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
- 16 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
- 58 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.
- 77 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
- 375 DOM
Parcels may be purchased separately. Once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase two adjoining ocean front parcels totaling approx. 8 acres with two parcels each containin...
- 201827485 MLS
- 391 DOM
Have you been searching for a single family home that offers EXCEPTIONAL VIEWS without the steps? Through thoughtful planning and engineering, this luxury residence prov...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201922551 MLS
- 96 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
- 344 DOM
Private - Elegant - Cool - Serene views – Wonderful Gardens - Elegant - Simply beautiful…It's Home. Come to ‘Aina Ho’olauna and see for yourself. This breathtaking N...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 201924247 MLS
- 74 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
- 162 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
- 287 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
- 129 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
- 62 DOM
BEST PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT ON PORTLOCK RD!! Kamaaina Treasure just one home from the Ocean! Home has a great open concept that opens to a large lanai overlooking Large sp...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 201930425 MLS
- 13 DOM
Open Sunday Nov 10th, 2-5pm. Gorgeous single level classic Manoa home is only 3 minutes to Punahou and Mid Pac Schools. Featuring a massive new entertainer's kitchen, al...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201930279 MLS
- 13 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
- 99 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.
- 20 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
- 112 DOM
Open House this Sunday, 2-5 pm. Ocean Views! For the discriminating Buyer, customized and upgraded with the finest materials in peaceful upper Hahaione Valley, one of the...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201929007 MLS
- 11 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
- 80 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
- 80 DOM
PURE ELEGANCE: The only 3 bedroom + den, currently for sale in Allure! The '6' stack has the best layout and location in the building! Beautiful finishes inside this unit...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 201928789 MLS
- Allure Waikiki Bldg.
- 36 DOM
Set between the tropical green mountains and the Pacific Ocean sits this immaculate 3 bedroom 2 bath home with a screened in large lanai and roof top deck that rivals mos...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 201921418 MLS
- 109 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
- 120 DOM
Charming Kama'aina cottage tucked away on one of the best streets on lower Wilhelmina Rise. Perfect for entertaining, enjoy Pau Hana sunsets from the front deck looking o...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 201921269 MLS
- 112 DOM
Breathtaking oceanfront views from this fully furnished, gorgeous, building G ground floor unit. This unit has Brazilian Chestnut hardwood floors and is just steps to whi...
- 1 Baths
- 201931133 MLS
- Ocean Villas At Turtle Bay Bldg.
- 4 DOM