Last Updated: July 22, 2024
What is it really like to live in Kauaʻi? Take it from us: It’s a unique, quirky, often surprising, and incredible experience that you’ll never forget.
If you’re considering relocating to the Garden Isle, we put together a list of must-knows to help you make an easy transition to the island, get settled quickly and easily, and enjoy your time on Kauaʻi to the fullest. Let’s dive in!
#1: You won’t need as much stuff as you think.
We know plenty of people who have moved to Kauaʻi with just a suitcase and the clothes on their back—and they rarely regret it.
Moving to Hawaiʻi offers you the chance to live a simpler lifestyle, one in which you might only rarely have to put on closed-toe shoes, and you’ll almost never need clothes fancier than resort casual.
All that winter gear? All that fancy tableware for large dinner parties? All those family heirlooms that you plan to pass on to your kids? You probably won’t need them on Kauaʻi, so you’ll want to consider downsizing before your move. (And it will save you money on your relocation!) That said . . .
#2: Bring a rain jacket.
If you don’t already have a trusty rain shell, you might want to pick one up for each member of the family before you head to Kauaʻi.
As on most of the Hawaiian Islands, short rain showers are common (as are the resulting rainbows!). Rather than let the rain spoil your plans, it’s easy to throw on a jacket and continue to go about your business. Plus, if you’re a hiker, you’ll be glad to have a small, packable jacket to keep you dry during your outdoor adventures.
And while we’re on the topic of what to bring . . .
#3: Shipping your car to Kauaʻi isn’t a no-brainer.
One of the biggest questions we get here at Royal Hawaiian Movers is, “Should I ship my car to Kauaʻi with me?”
Truth be told, it’s not always a good idea to ship your car to Hawaiʻi, especially if it’s an older model with only a few years left on it. In that case, you might be better off selling it in your current location and buying a new or used car here on Kauaʻi. Some people here have also had luck shopping for a new car on Oʻahu, where car prices can be lower, and then shipping the car over to Kauaʻi.
By the way, if you need help making this decision, our complete guide to shipping your car to Hawaiʻi will answer most of your questions in this arena.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Kauaʻi?
Around $2,200-2,400 if you’re shipping your car to Nāwiliwili, Kauaʻi from the Ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach. That price assumes port-to-port service in which you drop off and pick up the vehicle yourself. Door-to-door service will cost extra. Additionally, shipping from a different port will change your price.
That brings us to the other area of moving to Kauaʻi that triggers a lot of questions.
#4: If you’re bringing pets to Kauaʻi, start the process early.
Because the Hawaiian Islands are rabies-free—and home to countless of flora and fauna you won’t find anywhere else—the state has strict regulations around bringing pets with you.
We won’t sugar-coat it: There’s a long list of requirements you’ll need to meet and a sheaf of paperwork to complete if you’re moving with a cat or a dog. As a result, you’ll want to get started as early as possible to make sure your pet doesn’t have to go through mandatory quarantine boarding once you arrive.
Your veterinarian will be an excellent resource for you, and we’ve compiled this guide to bringing your pets to Hawaiʻi to walk you through the process, step-by-step.
By the way, going through this process will be excellent preparation for moving to Kauaʻi because you’re going to have to . . .
#5: Get ready to go with the flow
A lot of people wonder whether they’ll be able to “fit in” on Kauaʻi.
One of the best ways to assimilate is to accept from the get-go that Kauaʻi operates on island time—a calm, unhurried pace that leaves plenty of room for pleasant greetings and the opportunity to shoot the breeze (also known as “talking story” here on Kauaʻi). When you’re able to loosen your expectations around your schedule and simply go with the flow, that’s when you’ll be able to fully embrace this island and its charms. (And that’s also when the island starts to embrace you back!)
That said, there is one thing you can do to that will help you start to integrate into the community: Study the history and culture of Hawaiʻi and its indigenous people, the Native Hawaiians. This background will give you a much deeper understanding of the people you’ll meet on Kauaʻi. Our article, Respect the Culture: Dos and Don’ts When You’re in Hawaiʻi, will offer you some resources to get started.
#6: You’ll learn to love Kauaʻi’s local produce.
Many mainlanders are struck by how many fruits and vegetables flourish here on Kauaʻi, often right in residents’ backyards. You’ll find apple bananas, lemons, limes, kale, bok choy, herbs, oranges, avocados, papayas, mangoes, lychee, and many more grown locally in Hawaiʻi. In contrast to all the produce that’s shipped in, everything that’s grown locally is significantly fresher. Once you make the move to Kauaʻi, you’ll discover a high level of appreciation for the bounty of the land.
Insider Tip: For the best deals, keep your eyes out for those little stands on the side of the road that will sell you fresh produce, often on the honor system. All you have to do is drop some money in the box, and you’ll drive away with a stash of some of the freshest produce around.
#7: If you’ve got a Costco membership, keep it when you move to Kauaʻi.
We know that you probably didn’t move all the way to Kauaʻi to shop at Costco, but hear us out.
Whether or not you’re a fan of the big box store, there’s one thing about Costco that’s undeniable: 99% of the time, Costco has the cheapest gas on island.
$0.54
cheaper per gallon
A quick check the day this article was written put the gas price at Costco at $0.54 cheaper per gallon than a nearby competitor. With a price difference like that, you’ll easily pay for your membership over a year—and then some.
So even if you’re cutting a few of your ties to mainland life when you’re moving to Kauaʻi, consider holding on to that Costco membership.
#8: If you see it, buy it on the spot.
We’ve all had those indecisive shopping moments where see something you like, but you decide to think about it for a day or two.
On an island like Kauaʻi, inventory doesn’t get replenished as much as it does on the mainland. When an item gets bought out, it might not be restocked for days, weeks, or even months. So if you’re shopping on Kauaʻi and you spot something great, go ahead and grab it—or you’ll be taking a big gamble that it will be there when you come back. If you moved to paradise to enjoy the present moment, consider this an exercise in living the dream!
Just remember that sometimes, the dream does collide with reality.
#9: Yes, island traffic is a thing on Kauaʻi.
It’s true. Even paradise shares some challenges with the mainland. Now, on Kauaʻi, you won’t be sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic on a five-lane superhighway. Instead, you might sit in a backup on a two-lane road caused by a long line of parents picking up their keiki (children) from school.
Our advice? Choose your neighborhood carefully with your commute in mind so that you’re not spending your days on Kauaʻi commuting. And remember that you live on “Kauaʻi time” now, so, when you do get stuck, relish the opportunity to enjoy the island’s beautiful scenery. That will also help you with this next must-know.
#10: You might have to remind yourself why you fell in love with Kauaʻi in the first place.
If you’ve shared your dreams of moving to Kauaʻi with others, you’ve probably already been told that living on Kauaʻi is totally different from being a tourist on the island. While there is some truth to this statement, we think there’s another piece of wisdom to be gleaned here.
When you move to Kauaʻi, don’t forget what it’s like to be a tourist enjoying the Garden Isle. Plan a weekend excursion. Head to happy hour at a bar overlooking the water. Hit the beach for the day.
If the everyday frustrations of island living start to build up, these kinds of activities will remind you why you moved to Kauaʻi in the first place. (They’re also a great cure for that famous “island fever” that people love to talk about!) If you make time for fun and adventure on a regular basis, you’ll get so much more out of your time on Kauaʻi.
#11: If you’ve never been here before, consider a pre-move visit.
Yes, it’s true. Some people decide to move to a place like Kauaʻi sight unseen. If this is your plan, we admire your adventurous spirit—and we’d gently suggest you consider making a visit first.
Come on over to the Garden Isle and tour a few places for rent. Go grocery shopping. If you have kids, visit a few schools and see what they’re like. Check out the prices on a couple of cars. In other words, live like a Kauaʻi resident for a week and see whether the island is right for you.
As we said earlier, the Garden Isle is a unique place. It isn’t for everybody. However, those who love it really love it. If you come for a pre-move visit, you’ll just know.
#11: You’ll have plenty of great Kauaʻi neighborhoods to choose from.
What’s the best place to live in Kauaʻi? There are a number of different residential areas on Kauaʻi, each with their own character. Below, you’ll find a few of our favorites:
- Kapaʻa – More than 11,000 residents call Kapaʻa home. The area features a number of amenities for residents, plus easy proximity to the island‘s central hub in Līhuʻe. As a Kapaʻa resident, you‘ll also have easy access to Ke Ala Hele Makālae, the Kauaʻi multiuse path that starts in Kapaʻa and heads north along the gorgeous coastline.
- Poʻipū – Warm, sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and plenty of bars, restaurants, and shopping all characterize life in Poʻipū. You‘ll find a number of hotels and resorts in Poʻipū, making it a higher-energy area for those who love being in the middle of the action.
- Princeville – This planned community is known for its impeccably landscaped properties, walking paths, recreation facilities, and golf courses. If resort-style living is your idea of good living, check out Princeville.
- Kīlauea – For those looking for a quieter, laid-back existence, Kīlauea may be perfect. This charming area offers a serene retreat, complemented by Kauaʻi’s natural beauty.
- Līhuʻe – Living in Līhuʻe is all about convenience. Youʻll be close to the airport, as well as the island’s commercial center. Hospital, banks, offices, and more are all just a short drive away. Plus, Līhuʻe’s central location makes it easy to get anywhere on Kauaʻi.
#12: The cost of living on Kauaʻi can feel high.
There’s no two ways about it: Hawaiʻi is the most expensive U.S. state to live in.
On Kauaʻi, the prices of housing, groceries, and utilities may be higher than what you’re used to. In fact, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) estimates that the cost of living in Hawaiʻi is 86.2% higher than the national average.
To get a sense of the cost of living on Kauaʻi, take a look at the cost of living numbers below:
Kauaʻi Cost of Living Figures
$987,980
Average Home Value
$1,805
Fair market rent (1 BR)
$211.15
Average household electricity bill
$477
Basic food cost per month (1 adult)
Once you move to Kauaʻi, you’ll develop your own tips and tricks for keeping your cost of living manageable. (Like that Costco membership we mentioned earlier!) It can feel tough to make the math works sometimes, but, for many, the price of paradise feels worth it.
What Is a Good Salary for Kauaʻi, Hawaii?
According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a single adult without children would need to earn at least $28.88/hour to support themselves on Kauaʻi.
Use this “living wage” as a baseline to evaluate potential jobs on Kauaʻi. Just keep in mind:
- That figure does NOT include vacation time. It’s based on working 2,080 hours a year (52 weeks at 40 hours/week).
- It only covers the most basic needs, including food, healthcare, housing, transportation, civic engagement, broadband, and other necessities. Things like eating out, savings, leisure time, and retirement are not covered by this “living wage.”
If you want to envision a more comfortable life on Kauaʻi, you might find this estimate from GOBankingRates more helpful: Their study suggests you might need as much as $188,160 to be “happy” in Hawaiʻi or $107,520 to achieve “emotional well-being.”
#13: You can move to Kauaʻi without a job.
Some people move to Kauaʻi to accept a job offer. Others move to Kauaʻi to work remotely—or to retire. But plenty of people also plan on looking for a job once they arrive on Kauaʻi.
If you fall in that final category, know that you’re not alone. In fact, a lot of employers don’t even want to interview people who aren’t yet living on Kauaʻi. Some employers prefer to meet potential employees in person. Others simply want to be sure potential employees are actually serious about moving to Kauaʻi.
To help focus your job search, check out the biggest industries on Kauaʻi by job count:
- Leisure and hospitality, including hotels, restaurants, and bars
- Healthcare and social assistance
- Trade, transportation, and utilities, including retail establishments, clothing, warehousing, utilities, and transportation providers
- Natural resources, mining, and construction
- Government jobs, including federal, state, and local positions
- Professional services, including waste management and remediation
Kaua’i Job Search Tip: Once you arrive, work your network. Tell any friends, family members, and acquaintances on Kauaʻi that you’re searching for a job. A lot of business in Hawaiʻi gets done through relationships. Knowing someone who can recommend you can help you get your foot in the door with a potential employer.
#14: There’s plenty to do on Kauaʻi, especially if you love the outdoors.
Natural beauty holds center stage on Kauaʻi. If you love nothing better than getting out and enjoying outdoor life, you’ll find plenty to do on Kauaʻi.
Some of our favorite activities include:
- Hiking the Nāpali Coast—an unforgettable trip that requires both permits and serious preparation. (But take it from us: It‘s well worth it!)
- Catching a wave at one of Kauaʻi’s many surf spots. Professional surfers Bethany Hamilton, Andy and Bruce Irons, and Keala Kennelly all cut their teeth on Kauaʻi’s waves.
- Soaking up the sun at one of Kauaʻi’s gorgeous beaches. If snorkeling is your thing, you’ll find plenty of spots to explore Kauaʻi’s vibrant coral reefs and abundant fish.
- Kauaʻi also has a burgeoning brewery and distillery scene. Taste a lilikoicello from Hanalei Spirits or a Līhuʻe Lager from Kauaʻi Beer Company to get a sample of the distinct flavors that the island’s local breweries and distilleries are turning out.
#15: Where school is concerned, you’ll have some choices to make.
If you’re moving to Kauaʻi with kids, you probably be concerned about making sure your children get a great education while you’re living on the island. Below, we’ll lay out the three different schooling options, so you can choose the right one for your family on Kauaʻi.
Public Schools
Hawaiʻi took 35th place in WalletHub’s public school rankings, putting the Aloha State ahead of Ohio and just behind Missouri. To learn more about Kauaʻi‘s public schools, visit the state Department of Education website.
Private Schools
Kauaʻi currently has six independent schools registered with the Hawaiʻi Association of Independent Schools. Four have a religious affiliation, while the other two are independent/non-denominational. For more information on Kauaʻi’s private schools, visit the Hawaiʻi Association of Independent Schools website.
Homeschooling
Some Kauaʻi families choose to homeschool their kids. If you’re considering this path, take a look at the Hawaiʻi state requirements for homeschooling so you’ll be prepared once you arrive.
#16: How you move to Kauaʻi is up to you.
How hard is it to move to Kauaʻi? It can be as easy as a plane ticket and two suitcases, if you’re a minimalist—or if you’re planning to start fresh in Kauaʻi.
If you want to bring more with you, you’ve got two main options for moving your belongings to Kauaʻi:
A 20-Foot or 40-Foot Container
If you’re taking all of your belongings with you, consider filling a 20-foot or 40-foot container and shipping it to Kauaʻi via ocean freight. That way, you can start your life in Kauaʻi surrounded by all of your favorite things.
Less-Than-Container Load (LCL)
Maybe you don’t have enough to fill a 20-foot or 40-foot container. In that case, you can choose what the moving industry calls an LCL (less-than-container load) solution. Your belongings will get packed in sturdy wooden crates called lift vans. These lift vans will be loaded into a container headed to Kauaʻi. If you have a few items you can’t bear to part with, this can be a great option for your Kauaʻi move.
As you can see, you’ll have some decisions to make—and plenty of options for moving to Kauaʻi in a way that works for you.
Choosing Kauaʻi with Confidence
There’s always a little bit of uncertainty in the air when you decide to move to a new location. However, the more research you do—and the more knowledge you get under your belt—the more confident you’ll feel about your transition. These must-knows make a good start for your move to Kauaʻi—and don’t miss our Insider’s Guide to Making Your Home on Kauaʻi for even more insights on Kauaʻi life.
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Need some help with your Kauaʻi move? We do local moves, interisland moves, mainland moves, and even international moves. We’d love to help you with yours. Just get in touch with our Līhuʻe-based team for a complimentary quote to get started.
