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
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
- 201830607 MLS
- 104 DOM
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
- 53 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
- 136 DOM
Refreshed to show beautifully! Extraordinary design with contemporary design that disguises boundaries of interior and exterior living perfect for island living and ente...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201901007 MLS
- 59 DOM
Breathtaking ocean views from this fully furnished, exquisitely designed four bedroom Villa. This spacious home has direct ocean views from all living areas, kitchen, and...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201812475 MLS
- Ocean Villas At Turtle Bay Bldg.
- 313 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
- 154 DOM
Escape to a private Oceanfront Estate in Mokuleia, on a secluded sandy beach on Oahu's North Shore. Listen to the waves and enjoy beach living just outside your door in t...
- 5 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 201827393 MLS
- 157 DOM
A rare combination of EXCEPTIONAL VIEWS and LEVEL LIVING in East Oahu. This home has an over-sized main entry level footprint. NO STEPS throughout the entire entry leve...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201824620 MLS
- 182 DOM
This most beautiful garden home is perfectly located near Waialae Country Club, Waialae Beach Park, and the Kahala Hotel. The stunning one-level design features a grand e...
- 5 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 201817126 MLS
- 262 DOM
NORTH SHORE VILLA - Single Level Living with Ocean Views! Rare 3 Acre Lot in secured gated community near Turtle Bay Resort. 2 Master suites w/private bath & Separate Gue...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 201831382 MLS
- 88 DOM
Ultra modern luxury home in the sky with breathtaking forever panoramic views of ocean, canal, yacht harbor sunrise and sunset diamond head view! Over 4 acres of lush tro...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 201830083 MLS
- The Watermark Bldg.
- 105 DOM
PRICE JUST REDUCED, you are invited to peer behind the gates of The Woodlands at Nuuanu and purchase this jaw-dropping executive home. Seen only by its owners and the Pal...
- 4 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 201828549 MLS
- The Woodlands At Nuuanu Bldg.
- 137 DOM
Opportunity to build your own home on 15,746 sq. ft. of premium oceanfront land in east Oahu, with 58 linear feet of ocean frontage. CPR approval in progress. Please view...
- 1 Baths
- 201828763 MLS
- 133 DOM
Opportunity to build your own home on 15,746 sq. ft. of premium oceanfront land in east Oahu, with 58 linear feet of ocean frontage. CPR approval in progress. Please view...
- 201828836 MLS
- 133 DOM
NEW PRICE! THIS WONT LAST LONG! INCREDIBLE VALUE FOR NEARLY 6,000 SF OF LIVING AREA. A LOT OF HOUSE FOR THE MONEY! Newly Remodeled Executive Style Home located in the hig...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 201825082 MLS
- 174 DOM
Step into this spacious corner-lot home surrounded by a secret garden and Diamond Head views atop Wilhelmina Rise, in the coveted Maunalani Heights. This six-bedroom, 5.5...
- 6 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 201907734 MLS
- 0 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
- 50 DOM
Can be sold with penthouses 35 and 36 (TMK: 1-2-1-10-49-001) as the ultimate private guest suite and/or professional staff suite. On its own, penthouse 34 enjoys on-the-t...
- 2 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201827147 MLS
- The Pinnacle Honolulu Bldg.
- 159 DOM
Full-floor unit with private foyer and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing 360-degree view from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor to Punchbowl and the incredible blue Pacific ...
- 2 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201827149 MLS
- The Pinnacle Honolulu Bldg.
- 161 DOM
The epitome of Hawaii oceanfront living! Stunning views of the clear blue Pacific ocean & colorful Hawaiian sunsets are part of everyday life at the Ocean Villas at Turtl...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 201820820 MLS
- Ocean Villas At Turtle Bay Bldg.
- 223 DOM
Come home to your elegant oceanfront retreat on the Gold Coast! Exquisitely renovated by the current owners, you'll love the quality craftsmanship and materials featured ...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 201900735 MLS
- Tahitienne Inc Bldg.
- 66 DOM
All units in Pinnacle Open House Wed Mar 20th, 4.30-6pm with refreshments! Best value per square foot! Watch Our VIDEO Tour! Pet Friendly, 4 parking and over 3000ft in th...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 201831314 MLS
- The Pinnacle Honolulu Bldg.
- 91 DOM
Custom oriented to the terrain to take advantage of single level living on the upper terraced level w/a view! Private setting & indoor-outdoor living via wide lanais and ...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201900729 MLS
- 67 DOM
You haven’t seen anything yet. You want chic in a cottage? How about some passive income? You want all the latest creature comforts? If driving to work in town has you do...
- 5 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 201828983 MLS
- 132 DOM
Classic Mariners Cove property captures island living, with a home designed for comfort and a back yard built for relaxation and entertaining. An enclosed landscaped gard...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201900178 MLS
- 67 DOM