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
Enjoy spectacular, unobstructed, panoramic ocean views from Diamond Head to Koko Head via floor-to-ceiling windows and glass sliding doors throughout this light-filled mo...
- 4 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 201902965 MLS
- 230 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
- 316 DOM
Come see what everyone is talking about! More than a condominium and different than a high rise, Park Lane Ala Moana combines the privacy and space of a single-family hom...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 201923989 MLS
- Park Lane Bldg.
- 18 DOM
Once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase two adjoining ocean front parcels totaling approx. 8 acres with two parcels each containing a separate building site and room f...
- 201827485 MLS
- 334 DOM
Private Resort like Residence offers Island living w/all the modern luxuries. Not many homes are built with this quality & attention to detail like this masterpiece. Jo...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 201922904 MLS
- 23 DOM
Have you been searching long and hard for a single family home that offers EXCEPTIONAL VIEWS without the steps? Through masterful planning and engineering, the home at 1...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201922551 MLS
- 37 DOM
Major Price Reduction! Escape to a private Oceanfront Estate in Mokuleia on a secluded beach. Listen to the waves and enjoy beach living just outside your door in this st...
- 5 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 201827393 MLS
- 334 DOM
Find peace at this breathtaking Nuuanu Estate just moments from Honolulu's business and medical centers, Waikiki, UH-Manoa and beaches. "Aina Ho'olauna" sits on nearly a ...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 201924247 MLS
- 17 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
- 103 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
- 4 DOM
DREAM HOME FOR BOAT LOVERS! This large marina-front home is ideal for multigenerational living with two master suites, three bedrooms, office/den, chef's kitchen, pool/ja...
- 6 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 201901875 MLS
- 229 DOM
Kamaina Treasure just one home from the Ocean! Home offers two master suite's and great open concept that opens to a lanai over looking Large sparkling blue tiled pool wi...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 201911505 MLS
- 142 DOM
Within the original gated community of Hawaii Loa Ridge exists this most luxurious collection of approximately 45 custom single family homes guarded with a second securit...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 201917537 MLS
- 71 DOM
Open Sun 9/8, from 2-5pm. Watch the video in the Virtual Tour link. This the most beautiful Manoa home offered for sale under $2mil in several years. Totally renovated fr...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201919188 MLS
- 24 DOM
HIGHLY SOUGHT OUT 06 UNIT! NEVER LIVED IN AND NEVER RENTED-FOR A BUYER WANTING A BRAND NEW CONDO IN ICONIC ANAHA 2 bed/2 bath in highly sought after 06 Stack. HIGH FLOOR-...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 201911289 MLS
- Anaha - 1108 Auahi Bldg.
- 134 DOM
Located within the highly desirable area of Kaimuki, this recently renovated split-level mid-century home offers breathtaking views. An abundance of space and natural lig...
- 4 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 201921111 MLS
- 53 DOM
Please see Video! Don’t miss this rarely available Pupukea Executive Home on a 1 acre private rim lot.This 4 Bed/4.5 Bath main house backs up to agricultural land for add...
- 4 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 201923900 MLS
- 18 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 "country living by...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 201919255 MLS
- 41 DOM
Ocean View Estate situated on quiet cul de sac in Pupukea. Gated property on over an acre, overlooks Oahu's famous North Shore. Built in 2006, the Main House offers 3 Be...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201910781 MLS
- 77 DOM
Perfect location in Moilili, close to everything! This home is a very spacious legal duplex. Enjoy the open concept living in both units. Great property for investors, mu...
- 201921852 MLS
- 25 DOM
Perfect location in Moilili, close to everything! This home is a very spacious legal duplex. Enjoy the open concept living in both units. Great property for investors, mu...
- 7 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 201921851 MLS
- 25 DOM
Excellent location with easy access to freeways, Downtown and schools including UH Manoa. Don't be fooled by the street frontage of the 2 lots which open up to a Mango tr...
- 201914533 MLS
- 116 DOM
Excellent location with easy access to freeways, Downtown and schools including UH Manoa. Don't be fooled by the street frontage of the 2 lots which open up to a Mango tr...
- 201914529 MLS
- 116 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
- 54 DOM
2 HOMES IN ONE! The layout allows for 1 Studio and a 5/2 OR you can lockoff one bedroom turning it into a 1/1 and a 4/2 making this an ideal multigenerational home, or in...
- 5 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201918869 MLS
- 69 DOM