Who’s Moving To and From Hawaii?
In the latest Census data (2022), Hawaii lost about 8,595 more residents to other states than it gained — a net outflow. More people leave for California than arrive from anywhere else, and the largest inbound stream comes from California.
Top states moving into Hawaii
- California 12,370
- Texas 4,412
- Washington 4,313
- Virginia 3,849
- Nevada 2,331
Where Hawaii residents move
- California 10,929
- Texas 7,537
- Washington 5,291
- Nevada 3,661
- Florida 3,574
Net interstate migration: -8,595 more people left than arrived (vs. the other 49 states).
Source: US Census Bureau, ACS State-to-State Migration Flows · as of 2022 · methodology
Where Hawaii residents go: the biggest destinations are California, Texas and Washington. The single largest stream runs to California — about 10,929 people in a year. In total, roughly 64,357 residents left Hawaii for another state, versus about 55,762 who moved in.
Who moves to Hawaii: the largest inbound flows come from California, Texas and Washington, led by California with about 12,370 arrivals. These corridors tend to reflect geography, job markets, and — increasingly — the gap in taxes and cost of living between the two states.
Why people leave: Hawaii's outflow fits the national pattern of residents moving from higher-cost, higher-tax states toward cheaper, lower-tax ones. With a state income tax (1.4%–11.0%) and an above-average cost of living, the math of moving can be worth a meaningful raise in purchasing power — which is exactly what many of the top destinations offer.
Thinking about joining one of these moves? The honest comparison is your full tax-and-cost picture, not one line of it. A move between Hawaii and California can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare Hawaii with any state in the comparison tool, check your take-home pay and cost of living, or see the national picture in the states Americans are fleeing and the state rankings.
Frequently asked questions
- Are people leaving Hawaii?
- On net, yes — Hawaii loses more residents to other states than it gains, a net outflow of about 8,595 in 2022. The most leave for California.
- Which state do most people move to from Hawaii?
- California is the top destination for people leaving Hawaii, with about 10,929 moves in the latest year, followed by Texas and Washington.
- Which states do people move to Hawaii from?
- The largest inbound flows to Hawaii come from California, Texas and Washington, led by California with about 12,370 arrivals.