Are you ready to embrace the spirit of Aloha and start planning your move to Hawaii? Are you already fantasizing about new swimming suits and cute beach towels? It’s a beautiful ambition, no doubt. If you have already visited the Aloha State, you can verify how beautiful it is. But before you quit your job on the mainland and buy your one-way ticket, you should know that living on an island is no paradise. We will give you some crucial information you should think about before booking your flight. Then you can start creating your ultimate Hawaii moving checklist.
Your ultimate Hawaii moving checklist has to be based on honest budgeting
The cost of living in Hawaii is high. That stands for housing costs, moving costs, and for all the groceries in all the stores. Everything that you would have to ship or fly to the islands will cost more. Note that Hawaii is a high-tax state. Hawaii income tax rates are one of the highest in the country. The state has an estate tax, too.
Shipping to Hawaii
This is one of the biggest financial burdens you could put on yourself if you’ve chosen to start anew in Hawaii. The idea of packing up and shipping everything you own to Hawaii is overwhelming and we try to discourage it. Unless you’re financially well off to be able to do so, shipping everything you own before relocating to Maui will probably be a mistake.
It will cost an excessive amount of money, so we offer a completely different objective as a whole. The chances of you needing all the stuff you had on the mainland, and more importantly the mainland, aren't used in years, is remote. Simply pack as you would for a vacation. The idea is that less is more. If you really love your furniture or you invested a lot in it, then it’s probably worth trying to organize the shipping.
But the more weight you add to the shipment, it significantly increases the costs.
If you are planning your Hawaii moving checklist, we advise you to downsize, minimize and say your goodbye to your belongings. You could only take the fundamental items you would need on the islands, and then basically restart there. It could be very exciting to start fresh after moving to Hawaii. However, many people would have trouble taking such a giant leap of faith. And we get it.
So consider putting things in storage for some time. Then, later you can keep the things you really miss or sell it all at a garage sale to earn your storage fees back.
Or, just sell as much as you can before the move and use the cash to pay the relocation itself. Either way, plan for this part of the Hawaii moving checklist to be the biggest step.
Warning: Watch out for dozens of companies that can “cheaply” relocate you to the islands. If the rates are too low and sound just a little too good to e true, they most probably are! Some carriers will engage in a lot of deceptive tactics that aim to nickel and dime you. So be very careful, do your research, and choose wisely.
Hawaii moving checklist: Transportation and shipping of your car
A lot of what goes into the transport of your car to Hawaii pretty much resembles the shipping of your belongings to the islands section. You can read this article about shipping your car to Hawaii: Tips for shipping a car to Hawaii. In fact, the easiest and cheapest option would be to just buy a car on-island. Or if you’re moving to one of the other islands, ship it from Honolulu. Unless you have a special car or a great attachment to it due to its sentimental value. In that case, prepare your checks but open your eyes for scams. Find a reliable mover and proceed with caution.
Moving pets to Hawaii is tough
Hawaii laws carefully protect the system from outside threats. Their list of forbidden species is long. It includes invasive plant species, non-native animals and pets carrying diseases. If you’re planning to include your pet into your Hawaii moving checklist, you basically have two options here. First one is to maintain excellent records of your pet’s shots and vaccination history. We urge you to opt for this one, as the other option requires an extended quarantine period once your pet enters Hawaii State.
Finding employment in Hawaii
Finding employment in Hawaii isn’t as easy as it is on the mainland. Start planning your job strategy ahead of your move. Additionally, after you find a job, or two, expect to have lower wages than now. Maybe you will have to work part-time. Or even as a contractor, maybe holding more than one job at a time to pay the bills.
Hawaii Health Insurance
Insurance is not always a given in Hawaii. A full-time job is harder to find than on the mainland. In the end, you’re probably going to have to work this into your budget. Make sure to include this into your monthly costs early on, and don’t just wing it after you arrive. There is often a waiting period to be enlisted in some insurance plans. Also, you must be a resident for at least 6-12 months.
Housing in Hawaii
When making your Hawaii moving checklist, put down that you will have to downsize a great deal after relocating to Aloha state. Sometimes, a 2,200+ sq. ft. home on the mainland is about $200 000, but in Hawaii, that same home costs $750 000!
So get your checkbook in order after getting this reality check from us, and happy house hunting in Hawaii. The islands are a dream once you sort the costs and logistics out.
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.
I am a contractor who has to move out condos to complete renovations. Their price was fare but their guys were awesome!! They were there on time and did an amazing job. The AOAO manager was very happy with them which is not always the case. Great job and I will see you all on the next reno!!
Alan and his crew were wonderful! They arrived early, worked hard, and took great care with my possessions. I highly recommend Wailea Movers. The first time ever that I paid the moving company what they told me it would actually cost.I would use them again. Mahalo