiian life, with all its pros and cons.
In addition to that, show that you are more than qualified for the position as well as what you can offer that locals can’t. It could significantly increase the chance of getting hired. Bonus tip: Hawaiian is a second official language here. If you really want to make an impression, use some tips for learning a new language and show that breaking a language barrier won’t be a problem.
People are more and more interested in becoming digital nomads these days on working on their own terms. Positions that could be done remotely imply that you could even live in another country and maintain your employment. If your profession allows this kind of luxury, don’t waste it – use the opportunity.
Hard Work Will Pay Off – and Not Just in Money
Finding a reliable overseas moving company, getting packing services, and shipping overseas all your belongings is not where your relocation troubles end. However, with a lot of effort and a little bit of luck, you’ll be able to cross finding employment off your relocation checklist. When you secure yourself financially, it’s time you relax. Reap what you have sown and enjoy all the benefits a move to Paradise of the Pacific brings. You certainly earned it.
