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A step by step guide to moving to Hawaii 

My Family

Having personally moved from California to Hawaii in 2005, 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-$1.5 mil for a house, but your property taxes will be about $150-$200 per month.  Our property tax rates are 5 times less than CA! 

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, where the average sale price is over $1million as of 2020.  While you can still expect to pay $7~$9 for a gallon of milk at Foodland or Safeway, we have 4 Costcos on Oahu, so prices are close to normal for many 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 wear it a few days a year.  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.  I'm about to go surfing with my kids, at a beautiful empty beach, and the water is 75 degrees. 

Let's chat about your move to hawaii

Click here for Part 2

Our Listings

2979 Kalakaua Avenue Unit 503/504, Honolulu image
2979 Kalakaua Avenue Unit 503/504, Honolulu — Coral Strand Ltd $4,000,000

First time on the market! A once in a lifetime opportunity to own apartment 503/504 in the Gold Coast exclusive Coral Strand building. This is a two-bedroom two-bathroom ...

  • 2 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202020087 MLS
  • Coral Strand Ltd Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

2998 Makalei Place, Honolulu image
2998 Makalei Place, Honolulu $3,900,000 ▼

Timeless Treasure designed by Vladimir Ossipoff & Sid Snyder on the slopes of Diamond Head. Pleasant ocean views from open garden lanais creating a spacious outdoor livi...

  • 4 Beds
  • 4 Baths
  • 202008136 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

4817 Kaimoku Way, Honolulu image
4817 Kaimoku Way, Honolulu $3,595,000

MODERN LUXURY on world famous Waialae Country Club Golf Course, home of the PGA Sony Open. EXTRA WIDE 130 Linear feet of Golf Course Frontage! Enjoy the best of both worl...

  • 6 Beds
  • 5 Baths
  • 202023677 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

131 Farrington Highway, Waialua image
131 Farrington Highway, Waialua $3,300,000

Kealia Farm Lot. CPR Subdivision has county electric and two private water systems stubbed onsite to each parcel. Agricultural zoning allows for a variety of agriculture ...

  • 202028112 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

559 Moaniala Street, Honolulu image
559 Moaniala Street, Honolulu $3,200,000

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
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

5295 Kalanianaole Highway Unit 3, Honolulu image
5295 Kalanianaole Highway Unit 3, Honolulu $2,995,000 ▼

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
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

1035 Hoa Street, Honolulu image
1035 Hoa Street, Honolulu $2,980,000

RIM LOT HOME WITH UNINHIBITED OCEAN VIEWS. Be the very first to live in this exceptionally designed residence in the newest of the luxury ridge communities in Honolulu. ...

  • 4 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 202011724 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

1288 Ala Moana Boulevard Unit 30F, Honolulu image
1288 Ala Moana Boulevard Unit 30F, Honolulu — Hokua At 1288 Ala Moana $2,750,000

This highly desirable, "F" Unit, Hokua condo in Kaka'ako offers unobstructed, panoramic Diamond Head and Ocean views from the main living area and bedrooms. The condo ser...

  • 2 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202027729 MLS
  • Hokua At 1288 Ala Moana Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

7391 Makaa Street, Honolulu image
7391 Makaa Street, Honolulu $2,150,000

Hawaii Kai's beautiful marina front home, in one of the most desirable neighborhoods, "Kealaula Kai", is perfectly situated on one of the widest Hawaii Kai Marina. This e...

  • 3 Beds
  • 5 Baths
  • 202100316 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

1121 Waieli Street, Honolulu image
1121 Waieli Street, Honolulu $2,150,000

Privacy gates open to an inviting entry walkway that fans out to a quiet lawn under a canopy of tropical trees & tiled pool. Beautiful patio w/high vaulted roof frames th...

  • 3 Beds
  • 4 Baths
  • 202032830 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

27 Makaweli Street, Honolulu image
27 Makaweli Street, Honolulu $1,988,000

The meticulous home you thought you would never find! This move-in condition home is SINGLE LEVEL with 4 large bedrooms all with great storage. The entire home is perfect...

  • 4 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202031858 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

1 Keahole Place Unit 1005, Honolulu image
1 Keahole Place Unit 1005, Honolulu — Kalele Kai $1,898,000 ▼

This townhouse offers the best of both worlds: the benefits of a single-family home combined with the amenities, security and ease of ownership of a condominium! Treat yo...

  • 3 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 202020806 MLS
  • Kalele Kai Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

1 Keahole Place Unit 1005, Honolulu image
1 Keahole Place Unit 1005, Honolulu — Kalele Kai $1,898,000 ▼

This townhouse offers the best of both worlds: the benefits of a single-family home combined with the amenities, security and ease of ownership of a condominium! Treat yo...

  • 3 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 202020581 MLS
  • Kalele Kai Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

2161 Kalia Road Unit 506, Honolulu image
2161 Kalia Road Unit 506, Honolulu — Waikiki Shore $1,799,000 ▼

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.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

6278 Upolo Place, Honolulu image
6278 Upolo Place, Honolulu $1,698,000

Imagine living in a perfect home built for today's changing lifestyle! Artfully designed, this inspiring home offers separate areas for comfortable living, remote work, s...

  • 4 Beds
  • 4 Baths
  • 202100660 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

58-358 Kamehameha Highway Unit A, Haleiwa image
58-358 Kamehameha Highway Unit A, Haleiwa $1,350,000

Ready-made beach bungalow getaway in the country. Walk to the beach from this gorgeous remodeled home, with engineered Tigerwood floors, marble tile in bathrooms, Lon Kl...

  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202031687 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

1001 Queen Street Unit 1004, Honolulu image
1001 Queen Street Unit 1004, Honolulu — Ae'o $1,298,000

WOW! Move right in to this fully furnished elegant condo in one of the most sought after communities in Honolulu. Discerningly curated furnishings and art pieces by a pro...

  • 2 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202025132 MLS
  • Ae'o Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

1777 Ala Moana Boulevard Unit 625, Honolulu image
1777 Ala Moana Boulevard Unit 625, Honolulu — Ilikai Apt Bldg $1,200,000

Perfect place to live & vacation! Desirable corner unit w/two lanais to enjoy tropical breezes & sparkling city lights. Beautiful hardwood floors installed in 2015 after ...

  • 2 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202020274 MLS
  • Ilikai Apt Bldg Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

1736 Wilhelmina Rise, Honolulu image
1736 Wilhelmina Rise, Honolulu $1,199,000 ▼

PANORAMIC VIEWS! Kamaaina charm meets spacious ISLAND LIVING with picture-perfect views of Diamond Head, Waikiki and the ocean. Located halfway up Wilhelmina Rise this ho...

  • 6 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 202017785 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

57-020 Kuilima Drive Unit 217, Kahuku image
57-020 Kuilima Drive Unit 217, Kahuku — Ocean Villas At Turtle Bay $1,100,000

Breathtaking oceanfront views from this modern, 2nd floor villa in the Ocean Villas at Turtle Bay. Immediately adjacent to over 600 acres of scenic, undeveloped beachfron...

  • 1 Baths
  • 202012186 MLS
  • Ocean Villas At Turtle Bay Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

600 Queen Street Unit 3201, Honolulu image
600 Queen Street Unit 3201, Honolulu — Keola Lai $1,048,000

Looking for SPACIOUS and MODERN Kakaako living? Look no further. This rare fully renovated three-bedroom 1,400 sq. ft. unit offers panoramic ocean, city, and mountain vie...

  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202029877 MLS
  • Keola Lai Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

1631 Kapiolani Boulevard Unit 4311, Honolulu image
1631 Kapiolani Boulevard Unit 4311, Honolulu — Kapiolani Residence $908,000 ▼

This high floor corner unit offers the best view in the building. Enjoy the Beautiful panoramic Ocean View and Diamond Head. Excellent Location!!!, centrally located New ...

  • 2 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202025495 MLS
  • Kapiolani Residence Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

56-109 Huehu Place, Kahuku image
56-109 Huehu Place, Kahuku $886,000

Multi family living with with 3 separate entrances. 3 bedrooms and 2 baths upstairs in the main area, 3 bedrooms and 1 bath downstairs and 2 bedrooms 1 bath over the gara...

  • 8 Beds
  • 5 Baths
  • 202024660 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

5295 Kalanianaole Highway Unit 1, Honolulu image
5295 Kalanianaole Highway Unit 1, Honolulu $845,000 ▼

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
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

1001 QUEEN Street Unit 2307, Honolulu image
1001 QUEEN Street Unit 2307, Honolulu — Ae'o $799,000 ▼

New Price ! A'eo is a Luxury Ward Village condo. Located above the flagship Whole Foods and close to great Restaurants and shopping. This large one bedroom one bath on t...

  • 1 Beds
  • 1 Baths
  • 202024285 MLS
  • Ae'o Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

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Lucky enough to spend his life on the great island of Oahu, Aloha Tony has become one of the state's best and most sought after real estate agents. Together with his hand-selected team of associates, he ensures his clients best interests are always looked after.

eXp Realty

500 Ala Moana Blvd. #7-400

Honolulu 96813

808-725-2794

RB-21841

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