A step by step guide to moving to Hawaii
Having personally moved from California to Hawaii several years ago, and also having helped many others make the move across the ocean, I know what it takes. It's not easy, but if you know what to expect, your move to paradise can be a lot less stressful than you think it might be. This is a 7 step guide, so read along and don't be afraid to contact me if you have questions, especially if you plan to buy a house anywhere on Oahu.
Let's talk about your move to Hawaii
Step 1 in moving to Hawaii - figure out if you can afford it. Of course you will want to see how much Honolulu homes are, so use my property search to see if you are even in the ballpark. Hawaii is one of the most expensive places on Earth to live! Remember though, property taxes in Oahu are quite low, so while the prices seem high, your monthly payments could be a lot lower than you would think, especially if you've come from Texas, New York, or California. You will probably pay around $700k-$1mil for a house, but your property taxes will be about $150-$200 per month.
Hawaii is particularly expensive if you live in East Oahu, where real estate prices are even higher than the rest of Oahu. I'm talking about Hawaii Kai, Diamond Head, Kahala, Aina Haina, Kailua, and Kaneohe. These are very nice areas, and you get what you pay for. While you can still expect to pay $7~$9 for a gallon of milk at Foodland or Safeway, now that we have 4 Costcos on Oahu, prices have come down a bit for most things. Surprisingly, gas prices are about the same as California a lot of the time.
Of the thousands of people who move to Hawaii every year, one thing that is on the mind of every one of them is probably the difference in the cost of living. But we don't usually use our AC, we never have a heating bill, and we wear a lot less clothing. I own 1 jacket, I think. You will save money just by not trying to compete with everyone on how they dress and the car they drive. If anything, a lot of people will look down on you if you are too showy here. Some of the richest people in Hawaii wear T-shirts and board shorts every day and drive a pickup truck (like me.)
But what about other expenses? Just assume everything will cost 10-20% more, except for used cars. For some reason we have too many cars here and used car prices are sometimes lower than many areas of the US mainland, especially if someone is moving off island and they need to sell their car quickly.
Bottom line is - if you want to live here, you might have to change your lifestyle a little bit, but it's worth every penny.
Our Listings
Ultimate beachfront living on the North Shore! Unbeatable location, just steps to beautiful Log Cabins beach and world class waves. Built by renowned local builder, Trent...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 201930110 MLS
- 118 DOM
BEST VALUE IN DIAMOND HEAD! Modern contemporary design beautifully transitions interior living with the outdoors. Lovely visuals, one space opening to another in tranquil...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201926179 MLS
- 160 DOM
Newly decorated! More than a condominium and different than a high rise, Park Lane Ala Moana combines the privacy and space of a single-family home with the luxuries of a...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 202000310 MLS
- Park Lane Bldg.
- 47 DOM
Estate Size Oceanfront Lot. Opportunity to build your own home on 28,775 sqft premium oceanfront land in East Oahu. Create your Dream Estate. CPR Approved!!
- 201828688 MLS
- 476 DOM
Kealia Farm Lot. Parcel has county electric and two private water systems stubbed onsite to each parcel. Agricultural zoning allows for a variety of agriculture uses but...
- 202000977 MLS
- 39 DOM
Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece "Fallingwater," architect Jim Schmit masterfully designed this home toward the focal points of spectacular views! Andersen Ar...
- 3 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 202001997 MLS
- 24 DOM
Begin each day with 180 degree ocean and shoreline views from Diamond Head to Koko Head. The corner lot home is offered furnished with Tommy Bahama style and other famous...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 201930026 MLS
- 82 DOM
True RIM LOT position with unblocked sensational views. Never-occupied, this home is in PRISTINE CONDITION. Enter an online search for a newer home with a rim lot view ...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201922551 MLS
- 185 DOM
Perched on a large 15,797 sf lot with unobstructed Panoramic Ocean, Surf & Koko Head Views! Well laid out 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath floor plan. Situated on a quiet street at ...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 201915398 MLS
- 264 DOM
Premier luxury living in the prestigious 5 star-rated Trump Tower International Waikiki. This rarely available, spacious two-bedroom, three-bath plus den masterpiece offe...
- 2 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201935144 MLS
- Trump Tower Waikiki Bldg.
- 70 DOM
Must see this charming and well cared for mid-century home in the most desirable neighborhood in Honolulu. This home's three bedrooms and two bathrooms are large enough ...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 201932841 MLS
- 92 DOM
Enjoy spectacular 180° ocean views and sunsets over Diamond Head from this architectural masterpiece in Honolulu's premier gated community. Beautifully designed open livi...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 202000729 MLS
- 8 DOM
BUILD YOUR DREAM ESTATE on approximately 15,983sf of PREMIUM OCEANFRONT land in East Oahu with 58 linear feet of ocean frontage. Beautiful Ocean, Diamond Head Mountain an...
- 201926002 MLS
- 164 DOM
Main house + separate one-bedroom cottage on Historic Home Registry. Prime sunnier location, single-level living. Authentic architecture but contemporary redesign, upgrad...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 202001907 MLS
- 25 DOM
Come see this luxurious, completely remodeled (2020) Manoa home, featuring real hardwood floors, 6 brand new split AC systems, newly upgraded plumbing and electrical, new...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 202001562 MLS
- 29 DOM
Spacious single story home on a level corner lot with a tons to offer! Partial renovation in 2019, fresh paint inside and out, new floors, new AC's, Anderson new windows ...
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 202000705 MLS
- 44 DOM
Gorgeous single level classic Manoa home, only 3 minutes to Punahou and Mid Pac Schools. Lives and feel much larger than the numbers show. Featuring a gorgeous new entert...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 202000018 MLS
- 48 DOM
Exquisite ocean views from this classic North Shore home located at Sharks Cove on the island of Oahu! Steps away from the beach! The epitome of Hawaii's "country living ...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 202000070 MLS
- 50 DOM
Luxury country living where the mountains meet the Sea. As the front door closes behind you the restful feelings hit you first!! Look beyond the gorgeous finishes, you be...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201921193 MLS
- 213 DOM
This spacious, 3-bedroom 2-bath unit in the prestigious Symphony Honolulu is very conveniently located in the heart of Kaka'ako. Enjoy entertaining in your large gourmet ...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 201929954 MLS
- Symphony Honolulu Bldg.
- 120 DOM
This mid-century modern home in Niu Valley sits on a large lot and has been tastefully remodeled while retaining original details. The main home is 3 bdrms, 2.5 baths wit...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 202002689 MLS
- 7 DOM
Main House (4/2)+ detached Studio cottage (0/1). Single level living. Completely restored, remodeled main residence including new roof, concrete driveway, plumbing, elect...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 202003184 MLS
- 9 DOM
Unrivaled views of the world famous North Shore, Mount Kaala, and the Pacific Ocean will be the first thing to greet guests of this beautiful oceanfront home situated in ...
- 5 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201918869 MLS
- 192 DOM
Enjoy expansive ocean, Diamond Head, and Koko Head views from this fabulous designer cottage on Lower Wilhemina Rise! Hawaiian classic meets contemporary style in this co...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 202002650 MLS
- 12 DOM
GORGEOUS VIEWS! Kamaaina charm meets spacious living with picture-perfect views of Diamond Head, Waikiki and the ocean. Located halfway up Wilhelmina Rise, this spacious,...
- 6 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201914824 MLS
- 260 DOM