Your decision to move to Hawaii from the mainland is a courageous one. You are abandoning your familiar and convenient lifestyle in the mainland for an exciting, but still very challenging Hawaiian paradise. You’ll enrich your life with a truly amazing experience. But have you worked out the plan on how to move to Hawaii from the mainland? Do your homework, keep your expectations realistic and you won’t find yourself disoriented once you start planning and organizing the big move.
Prepare yourself mentally
If you’ve spent your entire lifetime in the mainland, you may experience a culture shock once you move to Hawaii. The unique scenery also comes with the unique weather, animal and plant species. Geographical isolation of the Hawaiian islands will attract you at first, but in time you may feel homesick. In a certain way, you are isolated from the rest of the world. It’s too expensive to travel around any time you wish.
Secondly, expect to find a strong Asian influence in all areas of life, ranging from cuisine to family values. The respect for the elderly, family in general and the concept of collective over the individual are merely some of the values ingrained deeply in the Hawaiian culture. Your new friends and neighbors may cherish a different kind of lifestyle. Prepare yourself to embrace it, or at least adjust your expectations to the new surroundings.
Choose the island you'll call home
Before you move to Hawaii from the mainland, you need to have a clear picture of your future home. Among many islands that constitute Hawaiian archipelago, there are several most popular to live on:
Oahu
Maui
Kauai
The Big Island
Oahu is the most densely populated of all the islands. The state’s capital,
Honolulu, is located on Oahu. It’s urban and has a lot to offer in terms of employment, housing and entertainment. However, the traffic is awful and prices are generally higher in comparison to other islands. For example, average rent in Honolulu amounts to $1985, whereas in Maui it goes for $1286.
Maui is the second largest island, but with far less inhabitants than Oahu. If you’re moving to Maui, you’ll find that the lifestyle is rather laid back in comparison to Oahu and the prices are more affordable. It’s a great place to raise a family. In addition, life expectancy on this island is among the highest in the U.S.
Kauai is slightly smaller than Oahu, but it boasts impressive natural beauties. However, the economy is poor which makes this island the least developed among these four and not so desirable for newcomers.
The Big Island actually has the smallest population despite the fact that it’s the largest island in Hawaii. With a high unemployment rate, it’s not a desirable destination to move to. The only advantage is the most affordable housing market in Hawaii. However, if you choose this island and you get the feeling it's not the right choice, you can always move between the islands.
Get a picture of the moving costs in advance
Moving to Hawaii from the mainland is much different from moving anywhere within the mainland. Therefore it is essential to do the job as efficiently as possible. But how can you assess the moving costs in advance without any previous experience?
You don’t need a crystal ball to tell you the answer. The best way is to contact movers with experience. Some local companies in Maui such as Wailea movers can provide you with a free estimate, which can help you a great deal when you start planning your big journey. Plan your budget several months before the move and you’ll avoid unpleasant surprises.
Make the move to Hawaii from mainland as simple as possible
Just remember that all the belongings you want to carry with you require shipping. This means that the costs are automatically higher, but not only that. This kind of long-distance move demands that you carry out the packing with great care in order to avoid damage. Keep things as minimalistic as possible. Declutter your home and don’t get emotional about the furniture you need to say goodbye to. Forget about lamps, vases and useless bits you dragged from summer holidays. Keep in mind that you can find a fully furnished apartment in Hawaii anywhere you go.
Ship your car
When you decide to move to Hawaii from the mainland, the one thing that really needs to be shipped is your car. Unless you plan on buying a new one. You can hardly get by in Hawaii without your own vehicle. The only place with functional public transport is Oahu, but even if you’re moving to this island, it’s risky to rely solely on public transport.
The costs of shipping range from $1000 to $1500 depending on your location in the mainland. To avoid possible damage, remove all the exterior accessories, check the fluids and empty the tank. Leave only as much as you need to transport the vehicle from to your new Hawaiian destination. This way you’ll secure the vehicle before you hand it over to the professional shipping company.
Bringing pets is not easy when you decide to move to Hawaii from the mainland
If you have a furry friend, you need to know that regulations in Hawaii are very strict when it comes to importing pets. There are inspections and a quarantine period for dogs, cats and all kinds of other animals you want to import. If you fail to bring them in the inspection hours, they can be held at the airport overnight and released another day when the inspection is over.
The reason for the implementation of strict regulations is that the authorities in Hawaii aim at controlling and preventing the entry of animal diseases. If you plan to import your pet, you need to inform them well before the move. Contact the Hawaii Department of Agriculture several months before the big day to obtain instructions on the procedures for pet importation. Plan ahead and leave nothing to chance.
This is the 2nd time I've used Wailea Movers, AND I will use them again.James was very professional, helpful. I knew I was in good hands.My movers Francisco, Baltazar, and Sergie were FANTASTIC. Fast, helpful. I felt very much at ease.Originally I was stressing about the move, but these guys took care of everything. Put me at ease. They made sure I was comfortable every step of the way. FANTASTIC!
Very efficient, timely and polite. They did an awesome job navigating our condo with care and materials to work around some corners with big furniture. We will certainly use their services again in the future:)
From beginning to end dealing with Wailea Movers was an outstanding experience. I had to deal with a misdelivered large order (some other company) and Wailea Movers delivered (pun intended). I spoke with James and explained my situation and he confirmed they would be able to help. Before I got off the phone with him he had emailed me a quote, and included all the specifics that I needed. I was able to set an appointment for the following week and easily pay the deposit online. On the day of service I got automated text notifications on each stage of the move. I also got status phone calls from one of the moving guys just after pickup and just after delivery, even though I was on another island. Every person I engaged with at Wailea Movers was professional, friendly and extremely helpful. These professionals provided great service when I was in a "pinch". I highly recommend Wailea Movers.
We're impressed with the movers in your company, Blaze and his team on Maui and Steven and Victor on Oahu. They were courteous and professional, working quickly and efficiently to pack and move our goods.Our goods were delivered on time and damage free.
We hired Wailea Movers to help us move our home gym and we could not be more happy! Guys arrived on time, communicated the project needs, they made sure not to ruin anything while moving, and they were fast and efficient! I would not hesitate to hire them again and highly recommend them.
Wow !! What can I say about this company, thoughtful, patient, professional and thorough. The guys took time to wrap everything perfectly and made my life easy which is what you need when you are moving. Wailea movies are the best and will always use them for future moves!!! Mahalo nui loa !!!
Wailea Movers came to the rescue when another company tried to overcharge to bring a delivery upstairs. Wailea Movers gave a reasonable price, were delightful and were willing to coordinate with the timing of the delivery.
Again, I'm amazed about the professionalism the kindness and speed this company works. To me they are the best and if needed they will be my again my first and best choice. 👍👌🤍I moved the third time with there help. Excellent. Fast, careful, friendly, professional. Just my first choice.
This company is awesome for one item or a whole house. I needed them to move something really heavy and awkward upstairs. Kyle and Sergii were fantastic and figured out an ingenious way to get the item upstairs safely. Wailea Movers has great workers, they always take the time to protect the house walls and my furniture. Very professional. I highly recommend this company.
I had the best experience with Wailea Movers! Alan and the team were the most professional, patient, and courteous movers I have ever had - and that’s including 21 years of moving around the country with the Air Force! They moved everything quickly and with absolutely no damage. I would definitely call them again for any future moves.
Wailea Movers and Storage is the best! I forgot to call a moving company when my house sold. Wailea movers saved the day. In a few days, I had all the necessary documents in place; Dave worked with me directly and James was available, in the office, for any additional support I needed. The entire moving team were professional, compassionate, empathic, and on time. Each person on the team did his job with genuine enthusiasm. I am grateful for the excellent personal service I received from Wailea Movers and Storage. Mahalo Nui Loa.
Wailea movers was first-rate, and handled my complicated move in an efficient and professional manner. I would use them again if needed. Thanks for the great service.
Highly recommend!I quickly needed to vacate a rental unit and these guys were in top of it, the entire process.They made me a quote, and I helped them expedite the process by submitting pics & dimensions of what I needed moved and stored.They quickly shot me a reasonable quote, and they followed thru every step of the way. Their team of movers was energetic, cautious, empathetic, thorough and receptive. It was even raining and they worked through it like nothing. I feel like my belongings stay in good hands. Moving sucks, but these guys understand & are ultra helpful. Mahalo!
Fantastic Service from beginning to end! My movers Chris and Lyle were considerate, prompt, professional and worked efficiently! Dave was my original contact when making the reservation! He made everything stress free over the phone and was in constant communique through the whole process!Our belongings were handled with care and undamaged! Thank You Wailea Movers! Tim Bruns, Napili, West Maui, HI
Called for a move within a week they were able to get me set up needed to go to two locations to pu furniture and boxes Were Here promptly got things loaded up went to the 2nd location to empty storage unit, very courteous very helpful would highly recommend. Allen was the primary person working with another young man that day. Thank you for your assistance.
Furniture magicians! They moved all my big heavy furniture easily and without damage. Good communication and punctual. My communication with Dave was also fantastic. He worked with me to find a solution for my move that was affordable. Really appreciate the whole operation of making my move easy.