A lot of people consider Hawaii to be an off gridders paradise, although this is far from the truth. Don’t get me wrong, Hawaii is probably one of the most beautiful places in the world, living off the grid is possible but you will need to make some serious sacrifices. The local climate is relatively ok for off grid living, although the soil in this state is not that fertile and most people have a hard time growing crops.
The best places to live off the grid in Hawaii are the ones where the population density is relatively low and the cost of living is bearable. Generally speaking the best places for off grid living and homesteading are in Hawaii County, more specifically in the southern and central parts of the county.
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From an off grid living perspective, there are two main problems in Hawaii, mainly the cost of living and the cost of land and property. The cost of living is one of the highest in the entire country, mostly because everything has to be imported and as it is a tourist destination this makes living as frugally as possible extremely difficult. If you want to live as frugally as possible in Hawaii then get used to eating canned foods, especially SPAM.
In addition to the high cost of living and the high cost of property you have to worry about natural disasters, Hawaii has several active volcanoes, and as this state is made up of a few islands tsunamis and massive storms can occur fairly regularly.
Although Hawaii is not an ideal state for off grid living, there are still a couple of places where you will have an easier time living off the grid. As Hawaii only has 5 counties, I will focus on different areas of these counties, mostly because the possibility to live off the grid will be different from one area of a specific county to another. If you want more information about off grid living in this state then check out my recent article Off grid living in Hawaii ( The Aloha State ).
Best Places To Live Off The Grid In Hawaii
Hawaii offers some of the most enchanting and captivating places to live off the grid. The island’s pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and breathtaking volcanic landscapes create a paradise for those seeking a self-sustaining lifestyle. Areas like the Big Island, particularly Puna District and North Kohala, provide fertile land, abundant rainfall, and a close-knit community of like-minded individuals.
Maui’s remote regions, such as Hana and Upcountry, offer a serene and picturesque setting with opportunities for sustainable agriculture and renewable energy. Additionally, the tranquil island of Kauai, including areas like Hanalei and North Shore, provides a tropical haven for off-grid living, surrounded by stunning coastlines and verdant valleys.
Hawaii County
Hawaii County is the largest county in the state, although the population density is relatively low, currently, there are around 200k people living in an area of 4,028 sq mi. The cost of living and the cost of property in Hawaii County is the lowest in the entire state. Your best options for off grid living are in the southern and in the central parts of the county as the population density is relatively low in these areas. If you want to grow some crops or vegetables in this state then you will need to use compost, for more information check out my recent article How to make compost at home step by step ( In 12 Steps ).
Honolulu County
Honolulu County has the highest population density in the entire state, and you will have some difficulty finding suitable land for off grid living. Currently, there are around 945k people living in an area of 597 sq mi, which means that the cost of living and the cost of property in Honolulu County is the highest in the entire state. Your best options for off grid living are in the northern and in central parts of the county as the population density is relatively low here.
Kalawao County
You can simply not live off the grid in Kalawao County as the county is the smallest in the entire state, currently, there are around 86 people living in an area of 5.2 sq mi. The county is home to the Kalawao village and simply put most people are not allowed to live in this area. If you want to know how to go off the grid online then check out my recent article How to go off the grid online ( In 9 Easy Steps ).
Kauai County
Kauai County is located in the northern part of the state, the population density is relatively high as there are around 70k people living in an area of 622 sq mi. Kauai County is made up of two islands, Kauai Island and Niihau Island. Your best options for off grid living will be in Niihau Island and in the northern parts of Kauai Island. Just keep in mind that the cost of land is relatively low in this county but the cost of living is significantly higher, as almost everything has to be flown or shipped in.
Maui County
Maui County is made up of 4 islands and for the most part, you can live off the grid on every island in Maui County. The population density is relatively high as there are around 170k people living in an area of 1,120 sq mi, although most of the population lives on Maui Island. Your best options for living off the grid will be in the southern parts of Maui Island, and in the western parts of Molokai Island.
Lanai Island can be also an excellent place for off grid living, currently, there are around 3k people living on the island. Kahoolawe Island has 0 permanent population as this island has been used as a bombing site by the US army and this is also a volcanic island.
Key Takeaways
- Hawaii’s location in the Pacific Ocean provides abundant opportunities for off-grid living with renewable energy sources. The state receives ample sunlight, making it ideal for solar power generation. Additionally, Hawaii’s strong trade winds make it a great location for wind turbines, offering another renewable energy option for off-grid residents.
- Hawaii’s lush landscapes and volcanic soil provide fertile ground for agriculture. Off-grid residents can take advantage of the state’s diverse climate zones to grow a wide variety of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs. With access to fresh water sources and the ability to implement sustainable irrigation practices, residents can create self-sufficient food systems.
- Hawaii has a strong culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship, making it a welcoming place for off-grid living. The state is home to various eco-conscious communities and individuals who prioritize self-sufficiency and sustainable practices. Engaging with these communities can provide valuable knowledge, support, and a sense of community for those pursuing an off-grid lifestyle in Hawaii.
