How to move to Hawaii?

If you are planning to move to Hawaii, you probably have a lot of questions and need answers before deciding. Since we live in Hawaii and know the islands well, we will give you the answers to your questions.

Tips for Moving Hawaii

Which of the islands should I move to?

This is a question that deserves your answer. However, we can help you with the necessary information and some extra tips. First, if you can, come visit Hawaii before you move. Once you have explored the islands, once you have seen them with your own eyes, you will surely have a better idea of where you felt the best and which one you found the most comfortable to live there. Life on the different islands varies, as do the cost of living, wages, and job opportunities.

If you decide to live on Oahu, you should know that this is the busiest island. We recommend that you find a place before you arrive so that you will be less stressed when you arrive and you can start getting to know the island right away. The best time to come is between January and May and between September and November.

Fewer tourists come to the islands during these months, making flights, car rentals and accommodation easier to find. Maui, Kauai and the Big Island are islands with less population density, living on one of them can become a paradise for those seeking to get away from crowded cities and civilization.

How to Move to Hawaii? And What Should I Bring?

Personal items: It is recommended to bring the bare minimum. Here in Hawaii, you can find a place furnished with all the necessary equipment to live. That way you don't have to bring kitchen utensils, dishes, furniture, etc. Bring your personal items and clothing. You will need t-shirts, shorts, a light jacket, and jeans. If you need more clothing, you can buy them at a good price in the stores on the islands.

Make sure to bring all your important documents with you, your identity document, personal papers, your medical history, prescriptions, etc. Keep these documents in a safe place.

If you have many things to bring to the islands, you can ask a friend to help you. Ask a friend to mail you your belongings. The United States Postal Service is accessible, reliable, and fast. Normally your belongings can take three to four weeks to reach the islands.

Moving a car : Shipping a car from the mainland to the Hawaiian Islands can be arranged with Matson Navigation. The price is around $ 1,000 for a standard vehicle. This rate does not apply to vehicles that exceed 21'8 "L x 8 'W x 7' H, or vehicles that have a kitchen or sleeping space.

Please note that shipping rates and conditions may change. For the most up-to-date information on how you can get a vehicle from the mainland to Hawaii, visit the Matson Navigation website: http://www.matson.com.

Plants : Plants can enter Hawaii only after inspection. If you have plants that you want to bring to Hawaii contact the United States Department of Agriculture for more information. Here is the address: Animal and Plant Health Insurance Service, Terminal Box 57, Honolulu International Airport, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819.

Pets : Hawaii is very strict when importing pets. The first thing you should do to bring a pet to the state of Hawaii is to contact the Animal Guarantee Section at least four months before moving. They will give you the necessary information and instructions. For more information visit: http://www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa.

Accommodation Cost

Renting in Hawaii is significantly more expensive than on the mainland. In 2006, a study on Oahu cost between $ 700 to $ 1,200 per month, depending on your location. A two-bedroom apartment or house can be had for at least USD 1,500 per month.

The most expensive area on Oahu is Waikiki, where a one-bedroom apartment costs roughly $ 1,600 per month. It is also relevant that you bear in mind that the cost of rents goes up every year.

Cost of Food

Although almost 90% of the food in Hawaii is imported, you can get affordable prices at chains like Costco, Wal Mart and Sam's Club. Regular supermarkets also have special offers. A good idea to not overpay is to buy what is on sale, not what you want to eat. If you enjoy eating out, Hawaii can be very expensive. The average price for breakfast is USD 4 to USD 7, for a lunch from USD 5 to USD 10 and for dinner USD 12 or USD 30 or more.

Living in Waikiki

Waikiki is a city well known to tourists and many of the buildings are actually hotels. If you choose to live in Waikiki, you will be close to Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. If you like nightlife, Waikiki is a perfect place for you. Waikiki has nightclubs, restaurants, shows, bars, and much more. One downside to living in Waikiki is that there is only one warehouse, which is also very expensive. The only other place you can buy food is at ABC Stores, but they aren't cheaper than grocery stores, either.

Buses: Oahu is the only Hawaiian island where you can find public transportation. It's called "The Bus". It is an accessible and convenient way to get around the island. There are many routes that buses take to cover every corner of Oahu. For more information on ticket prices, routes and schedules, visit: www.thebus.org.

Please note : Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai, and the Big Island do not offer public transportation services.

Taxis : The taxi service is found on all the islands.

Traffic : Traffic is a big problem on the island of Oahu. The rush hour is early in the morning, between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. and in the afternoons between 4 and 6 p.m.

Parking : Parking is one of the most important matters on the island of Oahu. If you work downtown or in Waikiki, we recommend that you rent a parking lot by the month in case the company you work for does not provide one.