How To Plan For Your Move To Hawaii

Hawaii is a beautiful place to live, but before you can move there, you need to plan for the transition. This article will give you some tips on how to make your move as smooth as possible, along with some other things you should get done before making the move. We hope this article helps make your dream of moving to Hawaii a reality.

Do You Have A Job Lined Up On Hawaii?

Unless you have a lot of money saved, you should have a job lined up before moving to Hawaii. It can be an expensive place to live, and having something ready to start within a few weeks of moving will help you feel much more comfortable and settled in. The good news is that there are plenty of options for finding work in Hawaii. From tourism to agriculture, there’s something for everyone. So start your research early, and don’t forget to pack your sunscreen!

If you’re experienced in driving boats, we at Kauai Sea Tours are hiring boat captains for our touring business! Learn how to become a Boat Captain in Hawaii if you’re interested!

Hawaiian Culture

Hawaii is definitely different from anywhere else in the US. It’s way more laid back and relaxed, and the pace of life is a lot slower. That’s not to say that it’s better or worse, just different. If you’re used to the fast-paced, go-go-go lifestyle of the mainland, it can be a bit of an adjustment. 

To learn more, read about how Hawaii is different from the Mainland United States.

Transportation On Hawaii

You will quickly realize that public transportation is not reliable and does not go everywhere you need it to go. If you are living on Oahu, the most populated island, you will find yourself wanting a car or another form of personal transportation as buses can be hard to time correctly, and become time consuming with frequent stops and traffic. Since other islands are less populated, bus stops are less convenient, and trips seem just as long with fewer, longer roads. 

The bottom line is that you will be severely limited in terms of where you can go and what you can do without a car. You will also spend a lot of time waiting for buses and planning around the bus schedule.

Most people are ready to purchase a motorcycle, moped, or car upon arrival. You can also have your vehicle freighted to the island you are staying on. This can cost anywhere from $900 to $1,700, depending on vehicle size and location. Depending on your situation, the best option for you will vary. Plan ahead so you aren’t stuck waiting for your car after you arrive. 

Are You Bringing Any Pets To Hawaii?

While most people focus on the challenges of moving to a new place, they often forget about the challenges that their pets will face as well. For those who are considering a move to Hawaii, bringing your pets along is admittedly another challenge to making the move happen. While finding a pet-friendly apartment or house may be possible, it’s important to remember that Hawaii is a very different environment from most places in the continental United States.

First and foremost, make sure that your pet is legal to own in Hawaii. There are many animals that are considered illegal throughout the state of Hawaii like hamsters, snakes, ferrets, gerbils, and certain species of dogs. Secondly, you need to make sure you have extremely thorough veterinary and vaccination records for your pets. Hawaii has a very delicate ecosystem with many endangered native plants and animals. Unregulated pets can pose a threat to Hawaii’s ecosystem, regardless of what island you are staying on. There’s even a chance your animals are required to stay in quarantine for up to 120 days if you don’t have sufficient medical records. Hawaii is 100% rabies-free and government officials intend to keep it that way.

Even if you know your animal is safe, start gathering any and all records you have and ask your veterinarian about any medical records you might not have on hand.

Have A Plan For Hawaii Housing

If you’re planning on moving to Hawaii, be prepared to pay a little more for your new home or apartment. While the island may be small, the land is in high demand and as a result, prices are higher than average. However, living in Hawaii comes with its own unique benefits. From the stunning outdoors to explore to relatively consistent warm weather, it’s easy to see why so many people are drawn to this paradise.

Also, make sure you have your apartment or house lined up before you even think about buying a plane ticket. The last thing you want is to be stuck on the island with no place to go. By doing your homework ahead of time and having a plan, you can avoid any stressful surprises once you arrive in Hawaii.

Other Things To Plan For Before Moving To Hawaii

• Health Insurance can sometimes be hard to obtain if you aren’t working a full-time job.
• Island fever is when living on an island feels isolating and stuck causing psychological distress. This is a real phenomenon for some people that move to Hawaii. If you enjoy nature and put in the effort to find your community, you can overcome this obstacle and enjoy island life to its fullest.
• You’ll be far away from family and friends.
• Think about kids & schooling.

You’re Ready To Move To Hawaii!

Now that you’ve got a solid plan for your big move to Hawaii, it’s time to get packing! Remember to stay organized. By following the simple tips and advice in this article, you can make sure your big move goes off without a hitch.

If you have questions, comments, or concerns – reach out to us at Kauai Sea Tours. We are also hiring Boat Captains so please email us if this is a job opportunity you’re interested in.  Thank you for reading, and we hope to see you soon!