No matter whether your move to Hawaii is for work or retirement, it is essential that you carefully consider its unique lifestyle and consider you’re financing and mortgage options before embarking on this adventure. Being pre-approved can save time and frustration in the house hunting process, as can shipping your car there instead of buying new – so let’s dive into the details to ensure you get the best out of your experience!
Cost of Living
Hawaii has higher costs of living than other states, especially if you come from an expensive city such as New York or California. Housing can easily consume the majority of your income. Other expenses may include food, gas and utilities bills. It should also be noted that prices increase during popular tourist seasons – though despite these high expenses it is still possible to enjoy a comfortable life there with careful financial planning.
If you’re planning to relocate to Hawaii, two housing options exist for you – buying or renting. While purchasing provides stability and security, renting can give you an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the island before making a commitment.
Hawaii imports most goods and expenses, so it is wise to create an accurate budget before moving there. Selling possessions prior to moving can save money in shipping and storage fees; many who move there return within one year as they can no longer afford the higher cost of living there.
Shipping your car to Hawaii should be considered when planning on moving there. Before trying to transport it, make sure that it’s in working condition; full-service movers typically offer discounted rates when combined with home furniture shipment; they may even bring it directly to your new address rather than leaving it at a port terminal.
Keep in mind though, that only up to 5% of capacity gas can be filled into its tank during shipment and there are a few other special requirements I’ll detail below:
Shipping Your Car There
Another aspect to keep in mind when moving to Hawaii is the cost of living in this type of environment. Groceries tend to be significantly more costly compared to what you might be used to on the mainland, meaning you may need to adjust your diet when moving here; perhaps switching out cow’s milk for coconut water and fruit juice. You might also discover that certain TV shows or sports events may have different broadcast schedules compared to their counterparts on the mainland.
No matter if you’re moving to Hawaii for work or exploring its landscapes, shipping your car can make the journey much smoother. People often form strong emotional attachments to their vehicle and it helps ease transition into their new environment when they can still drive it around like at home.
If you’re ready to transport your vehicle there before or after you move, there are some key items to keep in mind. When working with the best cheap auto transport service of your choice, remember to remove all personal items, disconnect the alarm system, and ensure there is less than a quarter tank of gas in it. Collect key documents, including photo ID’s, vehicle titles and registration papers as well as an authorized letter from its lienholder approving its shipment.
The type of car you own will also have an effect on how much it costs to ship it. Smaller vehicles, such as compact cars or motorcycles, tend to offer more budget-friendly rates as they require less space on a carrier; larger cars have an outsized impact due to taking up more room on board.
Traffic & More
Those considering relocation to Hawaii should keep in mind that traffic can be heavy in certain parts of the island during rush hours commutes can last 120-160 minutes during this period. To minimize traffic jams and maximize relaxation during your time in Hawaii, leaving home before peak hour begins can help. Some residents leave as early as 4 or 3 AM so as not to spend their days stuck in traffic jams and have more time enjoying its gorgeous scenery and beaches.
One way to avoid traffic is with a GPS app such as Waze. These apps utilize crowd sourced data to help users avoid traffic jams and find the quickest routes; real-time traffic and weather reports provide invaluable assistance – it is therefore integral that before setting out on any commute it is vital that these reports are checked regularly.
At its core, the key to beating Honolulu traffic lies in living in an urban neighborhood. Doing so allows you to walk or bike to work and save on gas money. When choosing an area for yourself, take into account all your wants and needs such as size, location, price and accessibility to public transit services.
Hawaii enjoys a tropical climate, with mild temperatures throughout the year and rainfall that varies according to each island. Rainiest parts include Mount Waialeale summit while other parts receive less precipitation – perfect for both outdoor and indoor enthusiasts! Hawaii provides plenty of activities.