How Much Does It Cost to Move to Hawaii? A 2026 Planning Guide
Moving to Hawaii costs more than a typical cross-country move because everything you own has to cross 2,500 miles of ocean. The good news is that most of the cost is predictable once you know what drives it. This guide breaks down the main expenses of moving to Hawaii and gives you a timeline so nothing catches you off guard.
The Main Costs of Moving to Hawaii
Shipping Your Household Goods
This is usually the largest line item. Your price depends on how much you ship, where you are moving from and whether you fill a container on your own or share space with other shipments. A full container makes sense for a whole house, while a shared container is often cheaper for an apartment or a partial move. Our Hawaii shipping team can recommend the right option and give you an exact price.
Shipping Your Car
Matson’s published rate from Long Beach or Oakland to Honolulu is $1,790 as of November 2026, and $2,600 to Hilo, Kahului or Nawiliwili. Pasha Hawaii’s standard service starts at $1,070. Add the cost of getting your car to a West Coast port if you live inland.
Bringing Pets
Hawaii is rabies-free, so dogs and cats must meet strict entry rules. Pets that qualify for direct release at the Honolulu airport pay $185 when the paperwork arrives on time, and $244 under the 5 Day or Less program. Pets that do not meet the requirements can face up to 120 days of quarantine, so start early.
Flights and Temporary Housing
Plan for one-way flights for your family, plus a short-term rental or hotel while your shipment and car are on the water. Many families need two to four weeks of temporary housing.
Your First Month of Housing
Hawaii rents are among the highest in the country. On Oahu, Military OneSource lists median rents of about $3,000 for a one-bedroom and $5,600 for a three-bedroom. Budget for a security deposit plus first month’s rent, and read our guide to the cost of living in Hawaii for groceries, utilities and everyday costs.
How to Lower the Cost of Your Move
- Ship less: Island homes are often smaller than mainland homes, and every cubic foot costs money to ship. Sell or donate bulky furniture you will not use.
- Skip cold-weather gear: Heavy coats, snow tools and space heaters rarely earn their shipping cost.
- Compare buying vs. shipping: Cheap furniture and old appliances can cost more to ship than to replace.
- Book early: Planning ahead gives you more sailing dates to choose from and avoids rush fees.
- Use storage wisely: If your Hawaii home is not ready, short-term storage is usually cheaper than extra weeks of vacation rentals with your belongings sitting in limbo.
How to Move to Hawaii: A Timeline
4 to 6 Months Before
- Start your pet paperwork. The FAVN rabies blood test has a 30-day waiting period after a passing result, and labs have been taking one to two months to report results.
- Decide whether to ship or sell your car.
- Get moving quotes and choose between a full or shared container.
2 to 3 Months Before
- Declutter, sell and donate what you will not ship.
- Line up temporary housing for your first weeks on the islands.
- Book your household shipment.
1 Month Before
- Book your car shipment. Carriers recommend booking within about a month of your move.
- Submit your pet’s import documents at least 10 days before arrival.
- Forward your mail and update your address. Our change of address checklist helps.
After You Arrive
- Pick up your car, get it inspected and register it with your county within the deadline.
- Get a Hawaii driver’s license and update your insurance.
- Schedule delivery of your household goods, or release them from storage when your home is ready.
Get a Clear Price for Your Hawaii Move
Move Happy has been moving families to and from Hawaii for more than 30 years, with our own staff on the islands and a guaranteed price pledge. Tell us what you are moving and where, and we will build one plan that covers packing, ocean shipping and storage. Request your free quote.
Carrier rates, quarantine fees and rents are from Matson, Pasha Hawaii, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Military OneSource as of November 2026. Confirm current details before you book.
