A successful Hawai'i move begins with a solid, realistic budget that takes into account all of your relocation costs.
Whether you're moving to or from Hawai'i, your relocation will involve long distances and several layers of logistics—ocean freight and vehicle shipping, just to name a few. On top of that, you'll need to plan for things like airfare, temporary housing, moving any pets who live with you, and, if you're headed to Hawai'i, a higher cost of living once you land.
So, how much does a Hawaiʻi move really cost?
For most individuals and families, a safe and realistic moving budget ranges between $20,000 and $30,000, depending on where you’re moving from, your family size, and how much you decide to move.
In this guide, we'll break down all the major Hawai'i relocation costs (with real numbers!) to help you plan your moving budget.
In This Article
- The Cost to Ship Your Household Goods to or from Hawai‘i
Let's start with one of the biggest line items: shipping your household goods.
The Cost to Ship Your Household Goods to or from Hawai'i
Moving your belongings across the Pacific is no small feat. For many families, this will be the single largest expense to budget for.
The cost of shipping household goods to and from Hawai‘i can vary widely depending on how much you ship and where you’re moving. The most accurate way to budget for this aspect of your Hawai‘i move is to reach out to our experts for a complimentary quote. They’ll give you a quote you can count on during Moving Day.
In the interest of helping you budget for your Hawai‘i moving costs, we’ll provide a few ballparks below.
What You Might Pay
The ballpark figures below will give you a sense of the potential cost for shipping a container of household goods to Hawaiʻi, using Royal Hawaiian Movers' full-service option. Please note that these are not quotes, but rather loose estimates based on our decades of experience with Hawai'i moves:
- Cost for a full-service move of a 20′ container from the LA area to Oahu: starts at ~$9,000
- Cost for a full-service move of a 40′ container from the LA area to Oahu: starts at ~$13,000
Note: A full-service move means that we provide all moving boxes and materials, pack all of your belongings, load and unload your items, and handle all the logistics of your shipment from door to door.
Get a complimentary quote from our Hawai'i experts for your move.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Shipping Your Household Goods to/from Hawai'i
- Origin and Destination: Shipping to/from the West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles, Oakland, or Seattle) will be more affordable than to/from inland cities like Denver or Chicago.
- The Size of Your Move: Keep in mind that your move will be priced by weight. How much you move (and the weight of the things you move) will directly influence your cost. That's why we always recommend downsizing before a Hawai'i move.
Car Shipping Costs to/from Hawai'i
If you're planning on bringing a vehicle to Hawai'i—or taking one back to the mainland—you'll need to factor that cost into your moving budget.
Should I Ship My Car?
In some cases, it may make more sense to sell your car at your current home and use the proceeds to buy another car at your new home. Read more about the logistics of shipping your car to get all the info you need to make a final decision.
Cars move to Hawai'i by boat, usually on RoRo ships (roll-on/roll-off) that allow the shipping companies to drive cars right on to the vessel and secure them for the voyage. Cars can also be shipped in containers—especially vintage cars that require extra protection or cars that can't be driven on and off the ship.
What You Might Pay
Port-to-port shipping on a RoRo vessel will be the cheapest way to get your car from the mainland to Hawai'i. Keep in mind that port-to-port service means you're responsible for getting the car to and from the port.
- Port-to-port service between Hawai'i and the West Coast typically costs between $1,600 and $3,100.
If you don't live near a port—or just want a more convenient option for your move—you can arrange for door-to-door service in which a provider picks up your car and drops it off for an extra fee.
Key Factors That Affect Pricing of Car Shipments to/from Hawai'i
- Departure Port: Shipping from coastal cities (e.g., Los Angeles, Oakland, or Seattle) will be cheaper than shipping from inland locations.
- Additional Fees: Be prepared to pay for the cost of registering your car in your new location. Fees vary by jurisdiction.
- Direction: Shipping your car from Hawai'i to the mainland (eastbound) will be a little less expensive, since the shipping companies generally see less demand in that direction.
Hawai'i Pet Relocation Costs
Moving your pets to or from Hawai'i can be both complex and expensive:
No matter which direction you're moving, you'll first need to decide how to physically get your pet to your destination. If you fly commercial, that means putting your pet under your seat (if possible) or flying them in the belly of the plane as cargo.
- Not all airlines accept pets, and there are some seasonal restrictions as well. Alaska/Hawaiian will likely be your best bet.
- You can also hire a pet transport company to handle the process and physically move your pet either to or from Hawai'i.
If you're moving to Hawai'i, you'll also have to navigate the state's rules and regulations for importing pets. This involves working with your vet on vaccinations, microchipping, and rabies testing, as well as submitting paperwork to the state's Animal Industry Division. Some pets may have to undergo a full 120-day quarantine. For more on these regulations, see our guide to moving cats and dogs to Hawai'i.
What You Might Pay
Pet relocation costs can range from $500 to over $3,000 depending on the type of animal, the method of transportation, and your level of preparation. Here's what those costs may include:
- Commercial airline pet travel (cargo or in-cabin): $100–$200
- Veterinary services (vaccines, health certificates): $200–$500
- Crate purchase & preparation: $85–$400
- Professional pet relocation services: $1,000–$2,500+
- Quarantine fees for Hawai'i-bound animals:
- 5-Day-or-Less Program: $244
- Full 120-Day Quarantine: $1,080
- Neighbor Island Direct Release (if eligible): $185
Key Considerations for Hawaiʻi Pet Moves
- Rabies-Free Protocols: Pets must meet rigorous pre-arrival requirements to avoid quarantine. This includes microchipping, vaccinations, a rabies antibody test, and official health certificates.
- Timing Is Everything: Missing one key step or mistiming paperwork can result in a full quarantine stay and a much higher bill.
- Seasonality Matters: During certain times of the year, commercial airlines may limit pets as checked baggage. Make sure you plan ahead and contact your preferred airline as soon as possible to confirm a spot for your pet.
Flight Costs for Travel to/from Hawaiʻi
Booking airfare is often one of the more straightforward aspects of your Hawai'i move. However, depending on the size of your family and where you're flying from, it can still represent a significant cost.
What You Might Pay
One-way flight:
- From the West Coast (e.g., LAX, SFO): $300–$600 per person
- From Midwest/East Coast (e.g., Chicago, NYC): $500–$800 per person
Baggage fees: $35–$150+ depending on how many bags you check
Money-Saving Tips for Hawai'i Flights
- Holiday Premium Pricing: Avoid flying around holidays when possible. Take into account both mainland holidays and Hawai'i school holidays, like Fall, Winter, and Spring Breaks.
- Stay Flexible: Prices can be dramatically different throughout the week. Check prices for a few days before and after your desired date, and you might spot a deal.
The Cost of Temporary Housing in Hawai'i
If you've already secured long-term housing, you can skip this section. But if you're moving to Hawai'i and you're curious about the cost of a temporary spot, you're in the right place.
What You Might Pay
The cost of temporary housing depends heavily on the island, location, and unit size you choose. However, to offer you some general price ranges, we gathered the below figures from real listings:
- Furnished 1 bedroom unit: $4,000–$12,000+/month
- 3+ bedroom home or condo: $12,000–$15,000+/month
Considerations for Hawai'i Short-Term Rentals
- Know the Rules: Some islands have restrictions on short-term rentals, which each county defines differently. Make sure any accommodation you choose is fully permitted. Otherwise, the listing may get shut down, leaving you in the lurch when you arrive.
- Don't Forget Taxes: Not all prices include tax in the initial quote. This can add in excess of 10% to the base booking fee, depending on the location and length of your stay. Make sure you understand the total cost before making a final booking.
Living in Hawai'i: A Cost Breakdown
If you're moving to Hawai'i, the cost of living can catch you off guard. In addition to adjusting to these costs, the first few months in your new home often bring added expenses, such as one-time setup fees, that can strain your budget if you're not prepared.
What You Might Pay
For a family of four, budgeting around ~$6,800 can be a safe estimate for your first month in Hawai'i.
Let's break it down. Using some estimates from the MIT Living Wage Calculator, you'll find line-by-line estimates for a family of four—two adults and two children—living in the City & County of Honolulu (O'ahu).
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (Long-Term) | $2,698.25 |
| Internet & Mobile | $158.75 |
| Power | $230.80 |
| Groceries | $1,326.75 |
| Transportation | $1,469.33 |
| Setup & Misc. Costs | $1,000.00 |
| Total | $6,883.88 |
Keep in mind that costs vary significantly from island to island and location to location. Use these numbers as a rough estimate to start your budgeting process.
Is Hawai‘i Life Right for You?
If you want to dig deeper on what it's really like to live in Hawai'i—including the cost of living—check out the following articles:
Sample Hawai'i Relocation Budgets (All-In Costs)
To give you a rough idea of what a move for four people might cost, let's put it all together:
| Cost Category | Ballpark Estimate Ranges |
|---|---|
| Container Shipping from West Coast | ~$9,000–$13,000 |
| Car Shipping (1 car) | ~$1,600 – $3,100 |
| Pet Relocation (No quarantine) | ~$1,000–$1,600 |
| Flights & Baggage (4 people, one way) | ~$1,800–$2,750 |
| Temporary Housing (4 people, 1 month) | ~$7,000 |
| TOTAL | ~$20,400-$27,450 |
Keep in Mind
- These Are Estimates: Your mileage will vary, depending on all the factors we discussed above, including your origin and destination, how many people are moving with you, how many items you’re moving, and more. Your Hawai‘i moving budget will be uniquely your own.
- Your Move, Done Your Way:
Solo movers or couples without pets may be able to lower their Hawai‘i move costs with strategic planning, including downsizing.
For families with higher standards of comfort, an entire household they want to ship to Hawaii, tight schedules, or multiple pets/vehicles, total costs can exceed these budgets.
Budgeting Your Move to Hawaiʻi
Relocating to or from Hawaiʻi is a major life transition. It can be a financial one, too. Understanding the full cost of your move before taking the plunge can make all the difference between a smooth relocation and a stressful one.
For many individuals and families, budgeting between $20,000 and $30,000 for your Hawai‘i move offers a solid foundation. Larger households or those with special considerations (multiple vehicles, pets, or short timelines) may need to plan for a higher total.
By reviewing each cost category carefully—and building in a buffer for the unexpected —you’ll put yourself in the best position for a successful transition to (or from) life in Hawaiʻi.
Get a number you can count on for your Hawai‘i move. Reach out today to one of our experts for a complimentary quote for moving your household goods to or from Hawai‘i—and eliminate any surprises on Moving Day.
