UPDATED with total income amounts: Aloha everyone, I finally received a formal job offer on Oahu and I need help understanding if I can make it work financially. I want to be comfortable and be able to save money toward retirement--which is my current situation where I'm able to save 30% of my take home pay. I'd love tips on how people are saving money on housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation costs without overly compromising a basic yet comfortable standard of living. The context: I'm originally from Oahu but moved away some time ago to make more $$$ which I did but now I'm miserable and miss home. My base salary will be 83k; yearly bonus 4-5k; side hustle 15-20k (for a total of approximately 105/year). Job will pay 8k for moving and I suspect it will actually cost 10k more than that. It is just the two of us, partner brings in about 70k, with a potential for a slight bump in Hawaii to 80k. **Collectively, we would bring in around 160-180k/year give or take.**I have a lot of student debt and pay about 1000/month for loans. We have a cat that doesn't cost too much money. We are a single car household. Car is electric and almost paid off. Otherwise, no major expenses. We don't eat out or go out often if at all outside of holidays. Because I will often go to work by bus or walking, we would like to live in town. Partner works from home and I will be hybrid so we need office space in the home and cannot do a small one bedroom. A two-bedroom would also be difficult if we both have zoom meetings (we did this before with a 2-bedroom and it was really hard--we're both on zoom a lot). Before we left Hawaii, my partner supported us for 7 years while I was in grad school, but we had a great deal on rent (less than 2k for a small 2br house in town) and my loans were not in repayment, so our bills were very low. I was employed part time and contributed a little, but even so, we cut it close every month, were living in a cramped house, and definitely not saving for retirement. Two years ago I became the breadwinner due to my partner's health (and the fact that I am actually employable) so I'm new to this level of responsibility for two people (I'm happy to be the breadwinner, FYI). I understand that my retirement contributions will likely be lower in Hawaii but I don't want to screw us by making a rash decision to move back home without understanding the bigger picture. However, we really miss home a lot and have been homesick since we left. Any help greatly appreciated! Mahalo.

Hello Everyone, I anticipate a job offer of about 150k to make the move out to Hawaii to work as a contractor on Hickam. They said initially that no move help would be given...but the recruiter said after the interview that they loved how it went and now everything was negotiable. I will see if I can get more, but it would most likely be within the same ballpark. Don't think Ill be able to make a jump up to 200k from the 150k offer or anything. Maybe an extra 10-15k if that. Aside from a pay bump, the mission is really cool. I am considering using this contract to jump from Hawaii to Korea or Japan as a contractor as they have offices within the same program. This is honestly the big thing for me and more than likely Hawaii will be a temporary place unless we fall in love and put down roots.

Family has visited the island once and we absolutely loved the island, culture, and always thought about making the move out there. I have read other posts and anticipate that vacationing there and living there will be quite different. Financially we will be able to make it...but I want a third person's opinion who lives there who could give some insight on things I may not be considering. Household income all in is about would be 250k a year with the pay bump. Wife works remote, so no need to leave and find a job or anything. Currently living in San Antonio and I am anticipating some sticker shock. I remember how expensive things were out there and just asking the community what you guys think or give some me some advice to think on.

I want to move back to Hawaii more than anything but have two large dogs that must travel in the cargo hold. They are anxious in new situations/reactive. We love them more than anything so the thought of putting them in cargo mortifies us. Has anyone else gone through this process with their reactive dogs? Is there anything you did to make it easier on them? How did your dog acclimate to their new environment in Hawaii?

Been trying to move out there since October 1st. Currently live in the mainland. I’m moving there with my gf and her twin which both have transferable jobs. I currently don’t but I’m a server/bartender manager making 5k a month so I figure it won’t be that hard for me to find a job. Kind of difficult to find housing since we’re not currently on the island, some people have took us into consideration but still no success. Any recommendations or suggestions would be much appreciated.

For federal employees on the Big Island, which federal health insurance plan is best on the Big Island (Kona)? I’m thinking blue cross blue shield or GEHA. But open to opinions!

I’m a healthy single young male with no preexisting medical conditions. trying to save money but I do not want to be screwed if some accident happens.

Aloha, I am looking for a Southern California family/person that will be using a shipping container to move their belongings to Hawaii. I would like to see if you are willing to share about 40 cubic feet of space for an electric motorcycle. I am willing to pay for the portion the motorcycle takes in the container. There is no gas or oil in the motorcycle since it is electric. Let me know and mahalo for considering this proposal!!

I need to ship 1 car from the mainland to Honolulu

If you did the same, what company did you use and about how much did it cost?

🤙🤙🤙

Hey friends, I’m moving to Oahu soon and will be in the market for a used car when I get on island. What are typical prices for a car that runs and doesn’t need any work, but isn’t necessarily pretty or modern?

Here in Alaska we call them a beater with a heater. Just something that gets you around but has probably seen better days. I’m curious to know what you would be reasonably willing to pay and at what threshold you would think you’re being taken advantage of?

Mahalo

hi

im a uni student from the uk currently applying for a year abroad, and at the moment uni of hawaii at manoa is my first choice. i was just wondering what the situation is like regarding flooding and other weather related problems?

thanks!

Aloha! We are collecting quotes for shipping our cars and household goods. First quote for cars is $3200 per car??!! That seems insanely expensive. What have others paid recently and who did you use to do it? Mahalo!!

Questions from a potential mover (Kona, HI) .. debating between maui or kona.. might book a trip to maui for 2 weeks to see how that goes. i loved the big island beaches more than any of the other islands.

I am thinking about moving to Hawaii from CA but had the following questions:

1. do you get island fever after a while? I am scared that I’ll move there and be in “vacation” mode then regret having moved bc I’m bored.
2. Any recommendations for movers (pref a cube storage that I can load my stuff in and unload over there) other than PODS?

3). How is the healthcare there? me and my wife have 2 kids with another baby on the way, our first born has low level autism, would she be able to get the assistance and care to develop?

4. I’ve been to hawaii on vacation many times but how is your life there different now that compared to when you were on vacation?

5). Biggest regret about moving to HI?

Thank you!

Aloha! Any couples here who can share a bit about their living expenses?

-Rent for a 1-2 bedroom apartment/condo -Gas monthly avg or weekly -Utilities -Groceries for the week or month

And anything else you think would be helpful. I’m thinking of relocating to Oʻahu and want to get an idea of how costs compare. Mahalo!”

P.S Before I get hate, the plan is to be part of a community and appreciate the people, the Ohana and of course the islands

My family and I are moving to Oahu. My daughter has always had straight A's and a perfect attendance record. She was accepted into Kamehameha, Punahou, and Maryknoll. which school do you think I should send her to?

Hello! We are relocating to Oahu and are wondering what the "vibe" is like in Waimanalo as we search for towns in which to live. Any info you can provide to "mainlanders" about location, neighborhoods, neighbors in general, proximity to Honolulu, walkability, beaches, safety, etc is appreciated. Mahalo!!

Hello, I’m moving to Oahu in January, I’m looking for the best option to ship a folding ebike with removable battery, all inputs are appreciated, thanks!

Dear Attorneys and Criminal Law Professionals,

I am relocating to Oahu and aim to practice as a state prosecutor. I graduated from a tier 1 law school and am bar licensed in New Jersey. I recently passed the Hawaii bar and have nearly 10 years of experience, primarily in internal investigations. Additionally, I am a Navy JAG Reservist and bilingual in English and Spanish, with conversational skills in Japanese.

As I am not from Hawaii and lack local connections, I would appreciate any insights on overcoming this barrier in the Hawaii legal market. I hope to connect with criminal law attorneys to discuss job opportunities and gain your perspective.

Thank you in advance for your guidance.

Hey all, am looking to buy a condo somewhere in the Kaka'ako area and One Waterfront Towers has become a potential option. Their HOA fees are sky high, which sucks, but the 2 bed/2 bath units are massive with great views and lanais.

Has anyone lived there in the past or might know some key drawbacks to the building? It was built in '89 so I'm worried there will be some issues with wear and tear. Apparently new management took over 2 years ago and remodeled all the shared spaces. Since then there have been no bad reviews I could find online.

I'm shipping my car to Hawaii and I have a few small chips in my windshield. I've been told that it needs to be replaced before I ship it. I think it is a little extreme to replace a windshield for $400 for a couple chips small chips. Has anyone shipped there car with chips successfully? Or have any insight? Thanks

I have family in Hawaii, and every time I visit, it literally feels like I belong there. Maybe this is normal since Hawaii is obviously a very beautiful country, but I’ve always felt a longing to move there.

If I do move to Hawaii, I don’t plan on just sitting on my ass. I want to work in politics, and fight for the environment.

I’m almost 18, applying for colleges, and I love to travel. I don’t plan on applying for Hawaiian universities.

How much money would I need to earn to get by? I don’t plan on having kids (at all) and may have one or two cats. Would $80k a year do it? If I did move to Hawaii I’d want it to be long term. This is all just hypothetical considering I am a teenager but I truly do want to start thinking about where I want to go after college, and Hawaii is the first place that comes to mind.

Questions for those already in Hawaii.

What can you tell me about the location in the highlighted area? That’s where I’ll be living so curious on your thoughts about safety, accessibility, etc.

What do you typically pay for electric per month? My apartment comes with 2 AC units, is it too expensive to run those?

For reference, I’ll be renting a 2bd 1ba 650 SQ FT apt

I don’t intend on getting a car on island, so being next to my office (UH Manoa) is super important!

What are your must have essential items for Hawaii apartment living?

Thank you!

Hi- moving to Maui from AZ in December. Does anyone have any recommendations for moving companies that will help with packing/unpacking at both ends? I am bringing large furniture (bed, couch,TV) and shipping a car separately. Work is helping with moving costs so that lends a bit of flexibility budget wise.

I’ve visited both once, unfortunately I went to Maui a week after the fires so couldn’t go to Lahaina area which I heard was the nicest for beaches, just got back from Kona and had a blast with how nice the beaches were. In keihi where we stayed at the beaches were dark & cold water, in Kona all the beaches were warm temperature. Does Maui have a nightlife? I know Kona everything closes at 8-9pm, my wife wants big island but Maui seems better for me 😭

Tdlr, if you could choose where to live Kona or west Maui?

Pros & cons?

My wife and I will be moving on to our property and are wondering how much it costs to ship a Subaru Outback to Hilo. We currently live in Oregon. Where would the best place to ship it from? How much should I expect to pay, and what’s the cheapest way to do this? Mahalo in advance! 🙏🤙🏼

My wife and I are planning on moving to Big Island. I have a dump bed truck and was wondering if a guy could make a decent living hauling landscape trimmings/ trash/supplies or whatever there.? I currently do this in southern Oregon but winter gets really slow for business and I thought it might be year round there. Thanks.G

Hello, I am moving to Hawaii next week and having a lot of trouble finding housing. Everyone keeps asking for a deposit prior to even viewing the property. I previously sent a “refundable deposit” of $75 and when I was no longer interested the person said I had to pay $30 in order to get that deposit back and never refunded me the money. I am mainly using Facebook, but I thought it’s standard to view the property prior to paying any fees?

I’m moving to oahu in January and am planning to rent a uhaul for a day and drive around to get furniture from people selling on Facebook marketplace. Do you know of any companies that will simply just help me unload and carry stuff inside?

No kids, single, no debt or loans.

Apartment would probably be $2k/month which leaves me with $2800 for utilities, groceries, gas, etc

Mainland CA to Kona. I checked pasha and Matson looks like just over 2k. Found a few LLC company’s a little cheaper just don’t know if they are trustworthy? Thought, suggestions, experience. Moving next month

All of my supplements ship to HI but two, and the weight wasn't heavy. I have a few weeks to buy hard to find items in Honolulu and move with it. I heard ironing boards are crazy expensive.

I was offered an emotionally demanding position for 43K on Kauai, and declined it due to concerns that it wouldn’t be financially feasible or sustainable. The rent in a shared house that I was looking at was 1300 utilities included. I felt I would need a second job, and due to intensity of the position was worried about quick burnout working too many hours. There’s the chance I move up in this organization but felt risky to depend on that. Was this the right choice? Have been having regrets as it’s been a goal to relocate back to Kauai and worried I have now missed that opportunity.