Things You'll Need:
- Moving Company
- Place to Live
- Computer & Internet
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Step 1
Decide on a Hawaiian Island~ Decide on an Island ~
The most important decision that you'll make when moving to Hawaii is the island that you'll eventually live on. There are 5 major islands - Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, and the island of Hawaii, commonly called the Big Island. If you are moving for work, this decision may be made for you. If it's not, get to know each island to decide which one is right for you. Cost of living and job availability is different on each island - and each island is very unique. If possible, visit all of the islands you are considering before you make a decision. -
Step 2
~ Find a Place to Live ~
Before you move to Hawaii, you'll need to find a place to live. Homes in Hawaii are very expensive. Even small condos can cost upwards of $250,000. If you currently own a nice home in the Midwest, for example, you can plan to pay close to a million dollars for the same home in Hawaii.
There are plenty of homes and condos that are available for rent, and that may be a better option. A very simple condo can cost about $1,000 a month and rent can go up to well over $10,000 a month for a home in one of the many resort communities. Start your search online for a home or condo to buy or rent. -
Step 3
Consider Where You Will Work~ Consider Job Possibilities ~
If you'll need to work, you have to carefully consider where you will work and what you will be able to make. There are jobs in Hawaii, but most of them are in tourism, real estate, or construction. Manufacturing jobs are hard to find, as are many corporate type jobs. Major corporations don't typically set up shop on the islands because of how remote Hawaii is. There are plenty of jobs in health care and education though. -
Step 4
Plan to Move your Stuff~ Decide What you'll Move ~
You can't rent a U-Haul when moving to Hawaii. You'll have to rent a container, that will then by taken by semi-truck to California where it will go on a ship to be sent to Hawaii. Value your belongings and decide if it's worth it to send them, as just the shipping costs can run around $9,000 for a 45' container, not including insurance or packing costs. You may be better of selling your belongings and purchasing new furniture, etc. after you move to Hawaii. -
Step 5
Your Car will have to come on a Ship~ Make Plans to Move your Car ~
If you want to take your car, to Hawaii, you'll have to contact Matson to ship it to the islands. The cost to ship the car is $1,000 if you deliver it to one of the ports in California. If you want to have it brought from your home to California, there will be additional costs. -
Step 6
Buy your Plane Tickets~ Purchase your Plane Tickets ~
Once you've managed all the logistics, it's time to purchase your plane tickets so you can get to Hawaii. If your car is coming to the island, you may want to ship that before you arrive on the island as it takes 3 weeks to arrive, once it's on the water. You can also plant to rent a car until your vehicle arrives.
Comments
motherNN said
on 3/1/2009 Wonderful pics and helpful info.5*
Wasatch said
on 2/27/2009 Great info. I spent 6 months as a pineapple picker when I was 16 on Maui.
Susanh said
on 2/18/2009 Great article! We had friends who did this a few years ago. When they first were given an estimate of what it would take to move their belongings and one vehicle, the price came to a whopping $22,000!! They downsized considerably and purchased much of what they needed over there. 5*****