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
- 215 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
- 575 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
- 137 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
- 122 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
- 181 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 th...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 202008705 MLS
- 36 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.
- 168 DOM
You'll love this gorgeous custom built home on a private acre overlooking the famous Sunset Beach on the North Shore of Oahu! Enjoy the privacy of the country and stunnin...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 202006789 MLS
- 71 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
- 190 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
- 142 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
- 124 DOM
Beautiful ocean view unit in one of Waikiki’s most desirable condominium buildings. Step from the ground floor right onto the white sands of Waikiki Beach! Large living r...
- 1 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 202006843 MLS
- Waikiki Shore Bldg.
- 70 DOM
Back on Market, Today VIRTUAL LIVE TOUR 4PM. Rare gem, marina living, 1 of largest Spinnaker Isle waterfronts. Paddle to ocean. Tucked away on the fringe of East Honolulu...
- 4 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 202006757 MLS
- 69 DOM
You will love the luxurious finishes of this remodeled Manoa multi generational home, featuring hardwood floors, 6 brand new split ACs, newly upgraded plumbing and electr...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 202001562 MLS
- 120 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
- 149 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
- 105 DOM
Luxury living in the heart of Kakaako. Located between Ward Village and Ala Moana Shopping Center, Koolani offers the best value in one of the most desirable neighborhood...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 202010933 MLS
- Koolani Bldg.
- 15 DOM
Captivating postcard-perfect Diamond Head and sparkling ocean views takes your breath away! On a privileged ridge location uniquely oriented to the downslope terrain with...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 202008257 MLS
- 38 DOM
This corner unit offers the best view in the the building. Enjoy the Beautiful panoramic Ocean View and Diamond Head. Excellent Location!!!, Centrally Located New buildin...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 201924351 MLS
- Kapiolani Residence Bldg.
- 216 DOM
Major Price Reduction!! Clean & Well Maintained 6 Bedroom 2 Bath, two-story home in Palolo with valley views! Great opportunity for a large/extended family or investment ...
- 6 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 201927291 MLS
- 242 DOM
Yacht Harbor Towers, preferred Ewa tower! Crisp, cool unit with panoramic views of the ocean, coastline, harbor, sunsets, Ala Moana beach park and beyond! Whale watch and...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 202004574 MLS
- Yacht Harbor Towers Bldg.
- 81 DOM
This lovely home is located in the desirable Koko Head Terrace neighborhood. With a spacious open floor plan, this well maintained 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home offers many up...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 202008854 MLS
- 17 DOM
Great Opportunity to Build a new home 2 lots away from the ocean on 10,000 usable level square feet. Great location across from Aina Haina Shopping Center. CPR Approved!!...
- 201828686 MLS
- 528 DOM
Enjoy watching the evening fireworks from this preferred stack with panoramic ocean, city and mountain views! Must see in person! The master suite is on one side while th...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 202007062 MLS
- One Archer Lane Bldg.
- 66 DOM
Gorgeous pied-a-terre in luxury Trump Waikiki. Minutes to sandy beaches, restaurants, and shops. Beautifully furnished and a smart layout with sitting area and kitchen. E...
- 1 Baths
- 202007882 MLS
- Trump Tower Waikiki Bldg.
- 52 DOM