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
Casually sophisticated with quality finishes and ageless contemporary Island architecture…all on a single level. State-of-the-art eat-in kitchen opens to home’s entertain...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 202017723 MLS
- 5 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
- 187 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
- 246 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
- 640 DOM
A Licensed Legal Vacation Rental on the beach near Rocky Point! Only a few homes on the North Shore have this legal TVU license, and this is the only one available for sa...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 202017486 MLS
- 10 DOM
TRUE RIM LOT WITH UNBLOCKED AMAZING OCEAN VIEWS. Never-occupied, this home is in PRISTINE CONDITION. If you've been hunting for oceanfront with no luck, 1035 Hoa Street m...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 202011724 MLS
- 39 DOM
MINI FOUR SEASONS! Gated Community of Hawaii Loa Ridge. Architecturally designed by James Mayo Macari. Koko Head, Diamond Head & Ocean Views. Kitchen features top of the...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 202015197 MLS
- 34 DOM
Live the Hawaii dream with gorgeous ocean and sunset views over Diamond Head in the prestigious Koko Kai neighborhood. This large family home offers multiple living space...
- 6 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 202016978 MLS
- 23 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
- 101 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
- 136 DOM
Amazing value- partial 2019 renovation with fresh paint inside & out, new floors, new AC's, new Anderson windows & sliding doors! Large Chef's kitchen, remodeled master s...
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 202000705 MLS
- 207 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
- 253 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.
- 135 DOM
You'll love the luxurious finishes of this remodeled Manoa multi generational home, with hardwood floors, 6 new split ACs, newly upgraded plumbing & electrical, new roof,...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 202017975 MLS
- 6 DOM
Beautiful Executive home in the coveted Kamilo Nui community with stunning Koko Head views! Inside is the modern home you've been waiting for! Tall ceilings, chef's kitch...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 202017336 MLS
- 19 DOM
LOVELY vintage charm with an updated, sophisticated feel. Warm and inviting 3 bedroom/2 bath single level home in Wilhelmina Rise with expansive Diamond Head and Ocean vi...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 202015449 MLS
- 29 DOM
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
- 3 DOM
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.
- 63 DOM
NEW PRICE! $96K UNDER LAST COMPARABLE SALE! Luxury living in the heart of Kakaako. Located between Ward Village and Ala Moana Shopping Center, Koolani offers the best val...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 202010933 MLS
- Koolani Bldg.
- 80 DOM
Unassuming, absolutely charming home in Upper Kalihi Valley! Enjoy gracious indoor/outdoor living of this 4 bdrm 2 bath home with panoramic views of the valley to the oce...
- 4 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 202012373 MLS
- 56 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
- 98 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.
- 281 DOM
Stunning home in a quiet country neighborhood located in the North Shore of O'ahu. One of only five original manager plantation homes, this historic beauty was updated in...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 202014328 MLS
- 42 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.
- 146 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
- 593 DOM