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
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
- 201910557 MLS
- Park Lane Bldg.
- 96 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
- 177 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
- 260 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
- 183 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
- 278 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
- 305 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
- 281 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
- 212 DOM
Find serenity at this beautiful Old Pali Rd Estate just minutes from Honolulu’s business and medical centers, Waikiki and beaches. 'Aina Ho'olauna sits on nearly a half-a...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 201914669 MLS
- 51 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
- 46 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
- 296 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
- 121 DOM
Kamaina Treasure just one home from the Ocean! Home offers two master suite's and great open concept that opens to a lanai over looking Large sparkling blue tiled pool wi...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 201911505 MLS
- 84 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
- 172 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.
- 280 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
- 31 DOM
RESORT STYLE LIVING AT ITS FINEST! Located in Honolulu’s most distinguished urban neighborhood, Anaha is one of Ward Villages’ latest luxury Highrise condos to be complet...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 201911289 MLS
- Anaha - 1108 Auahi Bldg.
- 88 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.
- 282 DOM
Please see Video! Don’t miss this rarely available Pupukea Executive Home on a 1 acre private rim lot.This 4 Bed/4.5 Bath main house backs up to agricultural land for add...
- 4 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 201905800 MLS
- 123 DOM
Ocean View Estate situated on quiet cul de sac in Pupukea. Gated property on over an acre, overlooks Oahu's famous North Shore. Built in 2006, the Main House offers 3 Be...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201910781 MLS
- 95 DOM
Excellent location with easy access to freeways, Downtown and schools including UH Manoa. Don't be fooled by the street frontage of the 2 lots which open up to a Mango tr...
- 201914533 MLS
- 60 DOM
Excellent location with easy access to freeways, Downtown and schools including UH Manoa. Don't be fooled by the street frontage of the 2 lots which open up to a Mango tr...
- 201914529 MLS
- 60 DOM
Unrivaled views of the world famous North Shore, Mount Kaala, and the Pacific Ocean will be the first thing to greet guests of this beautiful oceanfront home situated in ...
- 5 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201918869 MLS
- 11 DOM
Kamaaina charm meets spacious living with picture-perfect views of Diamond Head, Waikiki and the ocean. Located halfway up Wilhelmina Rise, this spacious, flexible floor ...
- 6 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 201914824 MLS
- 44 DOM
Breathtaking oceanfront views are yours from this gorgeous, fully furnished, Building G ground-floor unit, just steps from white sandy beaches, gourmet restaurants, two c...
- 1 Baths
- 201908443 MLS
- Ocean Villas At Turtle Bay Bldg.
- 115 DOM