Moving to Hawaii: What You Need to Know
If you've ever had the pleasure of vacationing in Hawaii, you know why the Aloha State is such a special place. From breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean to the sunny, breezy weather and the calming tropical vibes, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make the move from the mainland U.S.A. to Hawaii.
However, moving to Hawaii isn't as straightforward as moving across state lines in the contiguous U.S. If you're considering making the permanent journey to Hawaii, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about moving to and living in this paradise.
When you're ready to make the trek to Hawaii, quickly get a quote on U-Box Containers to help you prepare.
5 Things to Know Before Moving to Hawaii
1. Slower Pace
If you live in a major city, you're probably used to the fast pace and “hustle and bustle” lifestyle. In Hawaii, it’s quite the opposite. No, speed limits aren’t slower or anything like that. But people here tend to live a slow-paced, laid-back lifestyle. There’s no need to rush, even in the workplace.
Depending on your perspective, this could be a welcome change, or something that takes some getting used to. Just keep in mind that the Native Hawaiians are very particular about this aspect of island life and will be quick to remind you to slow down if you’re rushing them.
2. Island Fever
If you've never experienced life on an island, you may not be familiar with the term "island fever.” This phenomenon refers to the feeling of being confined to an island, with no possibility of a spontaneous road trip or quick getaway. You’re “stuck.” While some people are more prone to this than others, it is a common occurrence for those who did not grow up on an island. Maybe it’s not the worst thing in the world, but something to be aware of, that’s for sure.
3. Cultural Differences
As a newcomer, you should be prepared for more than a little culture shock. In Hawaii, that comes in the form of a community-oriented way of life that prioritizes family, friends and respecting the natural world, rather than material things. Taking time to be a community member rather than prioritizing yourself will go a long way with your new neighbors.
However, don’t be surprised if you’re not welcomed with open arms at first. Although Hawaiian people are friendly by nature, it may take time for locals to warm up to new residents. It’s important to respect the culture and way of life in Hawaii, especially if you’re a malihini, or outsider. Consider doing some further reading about its history to gain some perspective.
4. Cost of Living in Hawaii
Hawaii is known for a lot of things. That includes having one of the highest costs of living in the U.S. On average, Hawaii residents pay anywhere from 30-70% more for items such as gasoline, groceries, and other goods than those on the mainland. This is because nearly everything is imported, resulting in inflated prices. It's not just everyday goods that are affected; housing prices, taxes, and healthcare tend to be significantly more expensive on the Hawaiian islands than on the mainland.
But it’s important to keep perspective. In this case, Honolulu – the capital of Hawaii and most populous city – has a lower cost of living than several cities in mainland U.S. This includes Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami. If you’re moving from one of these cities, you might not notice much of a difference. Especially if you’re already employed and taking home a livable income.
5. Job Outlook
The job market in Hawaii is unique, with seasonal tourism being the primary industry. This means that many workers are employed part-time or on a contractual basis. Other industries include the service industry, military, healthcare, government, and construction. However, due to the limited and competitive nature of the market, it is not recommended that people move to Hawaii without having existing employment lined up. The cost of living in Hawaii is high, so a stable and reliable income is essential for anyone looking to relocate.
Which Hawaiian Island is Right For You?
Now that you have a better understanding of what it’s like to live in Hawaii, you can start to think about where you’re going to put down roots. If you don’t already have a destination in mind, you’ll need to start by thinking about which island is right for you.
Over 100 islands make up Hawaii but only four are considered primary places to live. Other larger islands, like Molokai and Lanai, are far too remote with few job opportunities. Below you’ll learn more about the primary islands that new residents typically move to.
Oahu
If you’re looking for a vibe that’s like living on the mainland, Oahu might be a good place to start. Home to the capital city of Honolulu, Oahu is the most populous Hawaiian island. It features many of the state’s more traditional urban amenities, including shopping, nightlife, and convenient transportation. If you’ll be starting from nothing, Oahu is also the best island to find employment due to its size and population, especially on the Honolulu side where the “townies” live.
Kauai
If you want a more laid-back, small-town lifestyle, consider Kauai. The least populous island, Kauai is more scenic and less developed than Oahu. It's popular due to its natural beauty and must-see attractions like Waimea Canyon. However, due to its limited population and industry, it’s a more challenging place for a newcomer to call home without proven employment or remote work opportunities. Many of the residents live on the eastern coast in the town of Kapa'a.
Maui
You’ll find that Maui is home to a little bit of everything. The island is larger than Oahu, yet less populated with nearly 170,000 residents (compared to over one million on Oahu). It’s home to rural countryside in the upcountry and more densely populated cities along the north shore. Even the climate is a mix of cooler inlands and warm, sunny coasts. Given its smaller population, it’s not as easy to find work and settle in on Maui as it is on the larger islands.
The Island of Hawaii
Nicknamed “The Big Island,” the island of Hawaii is the largest Hawaiian island. It features a sizable population (larger than Maui), but due to the size of the island, people here are more spread out. The Big Island is home to the most diverse weather of the four, with both a warm and dry region and a wet and tropical region. Overall the weather is considered more “extreme” than the other islands, making it a unique and exciting destination.
Checklist For Moving to Hawaii
Now that you have the lay of the land (to an extent), you can begin planning your move to Hawaii. To help you get organized, we've put together some useful tips for you to use as a guide. Make sure to check them off your list as you prepare for your relocation.
What To Do With the Car
When it comes to moving your car, there are a variety of factors to consider. Your individual needs and circumstances will ultimately determine the best course of action. If your car is relatively new and you plan to keep it for a few more years, it may be worth the effort to move it with you. However, if your vehicle is nearing the end of its life, it may be more cost-effective to buy a new one in your new location.
The location of your new home may also influence your decision. For instance, if you are moving to a city on Oahu, the cost of shipping your car, the expense of gasoline, and the availability of public transportation may make it more sensible to leave your car behind. On the other hand, if you are moving to a more rural island where a car is essential, it may be worth the cost to ship your vehicle.
Bringing Your Pets
Moving overseas with a pet has challenges, so give yourself plenty of time to get situated. First, you’ll need to ensure your pet is allowed into the state. As an isolated island with a delicate ecosystem, some uncommon and non-domestic animals cannot be brought into the state, period. These include various lizards, hamsters, ferrets, gerbils, snakes, and more.
The next step is to make sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date and you have their records ready for approval. In some cases, your pet can be released to you immediately upon your arrival. In others, they may need to go through a quarantine period. This can be anywhere from five to 120 days (about 4 months). Be sure to check with the Hawaiian Department of Agriculture for more information.
Time to Downsize
In most cases, downsizing is a smart decision before moving to Hawaii. When you consider shipping costs are decided by weight (or the number of containers when you use U-Box), plus the fact that many homes in Hawaii are more expensive and smaller than those on the mainland, downsizing will almost certainly save you money. On the plus side – with fewer items in your home, packing is much simpler and you'll require fewer moving and packing supplies.
How to Move to Hawaii
Congratulations! The time has finally arrived to make your move to Hawaii. When it comes to how you get there, you have several options. U-Box Containers provide the perfect solution for long-distance moves, such as from the U.S. mainland to Hawaii. We'll drop off the containers at your doorstep, allowing you to pack them at your own pace. Then, we'll ship your packed containers to your destination on the date of your choosing, giving you complete control over the entire moving process from start to finish.
Ready to get moving? Get a quote today and say “aloha” to your new home and new way of life!