Biggest sources of immigrants to Honolulu
Written by:
February 9, 2021
PIxabay
Biggest sources of immigrants to Honolulu
Nearly 14% of the United States population is composed of immigrants. But in reality, the vast majority of Americans today are here because of relatives who immigrated from other countries some time in the last several hundred years.
And while the distinctive American culture and spirit is the result of blending many diverse cultures and histories, the United States has for centuries had an up-and-down relationship with immigration.
Each era of immigration has been met with reductive ideas and resistance, whether the backlash was directed toward the Chinese, Irish, Italians, or Mexicans. Immigration laws have targeted specific groups at various times, stoking intolerance and preventing people from truly joining American society. Over time, however, as laws changed to be more equitable and immigrants found their footings, we have reaped the rewards of innovation in business, music, art, literature, dance, food, societal norms, entertainment, and sports—all while realizing a greater understanding of and respect for different cultures, religions, and ideas.
Stacker compiled a list of the countries most immigrants to Honolulu come from, using data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Countries are ranked by highest number of foreign-born residents who lived in Honolulu as of 2019’s five-year estimates.
Keep reading to find out more about the immigrant community in your home city.
1 / 50
Falkenpost // Pixabay
#50. Cuba
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 125
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 1,289,875
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.9%
- #7 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 125
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 1,289,875
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.9%
- #7 most common country of origin
2 / 50
ZGPhotography // Shutterstock
#49. Hungary
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 127
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 65,873
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #77 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 127
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 65,873
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #77 most common country of origin
3 / 50
Pedro Szekely // Flickr
#48. Portugal
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 129
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 171,118
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #44 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 129
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 171,118
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #44 most common country of origin
4 / 50
GoodFreePhotos
#47. Bulgaria
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 143
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 69,765
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #75 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 143
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 69,765
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #75 most common country of origin
5 / 50
neshom // Pixabay
#46. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 147
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 103,938
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #57 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 147
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 103,938
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #57 most common country of origin
6 / 50
Michael Shade // Wikicommons
#44 (tie). Ecuador
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 154
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 438,474
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #19 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 154
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 438,474
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #19 most common country of origin
7 / 50
Unsplash
#44 (tie). Ukraine
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 154
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 345,250
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #28 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 154
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 345,250
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #28 most common country of origin
8 / 50
Pawel Kazmierczak // Shutterstock
#43. Grenada
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 164
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 34,782
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #99 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 164
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 34,782
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #99 most common country of origin
9 / 50
SL-Photography // Shutterstock
#42. Panama
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 168
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 103,299
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #58 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 168
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 103,299
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #58 most common country of origin
10 / 50
Kendra Helmer // Wikimedia Commons
#41. Haiti
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 175
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 672,655
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
- #15 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 175
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 672,655
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.5%
- #15 most common country of origin
11 / 50
Pixabay
#40. Switzerland
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 179
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 37,943
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #95 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 179
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 37,943
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #95 most common country of origin
12 / 50
Evgeniya Uvarova // Shutterstock
#39. Argentina
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 184
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 194,435
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #39 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 184
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 194,435
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #39 most common country of origin
13 / 50
Cheng Qian // Unsplash
#38. Burma
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 197
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 147,573
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #47 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 197
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 147,573
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #47 most common country of origin
14 / 50
Kalamazadkhan // Wikicommons
#37. Trinidad and Tobago
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 210
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 230,035
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
- #37 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 210
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 230,035
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
- #37 most common country of origin
15 / 50
trezordia // Shutterstock
#36. Sweden
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 242
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 47,286
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #85 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 242
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 47,286
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #85 most common country of origin
16 / 50
Pixabay
#35. Dominican Republic
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 261
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 1,118,147
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.5%
- #8 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 261
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 1,118,147
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.5%
- #8 most common country of origin
17 / 50
Maksym Kozlenko // Wikimedia Commons
#34. Fiji
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 263
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 47,004
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #86 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 263
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 47,004
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #86 most common country of origin
18 / 50
Madrugada Verde // Shutterstock
#33. Sri Lanka
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 269
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 52,439
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #83 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 269
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 52,439
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #83 most common country of origin
19 / 50
Ninara // Wikimedia Commons
#32. Iran
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 272
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 382,260
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #23 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 272
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 382,260
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #23 most common country of origin
20 / 50
Vixit // Shutterstock
#31. Nepal
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 275
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 140,904
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #49 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 275
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 140,904
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #49 most common country of origin
21 / 50
HandmadePictures // Shutterstock
#30. South Africa
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 280
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 104,022
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #56 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 280
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
National
- Number of residents: 104,022
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #56 most common country of origin
22 / 50
Nahlik // Shutterstock
#29. Poland
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 293
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
National
- Number of residents: 410,841
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #21 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 293
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
National
- Number of residents: 410,841
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #21 most common country of origin
23 / 50
Christian Vinces // Shutterstock
#28. Peru
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 330
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
National
- Number of residents: 451,076
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #18 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 330
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
National
- Number of residents: 451,076
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #18 most common country of origin
24 / 50
byvalet // Shutterstock
#27. Jamaica
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 342
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
National
- Number of residents: 741,386
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #13 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 342
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
National
- Number of residents: 741,386
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #13 most common country of origin
25 / 50
Vannrith Va // Unsplash
#26. Cambodia
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 350
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
National
- Number of residents: 151,066
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #46 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 350
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
National
- Number of residents: 151,066
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
- #46 most common country of origin
26 / 50
Tupungato // Shutterstock
#25. France
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 358
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
National
- Number of residents: 181,554
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #41 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 358
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
National
- Number of residents: 181,554
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #41 most common country of origin
27 / 50
Sean Hsu // Shutterstock
#24. Singapore
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 361
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
National
- Number of residents: 34,014
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #101 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 361
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
National
- Number of residents: 34,014
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #101 most common country of origin
28 / 50
Pixabay
#23. Italy
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 363
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
National
- Number of residents: 332,857
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #30 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 363
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
National
- Number of residents: 332,857
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #30 most common country of origin
29 / 50
Creativa Images // Shutterstock
#22. Indonesia
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 380
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
National
- Number of residents: 96,229
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #62 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 380
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
National
- Number of residents: 96,229
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #62 most common country of origin
30 / 50
agchinook // Shutterstock
#21. Venezuela
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 382
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
National
- Number of residents: 349,720
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #27 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 382
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
National
- Number of residents: 349,720
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #27 most common country of origin
31 / 50
Viacheslav Lopatin // Shutterstock
#20. Russia
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 438
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
National
- Number of residents: 391,641
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #22 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 438
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
National
- Number of residents: 391,641
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #22 most common country of origin
32 / 50
GoodFreePhotos
#19. Malaysia
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 477
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
National
- Number of residents: 76,521
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #74 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 477
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
National
- Number of residents: 76,521
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #74 most common country of origin
33 / 50
Catarina Belova // Shutterstock
#18. Brazil
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 644
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 433,479
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #20 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 644
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 433,479
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
- #20 most common country of origin
34 / 50
Alexander Canas Arango // Shutterstock
#17. Colombia
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 659
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 761,374
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #12 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 659
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.3%
National
- Number of residents: 761,374
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.7%
- #12 most common country of origin
35 / 50
Simon // Pixabay
#16. Australia
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 823
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 92,483
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #64 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 823
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 92,483
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.2%
- #64 most common country of origin
36 / 50
Pascal Müller // Unsplash
#15. Laos
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 840
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 181,546
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #42 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 840
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
National
- Number of residents: 181,546
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.4%
- #42 most common country of origin
37 / 50
User:Colin // Wikimedia Commons
#14. United Kingdom
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,076
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 698,612
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
- #14 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,076
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 698,612
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.6%
- #14 most common country of origin
38 / 50
Kriangkrai Thitimakorn // Shutterstock
#13. India
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,183
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 2,561,906
- Percent of foreign born residents: 5.8%
- #2 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,183
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
National
- Number of residents: 2,561,906
- Percent of foreign born residents: 5.8%
- #2 most common country of origin
39 / 50
Max Pixel
#12. Germany
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,577
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 560,368
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.3%
- #17 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,577
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
National
- Number of residents: 560,368
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.3%
- #17 most common country of origin
40 / 50
Jakub Hejtmánek // Wikicommons
#11. Mexico
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,694
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 11,250,541
- Percent of foreign born residents: 25.6%
- #1 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,694
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 11,250,541
- Percent of foreign born residents: 25.6%
- #1 most common country of origin
41 / 50
Unsplash
#10. Canada
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,796
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 808,566
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.8%
- #11 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,796
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
National
- Number of residents: 808,566
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.8%
- #11 most common country of origin
42 / 50
Jack Bkk // Shutterstock
#9. Thailand
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 1,915
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
National
- Number of residents: 255,345
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
- #32 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 1,915
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.0%
National
- Number of residents: 255,345
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.6%
- #32 most common country of origin
43 / 50
PIxabay
#8. Taiwan
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 2,777
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.4%
National
- Number of residents: 381,098
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #24 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 2,777
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.4%
National
- Number of residents: 381,098
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.9%
- #24 most common country of origin
44 / 50
Diego Delso // Wikimedia Commons
#7. Hong Kong
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 3,643
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.9%
National
- Number of residents: 231,275
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
- #36 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 3,643
- Percent of foreign born residents: 1.9%
National
- Number of residents: 231,275
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.5%
- #36 most common country of origin
45 / 50
Abasaa // Wikimedia Commons
#6. Micronesia
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 8,305
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.3%
National
- Number of residents: 28,315
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #109 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 8,305
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.3%
National
- Number of residents: 28,315
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.1%
- #109 most common country of origin
46 / 50
Quangpraha // Pixabay
#5. Vietnam
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 8,427
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.3%
National
- Number of residents: 1,336,988
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.0%
- #6 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 8,427
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.3%
National
- Number of residents: 1,336,988
- Percent of foreign born residents: 3.0%
- #6 most common country of origin
47 / 50
Kys951 // Wikimedia Commons
#4. South Korea
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 15,992
- Percent of foreign born residents: 8.2%
National
- Number of residents: 1,044,634
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.4%
- #9 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 15,992
- Percent of foreign born residents: 8.2%
National
- Number of residents: 1,044,634
- Percent of foreign born residents: 2.4%
- #9 most common country of origin
48 / 50
Sean Pavone // Shutterstock
#3. China
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 17,177
- Percent of foreign born residents: 8.9%
National
- Number of residents: 2,162,395
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.9%
- #3 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 17,177
- Percent of foreign born residents: 8.9%
National
- Number of residents: 2,162,395
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.9%
- #3 most common country of origin
49 / 50
Unsplash
#2. Japan
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 19,733
- Percent of foreign born residents: 10.2%
National
- Number of residents: 345,140
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #29 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 19,733
- Percent of foreign born residents: 10.2%
National
- Number of residents: 345,140
- Percent of foreign born residents: 0.8%
- #29 most common country of origin
50 / 50
Joseph Oropel // Shutterstock
#1. Philippines
Urban Honolulu, HI Metro Area
- Number of residents: 83,468
- Percent of foreign born residents: 43.0%
National
- Number of residents: 1,983,939
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.5%
- #4 most common country of origin
- Number of residents: 83,468
- Percent of foreign born residents: 43.0%
National
- Number of residents: 1,983,939
- Percent of foreign born residents: 4.5%
- #4 most common country of origin
