If you are looking for an exotic place to work remotely from, Hawaii, whilst not as inexpensive as locations such as Bali and Costa Rica, is a fantastic place to work from. If Hawaii interests you here is our guide to working as a digital nomad from Hawaii.
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Our Experience & Thoughts on Working from Waikiki
Waking up and realizing that you are indeed in Waikiki in Hawaii, felt quite surreal to me for the first week or so, as I had dreamed for so many years of visiting the Hawaiian Islands.
With its stunning beaches and picturesque views, Waikiki offers a unique mixture of modern amenities and traditional island culture.
As a nomad, I found it was not cheap. However, by staying in an Airbnb and being not too wild with money, it is possible to work from here for one or two months and have a great cultural experience.
Waikiki is now one of the most popular destinations in Hawaii for digital nomads and remote workers. With its easy access to transportation, Waikiki makes it easy to get around the city and explore nearby attractions. Waikiki is also home to some of the best restaurants and bars in Hawaii.
For remote workers looking for a break from work, Waikiki offers plenty of things to do. If you’re looking for adventure, for example, Waikiki offers plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking and zip-lining through the rainforest.
3 Best Coworking Spaces
Hawaii offers the perfect balance between work and play.
The coworking scene on the islands is growing rapidly, with coworking spaces popping up all over the state, and here are some of the best.
1. Cowork808
Located in Honolulu, cowork808 is a coworking space that caters to the tech and creative communities.
With high-speed internet, modern furniture, multiple meeting rooms, and various amenities like bike storage and showers, cowork808 offers you everything you’ll need as a digital nomad.
You can access the coworking 24h/7, which is extremely useful if you are working European office hours.
2. Impact Hub Honolulu
(Located at: 1050 Queen St Suite 100, Honolulu)
My favorite coworking in Hawaii. Very friendly staff, great atmosphere, pleasant workspace, and perfect for getting work done whilst in Hawaii.
I met some cool people through this coworking space. It is also open 24/7 and has meeting rooms and everything you are likely to need.
It’s a great place for networking and working, and it is a great choice.
>> Impact Hub
3. BoxJelly
(Located at: 1200 Ala Moana Blvd 2nd Floor, Honolulu)
One of the most well-known coworking spaces in Hawaii, BoxJelly is another excellent option if you are looking for a remote working location in Hawaii.
It’s in a great location and there’s a really good vibe here. Lovely place to work from, great staff, and they have a coffee shop so getting coffee is easy.
They also now have a second location in Honolulu on 643 Ilalo Street.
Choosing Which Hawaiian Island to Stay on
Each of the Hawaiian islands offers something different and each has its own charm, so it is not always easy to decide.
As a digital nomad though, you might well find that it is far easier to stick to Oahu (for your main base) so you are close to lots of facilities, the airport, and the main bars, restaurants, and places where you can socialize and meet other nomads.
Oahu is home to Honolulu as well as some of the best beaches in the world like Waikiki Beach. It’s also a popular destination for watersports like surfing, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Kauai is known for its lush greenery and rugged coastline; it’s an ideal destination for nature lovers. If you enjoy hiking, you will find plenty of trails to explore that lead through breathtaking valleys, up mountainsides, and along the coastline.
Molokai is a great choice if you are looking to get away from the tourist areas.
It’s the least populated and most rural island in Hawaii.
Rather than using a coworking space, your best option on Molokai would be to rent an Airbnb and work from the accommodation.
Maui is an excellent destination for beachgoers as well as outdoor adventurers who want to explore its hidden secrets like Haleakala National Park or take part in exciting activities like zip lining through tropical forests.
Lastly, the Big Island of Hawaii is perhaps the most diverse of all the islands.
Its active volcanoes, beaches, and tropical rainforests make it a great place for you to explore.
What I recommend as a digital nomad is staying on Oahu and then do separate trips to discover and explore Maui, and the Big Island.
Cost of Living for Digital Nomads in Waikiki
With all its beauty comes a cost.
So yes, the cost of living in Waikiki is quite high compared to other areas in Hawaii, and even other parts of Hawaii are expensive compared to if you, for example, chose to work from Bali (a popular location for digital nomads).
Airbnb – You can find accommodation from around $1,900 per month in Waikiki.
Outside of Waikiki though you can rent an apartment much cheaper, i.e. closer to $1,200 a month so location is key in your decision.
If you plan to take public transportation to get around Waikiki, the cost is also quite high.
Bus fares can range from $2.50 to $5. A monthly pass that covers the entire island will cost you around $60.
If you plan to buy and cook your own food, make sure to take advantage of the fresh and inexpensive produce at the local farmers’ markets.
Although the cost of living in Waikiki is higher than in other parts of Hawaii, it’s a place that is unique!
The cost may be high, but spending a few months in Waikiki or another part of Hawaii will probably be worth it.
Best Months to Visit Hawaii
If you’re looking for an ideal time to visit when the temperature is mild, April to June and September to mid-December are great times to go.
During this period, you’ll be able to experience fewer crowds, cheaper accommodation prices, and plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and swimming.
If you’re looking for a hot time with less rain, then July and August are when you’ll find the highest temperatures.
It’s peak season but it also means more crowds, events, and activities to enjoy such as music festivals, farmers’ markets, and surfing competitions.
It’s important to remember that Hawaii is a tropical destination so, while some areas can experience rain all year round, most of the islands have a wet and dry season.
If you’re looking to visit when there is less rain, then the ideal time would be from May to October when rainfall is low.
Overall, no matter when you decide to visit Hawaii, you’ll be sure to experience beautiful weather and breathtaking scenery all year round.
Food in Hawaii and What to Expect
In Hawaii, food is an integral part of the culture and lifestyle.
Local dishes reflect the diverse background of people living on the islands, as well as ingredients that are unique to this region.
From classic Hawaiian favorites like poke and laulau, to fusion dishes featuring local flavors and traditional cooking techniques.
The signature dish of Hawaii is undoubtedly poke (pronounced ‘poh-kay’). Poke is made with cubed fish marinated in a blend of sauces such as soy sauce and sesame oil, then served over rice or noodles.
Another classic island dish is laulau, which consists of pork, chicken, and salted butterfish wrapped in taro leaves before being steamed. It’s sometimes served with poi (mashed taro) or Hawaiian sweet potatoes.
The islands also offer a variety of fusion dishes that incorporate traditional Hawaiian flavors into other cuisines.
Plate lunches are an example of this, consisting of two scoops of rice as well as macaroni salad and your choice of meats such as kalua pork, teriyaki beef, or mahi-mahi fish.
Given that Hawaii is an island, do not be surprised at the number of fish dishes. If you love to eat fish then you’ll probably love Hawaii!
7 Attractions Worth Visiting in Hawaii
Here are twelve of the best attractions to see in Hawaii.
1. Pearl Harbor
This historic site is home to the USS Arizona Memorial, where you can pay your respects to those who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
>> Guide tours of Pearl Harbor
2. Polynesian Cultural Center
Located on Oahu’s North Shore, this center celebrates the traditions and cultures of Hawaii’s Polynesian heritage with hands-on activities and educational programs.
This is an excellent attraction and is one that I recommend making the effort to visit, as it is a great way to learn something cultural about Hawaii.
>> Learn more and find tickets
3. Diamond Head State Monument
You can visit and enter Diamond Head and use the summit trail and it only costs a small park entrance fee. Otherwise, you might want to consider the full-day Oahu tour that includes Diamond Head.
The attraction is located near Waikiki Beach, and this iconic landmark is perhaps the most recognizable spot in Hawaii, which offers breathtaking views of Honolulu from its summit.
4. Haleakala National Park
Home to an active volcano that last erupted in 1790, this park offers a unique glimpse into Hawaiian culture and history.
The views from its summit are simply breathtaking.
5. Iao Valley State Park
Home to one of Hawaii’s most famous landmarks, this picturesque park is filled with lush green valleys and towering waterfalls.
It’s the perfect spot to explore nature and take in some spectacular views.
6. Hanauma Bay
One of Oahu’s most popular attractions, this protected bay offers crystal clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling and exploring the colorful array of marine life that inhabits its reefs.
A stunning location that I loved and you probably will too.
7. Kalalau Trail
This stunning 11-mile hike is located on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast and offers you an unforgettable journey that you can hike through a rugged coastline of sea cliffs, waterfalls, and lush valleys.
More Beach Coworking Ideas
If you are searching for coastal and beach locations where you can work from as a digital nomad, make sure also to read this post:
Hawaii Travel Resources
I have been traveling for many years and have come to use a lot of travel sites and resources for booking my trips. They represent the companies that I often use and have served me well and they are the first ones I use when booking new trips.
- Booking.com – they tend to provide very competitive prices and the reviews are easy to view, and they normally have something available wherever in the world I am going to. They also now provide airport transfers, local attractions, and flights.
- Safety Wing Travel Insurance – Safety Wing has become one of the leaders in travel insurance, especially for remote workers and digital nomads as they provide cover that includes for long-term stays.
- Get Your Guide – is the site on which I normally book tours (I love to visit the local sports stadia, aquarium, royal palace, and some cultural attractions). With get Your Guide they have excellent customer support and have a wide range of tours.
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