r/MovingtoHawaii

Could anyone share their experience moving from town to Kailua (or from folks who have lived in either or both at some point?) My husband and I may be looking to make that move sometime in the near future. We currently live in town and have for many years, we love being town for the conveniences, walkability, access to medical care, and short commutes. Many of our loved ones are in town and we don’t want to feel isolated, but we’re thinking of starting a family soon so heading windward has come up as a possibility for budget, safety, schools, etc. We both work in town, and I’m curious to know how bad that commute can get. I know it’s not far, but it is a different lifestyle, and we’ve spent time up there but have never lived there so curious to hear your thoughts.

What are the pros/cons of moving Kailua side? Anything you missed, gained, anything specific to consider? Raising a family in town on a budget (small apartment) vs heading to the windward side for more space? I also love the sunshine, and I love how sunny and warm it is in town almost all the time. Is it significantly greyer/rainier up that way? We also travel off island a few times a year, how is it getting to the airport? We also appreciate town for its diversity. I know there are some stereotypes of Kailua being homogenous; Are Kailua neighborhoods/parts of Kailua town fairly diverse?
Mahalo!

I’m a senior at a big SEC school and I’m at the point in my life where I need to start planning on where I want to live in my first career post grad. I have places in mind that I’d love to live and will visit throughout my last year of graduation in Dec 2027. The type of career that I’d want to work in can be 100% remote, so I’m very flexible with where I live. One of the places I’m interest in living at is Hawaii. Of course I want to visit here for a long enough time to really see if this is a place I’d see myself living here. I don’t drive cars to anxiety, so I’m restricted to Oahu.

Basically the title, just hoping for insights, as I'm a bit concerned about taking this job- not because I don't think I'd excel at the work, but because I'd be serving the public as someone without lived experience of the islands and their culture.

Thanks in advance!

My fiance is starting a new job in Honolulu and we had a very tight timeframe to get everything in order for our move from the mainland. Gratefully, our dog had a lot of the pet import requirements completed except the FAVN 30-day waiting period - which is set to be over a week after we're supposed to arrive in HI.

I'm getting conflicting research... does anyone have experience if there are a few days left on her waiting period, but her results are passing and health cert in order, will she automatically go to quarantine for 120-days, or just until her waiting period is over? Thanks in advance!

Just as the title says I’m a nurse with 29 year of experience from Canada . I have not written the NCLEX as it wasn’t a Canadian requirement back in the 90’s. My acute care experience isnt recent but I have 20 years of OBs and some PACU. I’m currently working in community health in Alberta. My family frequents Maui and my goal is to someday move my husband and myself here. The problem is I don’t know the first thing about international nursing or even if I’d be considered for a position anywhere . Do travel agencies even hire nurses with rusty hospital skills ? (Left in 2021). I mean it’s like riding a bike I’m not worried that I can’t hack it but I would require some refreshing . Or would it be better to just apply at the hospital and make the move official? Also I am acutely aware that I am an outsider and I absolutely don’t want to be see as taking a locals job or local housing so I would want to be sensitive to that as well . Have any Canadians made the move ? How did you do it?

Im a trans woman with very left leaning views. I believe in community and only taking what you need. I dont even like money.

Due to political changes and targeting of trans people I dont feel safe anywhere anymore. I would love to move and immerse myself into the culture and truly become a part of it. I want to work hard for the community and help fight against the greedy.

I guess I'm truly asking permission as I understand the contempt for mainlanders. I hope to learn some new perspectives and have a conversation to help me understand and migrate in the most ethical way.

I have a job opportunity in Honolulu, but i’m asking for honest feedback. I’ve heard that white people are often not treated well in Hawaii and of course i’m sure there are people who are very kind, and those that are not. My concern is that I have a 13 year old son, who is white. He would probably go to public school, possibly Mililani, but the exact school isn’t 100%. I can put up with anything aimed at myself, but I don’t want my son to be hurt emotionally or physically. Can anyone who goes or recently went to school there let me know how it is for white students? I am genuinely just trying to get first hand experience feedback which I value more than things people “heard” on the mainland.

Long story short, I’m moving to Kaua’i in October to be closer to my sister after spending many years isolated from her during an abusive relationship. I have a job lined up as an OR nurse, so I’ll have a stable income, and I’m shipping my car and bringing only a small amount of belongings (plus my cat).

The part I’m struggling with is housing. I’ll initially be staying with my sister, her boyfriend, and his parents, but the environment is not ideal long term. They live in subsidized housing, there’s a lot of smoking inside, arguing, and some drug-related issues. I can tolerate it temporarily, but I’m honestly scared I won’t be able to find pet-friendly housing I can afford on Kaua’i.

I’ve already been searching everywhere — Facebook housing groups, Craigslist, Zillow, Furnished Finder, HotPads, etc. I know it’s probably way too early to seriously look, but searching makes me feel like I’m at least doing something productive instead of just sitting with the anxiety.

Rehoming my cat is not an option. He’s been with me through the end of an abusive relationship, and I have C-PTSD — he genuinely helps me emotionally more than I can explain.

I think my biggest fear is spending all this money to move, only to realize I can’t make it work and have to turn around and move back. I really do want to live on Kaua’i — not because it’s “Hawaii,” but because I want to be close to my sister. She’s my only sibling, and rebuilding that relationship means a lot to me.

I guess I’m mainly looking for advice, reassurance, or honest perspectives from people who understand the housing situation there. I know there’s a huge housing crisis in Hawaii, especially on Kaua’i, but I also know there’s a major shortage of nurses and healthcare workers too.

Making a move from Atlanta to Honolulu. Anyone know of any companies that have been able to help make this move? They're a large dog above most weight restrictions so would need to ship her and can't take in cabin.

Already looked into companies like island pet m vets and starwood and they would require me to drive all the way across the country in order to drop him off

Hi! My best friend and I live in Honolulu in the apartment I got while in college. I came here for school but he is from here and lived at home in Aiea.

Now that I've graduated, my current place is just not affordable (I got a lot of scholarships that covered housing) and we really want to move. But it is so hard to find an apartment.

We both make about 2k/mo each and we dont even care if we stay in a studio (we live in one currently).

The main problem is just finding a place that is 1.9k/mo including utilities that also doesnt require like a 700+ credit score. He was not taught a lot about financial literacy and I come from a complicated family situation that has affected my credit so now we are both in a situation that feels impossible to get out of.

We pretty much only have each other and just feel like we are drowning a little. Does anyone know of any apartments or places to look for apartments that will actually work with us?

Hi there I have a question for black Hawaiian locals. just wondering how bad the racism there is? A friend who is black told me he moved there in 2012 and said he was experienced awful racism from the native Hawaiians, whites, Asians, etc. I am confused. I know racism is everywhere but I didn't think it would be crazy in Hawaii especially with the history. Also white people being racist in Hawaii is very surprising to me. I just want to know from other black Hawaiians what were your experiences there with this topic?

Does anyone know any realtors that are military friendly or specialize in military/retirees? I’m moving back to the islands after retiring and hoping to connect with a realtor to use when we make our transition back home.

I will have school age kids ranging from kindergarten to high school. I’m not sure where my spouse and I will be working, but we’d like to talk to a realtor before getting on the island to make sure we don’t have to move the kids from one school to another after getting into a location.

If you know a realtor or are one yourself, please let me know!

Mahalo!

I’m 20F, born and raised in the Midwest, and I currently live in a very rural area that honestly doesn’t suit me at all. Lately I’ve been struggling to figure out what I want from life, and I’m starting to feel like I need to take a leap and get out of my comfort zone. I’ve also been dealing with anxiety and depression, and I think a major change of environment might help me grow.

A family member of mine may be getting stationed in Hawaii, and I’ve been considering going with them for a while to experience something completely different. The opportunity feels exciting, but also intimidating. I’ve heard mixed things about how locals feel toward mainlanders, and I really don’t want to come across as disrespectful or entitled. I’m naturally pretty quiet, shy, and socially anxious, but I do genuinely care about being respectful and learning about local customs/culture before going.

One of my biggest concerns is whether I’ll be able to find “my people” there. I’m more alternative/creative, and I tend to feel out of place already where I live now. I’m worried I’ll end up feeling isolated or disconnected if I move somewhere so unfamiliar.

For anyone who’s moved to Hawaii (especially from the mainland), what was your experience like? Did it help you grow as a person, or did it end up feeling lonely? Any advice or reality checks are appreciated.

Single and in my mid 20s, moving to Oahu in September for a job and looking for a condo/studio. Salary of 130k looking to rent in the ranges of 2200 - 2800. No car payments or other big recurring expenses, really want a peace of mind when I’m home so willing to pay a little extra for a nice quiet neighborhood or great soundproofing. Any recommendations would be highly appreciated!

aloha!!

would you consider hawai'i to be vegan friendly? my wife and i are planning to move there in the future and we fluctuate between pescatarian/vegetarian/vegan and wonder if we'd have options with the most restrictive diet listed (vegan)? very much appreciate all and any input!! 🫶

Hello from an outsider! One of my friends will be moving to Hawaii soon for work and we’ll miss her terribly, but I wanted her to feel more at home once she gets there. She is very art-minded and has picked up numerous hobbies throughout the years including sewing, knitting, ceramics, and jewelry-making. I wanted to ask if locals in Oahu could recommend any art studios or crafting centers for adults — can be both broad or specific types of crafts.

im planning on moving to hawaii once i graduate as i already make enough money and i could support myself if i were to move there . im just wondering if its logical or i should stay on the mainland and contemplate my decision . i also intend to move there with my dog so idk how thats gonna work but yeah prob more cost . what island/area is better for a younger crowd there thats what im wondering . ive always dreamed of living there , idk i guess i just need the pros to outright the cons . if anyone had any advice on this pls lmk

Hi all! Seeking some guidance/advice.

My company is relocating me to Hawaii, and the start date for my new role is 6/29.

Details: $90k base salary. I am in a sales role, however, I am selling a new product in this position. My first year earnings I estimate to be between 120-150k.

I am seeking an apartment or house within striking distance of downtown. I’d prefer to be under $2,500 in rent.

In addition, I need to move my furniture and vehicle out there and would like recommendations on what company to use for this, and what it would cost me.

Thanks in advance for any help :)

hi i, my family is moving back to hawaii in September after many years on the mainland. we havent been back since i was a kid so i just want to prepare myself. whats average day-to-day life look like? how is the traffic? how walkable are different neighborhoods? should we shave our great pyrenees? is it worth it for all of us to ship our cars or should i just sell mine? how is the job market there (relative to the rest of the U.S.)? what are some good places you would recommend a student try to get hired at? whats the student life like (im an incoming sophomore and have to try and transfer now before the term begins). would you guys recommend living on campus or off campus?

Hello! My family and I have been looking at purchasing a house on the beautiful Island of Hawai'i (Big Island) for some time now, and I wanted to ask Reddit to see if anyone had any ideas for cost per square foot for new construction house prices? I have done some searching online but have found a wide range of costs.

We are looking at two main areas:

(1) Within Waikaloa Beach Resort

(2) Up the hill in Kamuela

We would be looking to build a 4bdr-5bdr house with an approximate square footage of 3,500-4,500.

Has anyone else had experience building on the Big Island? If so, what were your average costs? Any good recommendations for builders?