Tips For Your Residential Move in Honolulu, HI

Everyone loves that dreamy vacation life — beaches, palm trees swaying in the island breeze, and indulging in mouthwatering local delicacies. 

But what if these otherwise seasonal experiences weren’t just reserved for your vacations? What if they become your everyday reality?

Well, you’re not alone in dreaming about this. Thousands of people decide to make Honolulu, Hawaii, their permanent home every year. 

Unfortunately, moving to Honolulu isn’t as simple as embracing the Aloha spirit and calling it a day. 

Relocating to an island comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. From dealing with the unique climate to managing the logistics of island life coupled with the fact that making a residential move in Honolulu requires some careful planning. 

Whether you’re coming from the mainland U.S. or elsewhere, here are the essential tips you need to know before you begin your move.

Brace Up for Island Time

Everything in Honolulu moves a little slower!

You will notice the laid-back vibe from the moment you land — the same goes for logistics. You might need to flex those patience muscles when setting up utilities, internet, or even deliveries. 

Things will get done, just not always at lightning speed. If you need to be in Honolulu in 2 weeks, the best time to begin planning and setting up your space there is 4 weeks ago. 

Ship It and Downsize

One thing that’s easy to forget when planning a move in Honolulu is that your regular cross-country packing and moving will not suffice here. There’s no truck to handle the heavy lifting of your belongings.

You will have to deal with the logistics of shipping everything across the Pacific Ocean. Although it’s more expensive, shipping is more financially prudent and convenient. Residential movers who specialize in island relocations will help you move your belongings to the island. 

The cost will largely depend on the volume of your belongings. Depending on how much you are moving and where you’re moving from, this expense can set you back between $5,000 and $10,000. 

Moreover, if you care about blending in with the locals, get used to making do with little belongings. Homes and apartments tend to be smaller than you’re used to on the mainland.

Protect Your Belongings from the Ocean Humidity

Honolulu’s tropical climate means high humidity, which can wreak havoc on certain items. 

So, what do you need to know before you move to Hawaii to avoid any moving-day disappointments?

• If you will be temporarily storing your belongings, be particular about using climate-controlled storage units. These will protect delicate items from the effects of humidity.

• Use plastic storage bins for clothes, linens, and paper items. They are moisture-resistant and help seal out damp air.

• Keep electronics in their original packaging and store them in climate-controlled spaces until you’re settled. 

Know Your Neighborhoods

Honolulu may not be the cheapest place to live in Hawaii, but it is one of the more affordable cities. 

Here, you can enjoy a high quality of life and access to modern amenities while still maintaining the island vibes. Before picking a place to call home in Honolulu, you should explore the different neighborhoods. 

Honolulu has a variety of areas that exude different vibes you can choose from depending on what kind of island life you are after. 

Some of these neighborhoods and their vibes include:

• Waikiki —  Tourist-friendly neighborhood with the beach at your doorstep.

• Kaimuki — A business district with lots of shops and restaurants.

• Hawaii Kai — Perfect for families, with parklands, green spaces, and lots of marine activities.

• Kahala — Upscale and nicest Honolulu neighborhood with affluent residents.

• Ala Moana — Close to everything, with the largest outdoor mall in the world just around the corner.

Get Your Island Docs in Order

Moving to Honolulu means you will need to switch over some important things, like your driver’s license. 

You will have 30 days to transfer your out-of-state license once you become a resident in Honolulu. Complete an application at any licensing center near you. 

For an out-of-state transfer, you will need:

• An unexpired out-of-state license
• Your social security card
• Proof of legal presence
• Proof of residence address
• A pass for vision screening

Your names must be the same on all documents. The same goes for registering your vehicle in Honolulu.

Learn to Love Local Transportation

Speaking of cars and driving, Honolulu traffic can sometimes be challenging, especially when moving during peak hours. 

Since you might be navigating narrow streets and packed highways during your move in Honolulu, here are a few transportation tips:

• While you may not be taking public transit on moving day, getting familiar with Honolulu’s TheBus system is one way to get around if you don’t own a personal car.

• If you’re shipping your vehicle, it can take weeks for it to arrive, so prepare to rent a car or use public transportation.

Adjust to Island Life Like a Local

The quality of life in Hawaii is superb if you are outdoorsy. 

People in Honolulu are warm and friendly. Soon enough, you will learn to appreciate values like malama aina — caring for the land. 

Hawaiians deeply respect nature, and you will quickly feel connected to the land and sea. Plus, the food here will be different from what you’re used to on the mainland. 

Loco moco and Waiola shave ice are some must-tries. As you dine on sushi and malasadas, you cannot overlook the influence of Asian cuisine on the menu here.

For recreation, spending some quality time engaged in water activities can never be boring in Honolulu. Waikiki Beach is iconic for a reason, but you don’t want to miss the quieter spots like Ala Moana Beach Park or the snorkeling wonderland at Hanauma Bay.

Get Familiar With Budgeting and Sticker Shock

Honolulu is stunning, but it comes with a price tag. 

From higher rent averaging $2,177 monthly to median home sale price towering at $743,000, you will want to adjust your budget before eyeing that luxury home in Waikiki or Kahala.

Sure, fresh fruit and seafood are plentiful, But the cost of food in Honolulu might catch you off guard. Other items can cost a bit more since they are imported. But you can save a bit by shopping at local farmers’ markets.

Understand Island Utilities

Another thing to know about your move in Honolulu is that living on an island means utilities work a bit differently. 

Here’s what to keep in mind as you settle in:

• Water is precious in Honolulu. Consider installing low-flow fixtures to conserve water, and be mindful of your usage. Many locals also collect rainwater for their plants or gardens.

• Electricity rates in Honolulu are higher than on the mainland, so energy-efficient appliances are a must. 

• Tap into solar energy. If you plan to stay long-term, consider looking into solar panel installation. It can help cut down your energy bills and is a big win for sustainability, which is super important to locals anyway.

Final Thoughts

A residential move in Honolulu can be stressful, but not when you’re armed with helpful tips. 

Prepare your mind for the island pace of getting things done. Do away with clutter and map out the neighborhood you would like to live in — it helps with your budgeting.

But bear in mind that Honolulu, HI, is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. The cost of living is higher than the national average, and you’d want to cut down on your utility and overall expenses. 

Little adjustments like buying fewer imported goods, using local transport, and eating more local meals will have you settling well in no time.

Good luck!

Written by Billy Guteng. October 2, 2024

Billy is a content writer for Kukun. He was born in France, and has lived in multiple cities around the world ever since. He loves art, design and architecture as well as construction and real estate.