If you plan to move to Hawaii, you probably have many questions and want to have them answered before you actually move to the islands. Since we live in Hawaii and we know the islands well, we will provide the answers to your questions right here.
Which island should I move to?
This is a question you should provide the answer to. However, we can help you with some useful information and tips. First, if you can afford, come to Hawaii before you move here. Once you have explored the islands and seen them with your own eyes, you will have a better idea where you would feel most comfortable and happy to live. Life on the different islands varies, as well as the cost of living, salaries and job opportunities.
If you decide to live on Oahu, you should know that this is the busiest island. It is recommended to find a place before you arrive because then you’re less stressed when you arrive and can start exploring the island right away. The best time to come here is between January and May and between September and November. During these times, fewer tourists come to the islands; therefore, flights, car rentals and short-term accommodations are easier to find. Maui, Kauai and the Big Island are less populated islands and living on one of those would feel like paradise to those of you who want to be away from the civilization and the busy cities.
What to Bring?
Personal Belongings: It is recommended to bring as little belongings as possible. Here in Hawaii you can find a furnished place with all the necessary equipment for living. Therefore, it won’t be necessary to bring cooking pots, silverware, furniture, etc. Bring your personal keepsakes and clothes. You will need T-shirts, shorts, a light jacket and jeans. If you need more clothes you can find affordable clothing stores on the islands.
Make sure you bring all your important documents with you, including ID, personal papers, medical records, prescriptions, etc. Keep these documents at safe place in your carry-on luggage.
If you have too much stuff you want to carry on the islands, you may ask a friend to help you. Have some of your friends ship some of your belongings via mail. USPS is an affordable, reliable and fast shipping method. It usually takes between three to four weeks for the belongings to be delivered from the continental U.S. to Hawaii.
Shipping a car: Shipping a car from the mainland to the Hawaiian Islands can be arranged by Matson Navigation. The cost of shipment is around $1,000 per standard vehicle. This rate does not apply to any vehicle exceeding 21'8" L x 8' W x 7' H, or vehicles which have built-in accommodations for cooking or sleeping.
Please note: Shipping rates and conditions may change. In order to obtain the latest information on how you can ship a vehicle from the mainland, visit Matson Navigation’s website at http://www.matson.com.
Plants: Plants can enter Hawaii only after inspection. If you have plants you want to carry over to Hawaii, contact the U.S Department of Agriculture for more information. Here is their address: Animal and Plant Health Insurance Service, Terminal Box 57, Honolulu International Airport, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819.
Pets: Hawaii is very strict for importing pets. The first thing you should do in order to import a pet into the state of Hawaii is to contact the Animal Guarantee Section at least 4 months prior to moving. They will provide you with the necessary information and instruction. For more information, please visit http://www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa.
Housing Cost
To rent a place in Hawaii is significantly more expensive than on the mainland. As of 2006, a studio on Oahu costs anywhere from $700-$1,200 per month, depending on the location. A two-bedroom apartment or a house starts from $1,500 per month and up. The most expensive area on Oahu is in Waikiki, where a one-bedroom apartment costs approximately $1,600 per month. You should know that the cost of housing goes up every year.
Cost of Food
Although about 90 percent of the food in Hawaii is imported, you can buy food at affordable prices at chains like Costco, Wal Mart and Sam’s Club. Some regular supermarkets also have special sales. A good idea for staying in your budget is to buy what’s on sale, not what you want to eat. If you like dining outside, Hawaii can be expensive. The average cost for a breakfast is from about $4 to $7, for lunch from about $5 to $10 and for dinner about $12 to $30 and more.
The cost of purchasing a home or condo in Hawaii is also above the national average. To research the latest property prices, search the complete Hawaii MLS.
Living in Waikiki
Waikiki is well-known among the tourists and many of the buildings here are actually hotels. If you choose to live in Waikiki, you will be close to Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. If you are into nightlife, Waikiki is a perfect place for you. Waikiki has nightclubs, restaurants, shows, bars and much more. A disadvantage of living in Waikiki is that there is only one grocery store, which is also very expensive. The only other place you can buy food at are the ABC Stores, which are also expensive when it comes to groceries. However, ABC Stores are easy to find, since they are located all over Waikiki.
Transportation
Bus Transportation: Oahu is the only Hawaiian Island where public transportation is available. It is called The Bus. It is an affordable and convenient way to get around on the island. There are many bus routes that cover all the parts of Oahu. For more information about the cost of a ticket, routes and schedules, visit www.thebus.org.
Please note: Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai and the Big Island don’t provide public transportation services.
Taxi: Taxi services are available on all islands.
Traffic: Traffic is a real problem on the island of Oahu. Rush hour is early in the morning between 6 and 8 a.m. and in the afternoon between 4 and 6 p.m.
Parking: Parking is one of the main transportation issues on the island of Oahu. If you work downtown or in Waikiki, it is highly recommended that you rent a parking spot on a monthly basis in case your company does not provide one.
