Essentials

πŸ™οΈ City Honolulu is the capital and the largest city of Hawaii, located on the island of Oahu.
πŸ‘₯ Population Approximately 350,000.
πŸ’» Internet Speed Average speeds of around 100 Mbps.
πŸ’Έ Currency & Banking 1 USD is the local currency, widely accepted. ATMs and banking services available through major banks like Bank of Hawaii and First Hawaiian Bank.
🚰 Tap Water Drinkable and safe.
πŸ”Œ Power 120V, 60Hz, standard Type A/B sockets.
πŸ“Ά SIM Card Providers include Hawaiian Telcom, AT&T, and Verizon.
πŸ’³ Banking for Expats Popular options include Revolut, TransferWise, and local banks.
πŸ›Œ Accommodation Options include Airbnb, Vrbo, and local rentals on Craigslist and Zillow.
πŸ’³ Cashless Friendly Yes, cards are widely accepted.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for short stays.
πŸ›οΈ Budget Accommodation Consider hostels like HI Honolulu and budget hotels near Waikiki.

Working and Networking

🏒 Best Coworking Space The Manifest, located in Kaka'ako.
β˜• Best Cafe for Work Coffee Talk in Kaimuki is known for its work-friendly atmosphere.
πŸ’Ό Networking Events Meetup groups and events can be found through platforms like Eventbrite.
πŸ₯‚ Social Events for Expats Community-focused Facebook groups like 'Hawaii Expats' gather locals and expats.

Transportation

πŸš• Best Taxi/Ride App Uber and Lyft operate in Honolulu.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Biki is the bike-sharing service available across the city.
πŸ–οΈ Best Beach Nearby Waikiki Beach is within walking distance and famous for its beauty.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Hawaiian Airlines offers inter-island flights.
✈️ Top International Airline Major airlines including United, Delta, and American Airlines fly into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
πŸ›£οΈ Highway Access H-1 and H-2 highways provide access to the island.
πŸš‰ Main Train/Transit Hub The main transit hub is the Ala Moana Center for local buses.
🚍 Public Transport Passes The HOLO card is used for public bus payments.
✈️ Regional Travel Buses run by TheBus provide excellent service across Oahu.

Health and Wellness

πŸ₯ Best Hospital Queens Medical Center is the largest and most comprehensive hospital.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Yoga Hawaii offers various classes and wellness programs.
πŸ‹οΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers Gold's Gym and 24 Hour Fitness have multiple locations around the city.
🧺 Laundry Services Coin laundries like Royal Hawaiian Laundry are widely available.

Food and Drink

πŸ“± Best Food Delivery App UberEats, DoorDash, and Postmates operate locally.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Poke, a traditional Hawaiian raw fish salad.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Loving Hut and Down to Earth are popular for plant-based dishes.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Leonard's Bakery is world-famous for its malasadas.
πŸ›’ Affordable Shopping Spots Ala Moana Center has a variety of food markets.
πŸ›’ E-commerce/Online Store Amazon and Walmart offer delivery options.
πŸ›’ Grocery Delivery Safeway and Foodland provide grocery delivery services.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Waikiki is vibrant at night with many bars and clubs.
🍻 Local Brewery Oahu Brewing Company offers local craft beers.
🍷 Wine Bars Vino Italian Tapas & Wine Bar is a popular spot.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Aloha Stadium Swap Meet has numerous street food vendors.
πŸ• Popular International Cuisine Try the local Filipino, Japanese, and Hawaiian-Barbecue cuisines.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks Diamond Head State Monument is a must-visit for hikers.
πŸ›οΈ Museums & Art Venues Honolulu Museum of Art showcases local and international art.
🏰 Historical Sites Pearl Harbor is an essential historical site to visit.
πŸ• Religious Sites Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the U.S.
πŸŽ‰ Annual Events The Honolulu Festival celebrates cultural diversity in March.
🎨 Cultural Districts Chinatown offers a vibrant cultural scene with shops and restaurants.
🎭 Theater Venues The Hawaii Theatre is a historic venue hosting various performances.
πŸ›οΈ Local Markets KCC Farmers' Market is popular on Saturday mornings.
🎼 Music Scene Aloha Tower Marketplace hosts live music events.
🎨 Street Art Various murals can be found throughout Kaka'ako.
πŸ§‘β€πŸ³ Cooking Classes Hawaiian Culinary Academy offers classes for all skill levels.
πŸ‘©β€πŸŽ¨ Art Galleries Maui Arts & Cultural Center features local artists.
πŸ•°οΈ Historic Buildings The Hawaii State Capitol is a notable landmark.
🏴 Local Heritage Hawaiian culture is celebrated through hula and traditional ceremonies.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

πŸŒ… Nearby Nature Escapes Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is perfect for snorkeling.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Haleakala National Park is a scenic getaway on Maui, accessible via ferry.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths The Diamond Head Crater trail offers stunning views.
πŸŒ„ Scenic Viewpoints Tantalus Lookout provides vistas of the city and ocean.
πŸ¦‰ Birdwatching Locations Malaekahana State Recreation Area is good for birdwatchers.
πŸ”₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots Kaimana Beach has designated areas for bonfires.

Other Services and Amenities

πŸ“¦ Parcel Delivery Service FedEx and UPS services are available.
πŸ› οΈ Tech Repair Services uBreakiFix offers repair services in multiple locations.
πŸ“ Table Tennis Spots Community centers like the YMCA host ping pong facilities.
πŸ§‘β€πŸ« Language Classes Learn Hawaiian and other languages through local institutions.
πŸ“š Libraries & Study Spots The Hawaii State Library is a great place for studying.
🏘️ Community Centers The Honolulu Community Service Center offers various activities.
πŸ•ΉοΈ Gaming Lounges Gamer's Paradise Hawaii is a popular venue for video gaming.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls Waikiki often features gaming areas in hotel resorts.

Business

🏒 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $600,000 per m².
🏒 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $450,000 per m².
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $700,000 per m².
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $550,000 per m².
🏑 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $850,000 per m².
🏑 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $650,000 per m².
πŸ’Ό Corporate Tax 6.4% for corporations in Hawaii.
πŸ’΅ Dividend Withholding Tax Hawaii does not have a dividend withholding tax.
🏦 Tax System State tax system is based on a progressive income tax.
πŸ“ˆ Highest Income Tax Bracket Highest bracket is 11%.
🧾 VAT State General Excise Tax at 4% applies.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, Hawaii follows federal guidelines regarding CFC.
🏠 Property Tax Real property tax based on assessed value.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax 2% estimated for property transactions in the state.