Are you the kind of person who craves coastal life? Some people don’t give it a second thought. For others, living near the water is their first priority. 

If you’re a certified thalassophile (someone who loves the ocean!)—and you’re considering a move between Long Beach, California and Hawaii—we’ve got good news: Proximity to the Pacific is something you’ll enjoy in both places. And, it’s not the only similarity that links the two. 

We’d love to help you make a simple and easy relocation to your new home, whether that’s in Long Beach or the Hawaiian Islands. In this article, we’ll walk you through the links between the two spots to help with a smooth transition. And, to help you envision life in your new area, we’ll share some ideas on where to live and how to spend your leisure time. 

Let’s start with some of the similarities you’ll find between these locations. 

4 Unexpected Commonalities Between Long Beach and Hawaii 

  1.  Stay Salty (and Stay Happy) – There’s a reason Long Beach was once known as the “Waikiki of the West Coast.” Although the 1940s breakwater killed the surf right in Long Beach, there are plenty of nearby surf breaks, as well as opportunities for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Of course, you’ll find all those opportunities and more in Hawaii, so if you’re addicted to that salt life, you’ll be able to get your fix in both areas. 
  2. Catch That Small Town Vibe – Long Beach has a reputation for being a busy place with a noticeable small-town vibe. If you love that local feel, you’ll find plenty of it in Hawaii. Each island has its own unique atmosphere, which is even further defined by the character of the neighborhood you choose. Plus, once you make the move, it won’t be long until you run into someone you know at Costco on Sunday. 
  3. Revel in the Diversity – If you check out WalletHub’s rankings of the United States’ most diverse cities and states, you’ll find both Long Beach and Hawaii near the top of the list.
        – Hawaii was named the third most diverse state in the country, and
        – Long Beach was named the 27th most diverse city in the U.S.
  4. Relish That Beautiful Weather – Both Southern California and the Hawaiian Islands are famous for their warm, sunny weather, so you’ll avoid the climate shock that Hawaii residents encounter when relocating to Chicago or moving to New York. It’s worth noting, though, that Long Beach winters can be a bit chillier. However, if you choose to live at elevation in Hawaii, like Waimea on the Big Island or Upcountry Maui, you might find the winters comparable in both places! 

Now that you know some of the similarities you can expect, let’s talk about your next piece of research: Where will you call home? 

What Are the Best Places to Live in Long Beach and Hawaii? 

If you’re moving to Hawaii, your first decision will center around which island you want to live on: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island. (Or maybe you’re considering a really different pace of life on Molokai or Lanai!) Even though the islands are just a short interisland flight away from each other, you’ll still want to choose carefully because each island has its own unique feel.  

If living in Long Beach has given you a taste for living near a marina, you might consider: 

  • Downtown Honolulu/Kakaako/Ala Moana, near the Ala Wai Boat Harbor (Oahu). You’ll enjoy close proximity to the beach and the ocean, as well as easy access to all of the restaurants, bars, and shops of Honolulu. This area is especially dense with apartment buildings, so you’ll have a wide variety of condos to choose from. 
  • Hilo (Big Island). In addition to a full-service commercial port in Hilo, you’ll also find a sailing community enthusiastic about local boating. Hilo is also one of the larger towns in the Hawaiian Islands, so you’ll find a number of amenities in the area, like shops, bars, art galleries, and restaurants. If you’re moving from a hub like Long Beach, you might welcome being near to hub like Hilo. 

If you’re moving to Long Beach, take a look at Belmont Heights. Trees line the streets of this community, which features a mix of classic California Craftsman homes alongside Victorian and Mediterranean styles, as well as several others. You’ll be just minutes from the beach, and close to a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. If you’re moving with a family, you’ll find several top-rated schools in the area. You’ll also enjoy friendly neighbors who you’ll frequently see out and about, enjoying that California sunshine. 

Finally, as you consider your relocation, you’ll probably find yourself wondering what your life will look like after the move. Below, we’ll share four ways you can spend your leisure time in both places. 

4 Ways to Spend Your Days Off in Long Beach and Hawaii 

  1. Hit the Beach – This one might seem a little obvious, but we think it’s worth mentioning! Whether you’re headed for Long Beach or Hawaii, you’ll enjoy ample opportunities to relish the sand between your toes. And, since Long Beach is western-facing, you’ll also get to enjoy some killer sunsets by the water, just as you will on Hawaii’s western shores.  
  2. Take a Little Road Trip – Is there anything more iconic than hopping on California’s Pacific Coast Highway and tracing the shoreline north? Maybe not, but you’ll still find plenty of opportunities to take your own mini road trips in the Hawaiian Islands. Driving from downtown Honolulu to Oahu’s famous North Shore is a great way to spend a day, as is traveling the twisty Road to Hana on Maui. No matter which island you end up on, taking a day for a leisurely drive to the other side of the island offers the same kind of adventure you’d find in a California road trip. 
  3. Grab a Local Craft Brew – Southern California has long been an epicenter of the recent craft beer explosion, and Long Beach is no exception. You’ll find several breweries and brew pubs in the area where you can try locally-brewed creations. Check out the Long Beach Beer Lab or, for something a little different, Ficklewood Ciderworks, the area’s first cidery. In Hawaii, the craft brew scene is alive, well, and growing! Our favorites include Beer Lab on Oahu and Maui Brew Co. on Maui. 
  4. Island Hop – One of the big perks of living in Hawaii is the ease with which you can explore the other islands in the chain. A quick (and often relatively inexpensive) interisland flight offers easy connections between Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, Lanai, and Molokai. But island hopping isn’t just limited to Hawaii. If you’re moving to Long Beach, take a weekend trip to Catalina Island and explore two picturesque towns, Avalon and Two Harbors. A one-hour ferry ride will get you there—and offer a welcome change of scenery. 

Trading the Beaches of Hawaii for Long Beach (or Vice Versa!) 

Living in Hawaii is like living nowhere else on earth. However, the Aloha State and Long Beach, California offer some overlap: ocean-centric living with a small-town feel. Plus, now that you have some additional research under your belt, you’ll be well prepared to make a seamless transition between the locations, whether Southern California or Hawaii is your final destination. 

We’d love to assist you with a safe, easy, and affordable move between Long Beach and Hawaii. We’ve helped tens of thousands of families relocate to both California and Hawaii, and we’d be happy to help you. It all starts with a free quote from one of our moving experts. 

Tell us about your move!

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.