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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

67-393 Waialua Beach Road, Waialua image
67-393 Waialua Beach Road, Waialua $3,988,000

Charming oceanfront Ranch style home! Stunning ocean and sunset views, just steps away to the sandy beach in your front yard. Relax and enjoy all the Pacific Ocean has t...

  • 2 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202218964 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

57-546 Kamehameha Highway Unit 1, Kahuku image
57-546 Kamehameha Highway Unit 1, Kahuku $3,599,500

Custom Built North Shore Home in a gated community of 5 homes. One of a Kind 3 Acre Lot. Ocean Views! Could be a vacation country home, gentlemen's ranch, or Family re...

  • 5 Beds
  • 4 Baths
  • 202218711 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

1415 Kinau Street, Honolulu image
1415 Kinau Street, Honolulu $3,500,000

Conveniently located in the heart of urban Honolulu, this multi-unit property offers 7-one bedroom units, 2-studio units and 13-studio units with shared common facilities...

  • 202225519 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 $2,750,000

Amazing opportunity to build a brand new home on a large Estate Size Oceanfront Lot. Enjoy both Koko Head and Diamond Head views. Sunrise to sunset. Coastline in both dir...

  • 202200248 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

39 Makaweli Street, Honolulu image
39 Makaweli Street, Honolulu $2,575,000 ▼

"Age in place home" on a 11,461 SF level lot in the rarely available Portlock side of Hawaii Kai.  Makaweli Street is the well known highly sought-after street framed wit...

  • 3 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 202216959 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

4134 Akulikuli Terrace, Honolulu image
4134 Akulikuli Terrace, Honolulu $2,500,000 ▲

Amazing opportunity to own in one of the most distinguished highly sought-after neighborhoods of Oahu. With unobstructed ocean views, this home sits perfectly aligned am...

  • 3 Beds
  • 1 Baths
  • 202216494 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

888 Kapiolani Boulevard Unit PH 4501, Honolulu image
888 Kapiolani Boulevard Unit PH 4501, Honolulu — Symphony Honolulu $2,388,000

Stunning mountain and Koko Head views from this three bedroom, three bath top floor Penthouse at the Symphony Honolulu. Dramatic 10 ft. floor-to-ceiling windows capture t...

  • 3 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 202221077 MLS
  • Symphony Honolulu Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

55-321C Kamehameha Highway, Laie image
55-321C Kamehameha Highway, Laie $2,348,000 ▼

Enjoy oceanfront living at its finest in this quintessential Hawaii beach home! Located in the heart of Laie directly in front of Bathtub Beach, this home offers everythi...

  • 3 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 202219318 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

773 Lawelawe Street, Honolulu image
773 Lawelawe Street, Honolulu $2,168,000

Located in Aina Haina, this unique home has an incomparable blend of numerous upgrades, sizable living area, underground utilities, and a sought after location. High ceil...

  • 4 Beds
  • 4 Baths
  • 202301331 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

4777 Farmers Road, Honolulu image
4777 Farmers Road, Honolulu $1,950,000

Preserved and authentic single level home defining Hawaii's charm and masterfully combines comfort with Kahala style & grace. On a sprawling level lot, fenced and gated ...

  • 4 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 202300528 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

1000 Auahi Street Unit 1704, Honolulu image
1000 Auahi Street Unit 1704, Honolulu — Koula $1,850,000 ▼

Inspired Living! Open your door to WOW views of Diamond Head, the Waikiki coastline, Magic Island Beach Park and Friday Night Fireworks views. Welcome to Koula, Ward Vill...

  • 2 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202221231 MLS
  • Koula Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

56-155-A Kamehameha Highway Unit 6, Kahuku image
56-155-A Kamehameha Highway Unit 6, Kahuku $1,675,000

Stunning new home in progress to be built in the beautiful seaside community of Malaekahana Bay! Private deeded access to the ocean and just steps away to Malaekahana Bay...

  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202220057 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

3851 Sierra Drive, Honolulu image
3851 Sierra Drive, Honolulu $1,675,000

A true Sierra Drive Gem! Enjoy expansive ocean and Diamond Head views from this fabulous 1920's cottage on Wilhelmina Rise! Hawaiian classic meets contemporary style in t...

  • 4 Beds
  • 4 Baths
  • 202224409 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

7735 Waikapu Loop, Honolulu image
7735 Waikapu Loop, Honolulu $1,200,000

Ground level, open floor plan in Kalama Valley. This high ceiling, immaculate three-bedroom, two-bath, peaceful and private home sits on a cul-de-sac in a quiet neighborh...

  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202301297 MLS
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

2139 Kuhio Avenue Unit 1812, Honolulu image
2139 Kuhio Avenue Unit 1812, Honolulu — The Ritz-Carlton Residences Twr 2 - 383 Kalaimoku $990,000 ▼

Highly desirable Diamond Head-facing corner unit in Tower 2 of the 5-star Ritz Carlton in Waikiki. This world-class property is located in the heart of Waikiki on luxury ...

  • 1 Baths
  • 202217304 MLS
  • The Ritz-Carlton Residences Twr 2 - 383 Kalaimoku Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

2139 Kuhio Avenue Unit 1801, Honolulu image
2139 Kuhio Avenue Unit 1801, Honolulu — The Ritz-Carlton Residences Twr 2 - 383 Kalaimoku $930,000 ▼

Highly desirable west corner unit in Tower 2 of the 5-star Ritz Carlton in Waikiki. This world-class property is located in the heart of Waikiki on luxury row and offers ...

  • 1 Baths
  • 202217295 MLS
  • The Ritz-Carlton Residences Twr 2 - 383 Kalaimoku Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

1777 Ala Moana Boulevard Unit 1828, Honolulu image
1777 Ala Moana Boulevard Unit 1828, Honolulu — Ilikai Apt Bldg $877,000 ▼

BACK ON MARKET!!18th floor unit overlooking Hilton Lagoon, Ocean, Diamond Head, city & mountain views. One of the most popular and ocean front Ilikai Apt Bldg within imme...

  • 1 Beds
  • 1 Baths
  • 202224577 MLS
  • Ilikai Apt Bldg Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

property image
250 Kawaihae Street Unit 7C, Honolulu — Mt Terrace $865,000

Amazing opportunity to own in Hawaii Kai's highly coveted Mount Terrace building. A spacious floor plan with sweeping mauka-to-makai views from the newly installed floor-...

  • 2 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202222424 MLS
  • Mt Terrace Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

2139 Kuhio Avenue Unit 1707, Honolulu image
2139 Kuhio Avenue Unit 1707, Honolulu — The Ritz-Carlton Residences Twr 2 - 383 Kalaimoku $850,000

Great opportunity to enjoy luxury living at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach Tower 2! This middle floor ocean view studio comes fully furnished with top of the l...

  • 1 Baths
  • 202212061 MLS
  • The Ritz-Carlton Residences Twr 2 - 383 Kalaimoku Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

1040 Lunalilo Street Unit 603, Honolulu image
1040 Lunalilo Street Unit 603, Honolulu — Continental Plaza $770,000

One of only 70 boutique condominium homes serviced by two elevators for only three units per floor assures luxurious privacy. Architectural design integrity with solid co...

  • 2 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202301847 MLS
  • Continental Plaza Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

1820 Kaioo Drive Unit A205, Honolulu image
1820 Kaioo Drive Unit A205, Honolulu — Cove Waikiki $736,000

Cove Waikiki- Location, location, location... Relax and enjoy the open views that face over the lush green palms. Built in 2015 and close by to the beautiful Ala Moana ...

  • 2 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202301392 MLS
  • Cove Waikiki Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

1860 Ala Moana Boulevard Unit 1208, Honolulu image
1860 Ala Moana Boulevard Unit 1208, Honolulu — Wailana At Waikiki $728,000 ▼

Rarely available FEE SIMPLE 2/2 condo at Wailana at Waikiki! You'll love coming home to this completely remodeled retreat with wonderful wide open city and Diamond Head v...

  • 2 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202214477 MLS
  • Wailana At Waikiki Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

1428-4 Hunakai Street Unit 120, Honolulu image
1428-4 Hunakai Street Unit 120, Honolulu — Waialae Gardens $660,000

Location, Location, Location! Enjoy the convenience of a short distance to Kahala Mall, Kahala Market, Whole Foods, movie theaters, restaurants, and more! 2 story townhom...

  • 2 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202301717 MLS
  • Waialae Gardens Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

988 Halekauwila Street Unit 2306, Honolulu image
988 Halekauwila Street Unit 2306, Honolulu — 988 Halekauwila $659,000 ▼

Grace yourself with wonderous views of the awe-inspiring ocean and city from this rarely available 2 bed 2 bath end unit with a full-size parking stall. Unparalleled acce...

  • 2 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202217095 MLS
  • 988 Halekauwila Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

430 Keoniana Street Unit 1103, Honolulu image
430 Keoniana Street Unit 1103, Honolulu — Keoni Ana $599,000 ▼

Waikiki Living- Enjoy this spacious 2 bedroom larger unit with custom upgrades and lots of storage space. Located on the cool side of the building overlooking the Ala Wai...

  • 2 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 202225604 MLS
  • Keoni Ana Bldg.
  • FS - Fee Simple Tenure
Courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties

Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.

Based on information from the Multiple Listing Service of Hicentral MLS, Ltd. Listings last updated on . Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Copyright: 2023 by HiCentral MLS, Ltd. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use. It may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.

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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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