Moving to Oahu
What to Expect Before You Make the Leap
After owning and running a small business for several years, burnout started creeping in, and I knew I needed a change. Selling my business was one of the hardest decisions I ever made, but it opened the door to a fresh chapter in my life. I began job hunting, thinking about what it would feel like to work for someone else again after years of being my own boss.
I didn’t expect to find an opportunity so quickly—let alone one in Honolulu, Hawaii. I’d visited Oahu before but only as a tourist in Waikiki, soaking in the sun and mai tais. I knew moving there would be an entirely different experience. Selling my business was a massive transition, but this move to the middle of the Pacific was even bigger.
As I started planning, I realized how much I didn’t know. Relocating to Oahu comes with its own unique challenges, from sky-high housing prices to cultural adjustments, and things like pet relocation and shipping furniture were overwhelming. After navigating the process myself, I wanted to share everything I learned to help you prepare for your own move to this island paradise.
1. Housing Is Expensive and Competitive
One of the first things you’ll notice when you start looking for a place to live on Oahu is the cost. Hawaii has a well-documented housing shortage, which has driven up both rents and home prices. The average home price on Oahu is over $900,000, and rentals often come with hefty price tags. This high cost has led many locals to move to the mainland for more affordable living.
When my boyfriend and I were searching, we hoped to find a home with a yard for our dog, Gigi. However, yards are rare, and neighborhoods tend to be tightly packed. Eventually, we found a place at Kapilina Beach Houses, a resort-style community on the west side of the island. It’s a gated community with amenities like walking paths, a lagoon, pickleball courts, a dog park, and even an on-site restaurant called D’lish. While it’s not cheap, it checked all our boxes, and being close to the beach made the decision easier.
D’Lish on the Beach. A great restaurant with a diverse menu and great drinks. D’Lish is located inside the Kapilina Beach Homes Community.
2. Brace Yourself for Honolulu Traffic
Living on Oahu means dealing with some of the worst traffic in the United States. The highways are congested, accidents are frequent, and commutes can take far longer than expected.
Thankfully, my job allows me to work an early schedule—5:30 AM to 2:00 PM—which means I avoid rush hour. If you’re considering a move, I highly recommend factoring in traffic when choosing where to live and work. Proximity can make or break your daily routine, and public transportation options like TheBus aren’t always convenient depending on your route.
3. Relocating Pets Requires Planning
One of the most stressful parts of my move was bringing Gigi, our dog, to Hawaii. The state has strict pet quarantine laws to protect against rabies, which doesn’t exist in Hawaii.
The process involves microchipping your pet, ensuring they’re up to date on vaccinations, and completing several rounds of paperwork. If you don’t plan carefully, your pet may have to spend time in quarantine upon arrival. Thankfully, Gigi was able to avoid quarantine because we followed every step to the letter. Still, it was a lot of work and added stress during the move.
Gigi is loving her new home in Hawaii. She is still learning how to swim in the ocean.
4. Downsizing Is Key: Shipping Is Expensive
Shipping your belongings to Oahu isn’t just costly—it’s also time-consuming. Downsizing was one of the best decisions we made before the move.
We used City Moving to ship our two-bedroom house contents for about $12,000, and it took several weeks for everything to arrive. For our car, we used HI Car Transport, which cost around $2,500. Shipping delays are common, so prepare to live without some of your items for a while.
Moving companies often charge by the cubic foot instead of weight. So big and bulky items will often cost more to move than to buy new when you arrive.
5. Forget About Bringing Plants
Hawaii has strict agricultural laws to protect its fragile ecosystems. Unfortunately, this means you can’t bring plants with you. It’s also illegal to feed wildlife, so bird feeders are out of the question.
These laws took some adjusting for me, but I understand their importance. Hawaii’s environment is one of its greatest treasures, and these regulations help preserve it for future generations.
6. Choose the Wet or Dry Side of the Island
Oahu’s geography is incredibly diverse. The windward (east) side of the island is lush, green, and rainy, while the leeward (west) side is dry and sunny. Where you choose to live will depend on your preferences for weather and scenery.
We chose the west side because of its sunny climate and proximity to Kapilina Beach Houses. However, if you love lush landscapes and don’t mind the rain, the windward side might be a better fit.
Parts of Hawaii are rainforest, while other resemble deserts.
7. Food Lovers Will Be in Paradise
One of the best parts of moving to Oahu is the food. Hawaii has a unique culinary scene influenced by its diverse cultures, and you’ll find everything from fresh poke bowls to authentic Japanese ramen and Hawaiian plate lunches.
Local farmers’ markets are a must-visit for fresh produce and specialty items. I’ve also discovered incredible shave ice spots and bakeries with treats like malasadas (Portuguese donuts). If you’re a foodie, you’ll be in heaven.
8. Life Is Slower Here—and That’s a Good Thing
Island life comes with a slower pace, and it’s a noticeable adjustment. Traffic moves at a crawl, meals take longer, and people tend to be more laid-back. While it took me some time to embrace this slower pace, I’ve grown to appreciate it.
Hawaii has taught me to slow down, savor the moment, and let go of the rush that dominated my mainland life.
9. Aloha Friday: A Unique Tradition
Hawaiians celebrate the end of the workweek with "Aloha Friday," a laid-back tradition where people dress casually, share aloha spirit, and wind down for the weekend. It’s a fun cultural touch that adds to the charm of island life.
10. Kama’aina Discounts: Perks for Residents
One of the perks of living in Hawaii is Kama’aina discounts. As a resident, you can score reduced rates at hotels, tourist attractions, and some restaurants. Be sure to carry your Hawaii ID and ask for the Kama’aina rate whenever you’re booking or dining out.
Conclusion
Moving to Oahu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that comes with its share of challenges, from navigating expensive housing to adjusting to a slower pace of life. However, the rewards of living in paradise far outweigh the difficulties.
Whether you’re dreaming of island sunsets, craving Hawaiian food, or ready to embrace a new lifestyle, I hope my experience helps you prepare for your own move to this beautiful island. It’s not always easy, but it’s absolutely worth it.
