Moving to Hawaii

Planning a Move to Hawaii

The basics to get you started...

Before you move, visit the island and area you want to move to – find the location and neighborhood and get a feel for the community. Try to get a good idea of what the climate and weather are like for that area, and be sure to visit at night to get a glimpse of what it's like after dark. Overall, you want a solid picture of the area you'll call home. The diverse geography of each island dramatically affects the climate and weather – which should be essential for you to consider in your search. For example, living on any island's windward (northeast) side is not your best choice if you don't like the rain or the wind.

You'll also want to talk to other people living on the island to help determine the best location for you. Forming meaningful, authentic relationships in Hawaii is everything, and the sooner you can start making connections and developing friends, the better.

OK, first reality check: Hawaii is the most expensive state in the country, with a 2023 cost of living nearly twice the national average. MIT's Living Wage Calculator for a couple with two children to live in Hawaii; each adult needs to make over $30 per hour. Hawaii also has the 2nd highest effective income tax rate.

Malihini (newcomers) to the islands are generally not taken very seriously in their first year because many return to the mainland not long after arrival. In classic Catch-22 fashion, this may affect getting a job, getting a reasonable price on an apartment, and many other things. This isn't meant to discourage you but to keep things realistic when moving to the state.

One significant-- and often overlooked-- factor is the cost of food. Since the vast majority of food is imported, it costs much more than it would on the mainland. Larger supermarkets like Wal-Mart and Costco tend to have more "reasonable" prices, but you can still expect anything and everything to be at least slightly more expensive than usual. 

Renting vs. Buying

Both options have their benefits. Suppose you are in a position to purchase a home in Hawaii and are confident that you are ready to make the move. In that case, you will immediately step into the stability and security of homeownership. Quality rentals can be hard to find and often need to offer the long-term safety and flexibility of owning your home. On the other hand, renting for the initial time you plan to move here allows you to get a feel for the islands and ensure this is the place you truly want to call home. Renting also allows you time to thoroughly research neighborhoods and visit many properties for sale as you transition to home ownership. Renting is standard on the islands. About 40% of residents rent. You will be one of many looking for a good deal. 

Rental prices vary from island to island, and we've included an estimate of each island's costs below in each island's descriptive section. Generally, expect to spend much more in Hawaii than on the mainland. If you're from a major urban city on the mainland, the price might not give you a sticker shock compared to what you're paying now, but for most mainlanders, the price is surprising. The average rent in Hawaii is the highest in the US at $2,399 monthly. Asking rent for a typical unit is significantly higher than this, averaging $2,850. Of course, you can find options below the average cost - but even for a single person in a studio, paying less than four figures will be hard, if possible.   

The costs of living in Hawaii often mean that renters work multiple jobs to make ends meet. This is another reality check moment. This may sound like a minor deal but think long-term. Are you prepared to work multiple jobs for months or years to make ends meet? Hawaii isn't all sun and fun when you live here – and this reality check is something you strongly need to be aware of. Living here isn't cheap, and housing is just the start. Groceries, insurance, health costs, etc., are also much higher here than in most places on the mainland. A study last year showed that Hawaii renters spend about half their income on rent, another roughly 10% on health insurance, and another 13.7% on childcare. This leaves less than 30% of their income on bills, food, gas, etc.  

Lastly, if you're wondering when to move, we suggest doing so between March and May or from August through October, as fewer tourists are on the island(s) at these times, and the weather is ideal for moving. Additionally, flights, rental rates, and accommodations are more affordable.

Other Factors to Consider

Be sure to research crime in the various areas of the island you choose. Also, be very aware of the condition of the education system in Hawaii. Some will frown upon our opinion here because it's not politically correct. Still, if you have keiki (children), you'll likely consider private schooling. This, of course, is costly. We also want to advise people about the pests here, particularly centipedes and other bugs. Expect them in Hawaii regularly. To cover the other basics, the book, "So You Want to Live in Hawaii" by Toni Polancy is a good read. It provides infinitely greater detail about all the miscellaneous particulars we can't discuss here.

What to Ship and What to Sell Back Home?

Our best advice when moving to Hawaii: Keep things as simple and minimalistic as possible. Sell what you can back home, and come with as few possessions as humanly possible. Furnished apartments are typical here because many owners use them as rentals. To bring all of your furniture etc., is a waste of money. In some cases, even parts of your wardrobe won't be needed (depending on the island) – so only bring the clothes you'll need for the island in question. Remember that if you can't ship it to Hawaii in a box (UPS, FedEx, or USPS), you'll probably have to rent a pod or crate and have it shipped to the islands (which can take a while, depending on your location). The only significant item we often recommend people ship is their car. You can send your automobile here at around $1,500-$2,100. Since public transportation is practically non-existent outside of Oahu, you'll need a car in Hawaii.

If you're bringing your pets, then be forewarned the policies for importing pets are very strict here. Plan far in advance on this and be prepared to have a quarantine period for most pets if they are not entirely up-to-date on their vaccinations and you haven't kept meticulous vet records.

Moving to Hawaii - Final Thoughts

So that’s living here in a nutshell. We hope this article has provided valuable insight into what it’s like to live in Hawaii. Remember, "Be prepared" should always be your motto when moving here. Doing your homework and knowing as much as possible will pay off in the long run. Your move is an exciting and fun time, but it should also be done with caution and realistic expectations, or else you may be one of the hundreds who move back to the mainland each year. Hawaii is a paradise for many reasons, but it’s also a difficult place to live for most because of the economy.

Mahalo, and the best of luck in planning your move to the beautiful islands of Hawaii! 

Read our Moving to Hawaii Checklist article for even more moving to Hawaii tips.