Hawaii isn’t just postcard beaches and overpriced coffee—if you’ve got a college degree, the islands are one of the better places to turn that credential into a paycheck that actually lets you live there without a second job. There are many great Hawaii jobs. The state’s economy has settled after the tourism rollercoaster, unemployment is around 3.2 %, and employers are paying strong wages because the talent pool is small and living costs (especially housing) are sky-high. Honolulu dominates, but Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island have solid opportunities too. Here are six great Hawaii jobs that are hiring right now for people with bachelor’s degrees or higher—and a few real notes from folks who actually live and work on the islands.
1. Software Engineer / Developer
Average pay: $105k–$145k
Honolulu’s tech scene is small but growing fast. Hawaiian Airlines, First Hawaiian Bank, Hawaii Pacific Health (IT team), and defense contractors like Booz Allen Hamilton’s Hawaii office need people who can build cloud systems, mobile apps, or backend services. CS, computer engineering, or software-related degrees are the entry ticket to these great Hawaii jobs.
Why it’s strong: Many roles are fully remote or hybrid, so you can live on Maui or the Big Island and still collect mainland-level pay.
Hot spots: Honolulu (Kakaako and downtown), with remote options statewide.
Names hiring: Hawaiian Telcom, Hawaii Pacific Health, Paubox, and smaller dev shops tied to tourism tech.
Friend in Kailua: “I make Bay Area money but I surf at lunch and my rent is split with roommates. It’s worth the trade-offs.”
2. Registered Nurse (BSN)
Average pay: $95k–$130k + big sign-on bonuses
Queen’s Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, and the Hawaii Pacific Health system are in a constant nurse shortage. Travel contracts have cooled, so permanent positions are paying what travelers used to make.
Why it’s great money: Hawaii has some of the highest RN wages in the country because of cost of living and shortages. Many hospitals offer relocation help and housing stipends.
Best bets: Queen’s in Honolulu, Maui Memorial, Hilo Medical Center, or Wilcox on Kauai.
3. Civil / Environmental Engineer
Average pay: $85k–$120k
Infrastructure upgrades (roads, water systems, renewable energy projects) are constant. Firms like AECOM, SSFM, and the state DOT need engineers who can design and manage projects in a place where weather and geography make everything more complicated.
Why it’s hot: The state’s climate-resilience push and federal infrastructure dollars mean steady work for these great Hawaii jobs. Many roles qualify for PSLF if you go public or nonprofit.
4. Financial Analyst / Accountant
Average pay: $75k–$105k
Honolulu’s finance community is anchored by banks, insurance, and tourism operators. A finance, accounting, or econ degree gets you interviews at places that need budgeting, forecasting, and compliance work.
Why it’s solid: Starting pay is strong for the region, and the CPA or CFA actually accelerates raises.
5. Hospitality / Tourism Management
Average pay: $70k–$110k (higher with bonuses)
The visitor industry is back and bigger than ever. Resorts, airlines, and cruise lines need people who can manage operations, revenue, or guest experience. Business, hospitality, or tourism-management degrees are preferred.
Why it’s hot: Perks include free/discounted travel, housing stipends on some properties, and bonuses tied to occupancy.
6. High School Teacher – Math, Science, SpEd
Average pay: $60k–$85k + loan forgiveness & housing help for these great Hawaii jobs
Hawaii DOE is still short teachers, especially in STEM and special ed. Honolulu, Maui, and the Big Island districts are offering signing bonuses and relocation help.
Why people stay: Smaller class sizes, beautiful campuses, and you’re off by 3:00 with summers to surf or hike Volcanoes National Park.
How to Actually Land One of These Great Hawaii Jobs
- Put “open to relocation to Hawaii” or “willing to move to Oahu/Maui” in your LinkedIn headline—recruiters search that phrase every day.
- Focus your Indeed search on Hawaii.
- Tailor your resume to show cost-of-living awareness (they love candidates who understand the islands aren’t cheap).
- Network at Hawaii Chamber events or the Honolulu Tech Meetups—small scene, big impact.
I’ve watched friends trade mainland stress for island life, and most say the same thing: the pay is good, the lifestyle is better, and the view never gets old. Great Hawaii jobs aren’t everywhere, but they’re real, they’re growing, and there’s still space for more.
If any of this feels like your next chapter, stop scrolling and start looking at earning your degree.