Relocating From East Coast Questions

[Zach911]

Originally Posted by blau808

There is a huge difference between vacationing in Hawaii, and living in Hawaii.

If all you have seen of Hawaii is Waikiki and the tourist spots, you're not really seeing what its like to live here.

I can believe that.

I lived there from 1990 to 1993... but Dad was in the military at Schofield and most expenses were of course covered by the military.

I'm planning on returning for the first time in 27 years next year... but I'll be on vacation. No way would I ever attempt to live in Hawaii.. and I do make $100k a year.

[Palms & Sand]

Originally Posted by Zach911

I can believe that.

I lived there from 1990 to 1993... but Dad was in the military at Schofield and most expenses were of course covered by the military.

I'm planning on returning for the first time in 27 years next year... but I'll be on vacation. No way would I ever attempt to live in Hawaii.. and I do make $100k a year.

Well, it is expensive. There is pretty much a paradise tax.

[Luckydogkaia]

Did you move to hawaii yet? What type of position is your hubby in the car biz? That will make a big difference in pay. Mine is in the car biz, so I’m pretty familiar with how it works here. I’m happy to help with any questions if you’re still looking to move here!

[prospectheightsresident]

Originally Posted by freebird2020

Thank you all for the responses. We discovered the high cost in groceries when we vacationed in Oahu for 10 days. The cost of milk and cereal was insane!! We would join Costco to try to save money. Is there an Aldi in Oahu?

We will not be selling our home on the east coast so we would have a backout plan of some sorts. We would be leasing it out for 12 months. Storing our favorite furniture and various things.

Researching the schools is on my list of things to check. I am a former teacher and if needed I could home school. But prefer not to go that route.

Thank you again!

I don't know, the stories of the $9 milk are mostly exaggerated (not that you're claiming that), or rather not necessary. You can get milk at not such a high markup from the mainland at Walmart, Target, etc.

I found that grocery prices were generally about 10-15% higher than what I was used to on the mainland. But, then again, I grew up in NYC and live in the DC area now, so I'm sure things will be more out of balance for those in lower COL areas. But I found the price for a gallon of milk to be around $4 (plus a few cents) at Walmarts on island.

[prospectheightsresident]

Originally Posted by freebird2020

Aloha! I have been researching and researching for days on end and I have several questions. I really appreciate this forum and the great responses. It has helped greatly with my planning. I have wanted to move to Oahu for over 15 years. We have vacationed there several times most recently this past spring.

About our situation: Choosing to relocate from the east coast to Oahu at the end of this school year (June 2020). I am a big planner. This gives me time to plan, save up funds, plan some more, research what area I'd like to find a rental home. Husband is in automotive business and my 'plan' currently is to have him fly out and stay with family on the island to apply for jobs in the spring (probably May) My Uncle owns a house on Oahu and has said we could stay with him for a few weeks initially.

Question #1 After husband finds and secures a job should he stay and start working? Or should he fly back to help me pack and fly back out with our children and myself so that I do not have to pack and fly with 3 children alone?

If your husband finds and secures a job, yes he should start working. I'd wager that taking off (unless he is clear with his employer during the hiring process) soon after being hiring won't be a good look. I'd honestly start the packing process now (or shortly before your husband is set to fly out to Oahu) and put away as much as you can and work with a minimum supply of items to get by until you're ready to join him on Oahu. Even if the cost isn't an issue, it may not buy your husband much good will if he's taking off soon after being hired.

Question #2 Is it common for businesses to offer relocation help? What is typical amount?

For some companies/positions, but not as a general matter.

Question #3 We will need a rental home. Will most rentals require a paystub to prove you work on island? Or would we be able to show paystub from job on east coast?

I've found either a pay stub or other proof of employment/salary.

Question #4 Do airlines allow you to bring big plastic bins or will we be forced to ship our basic items via USPS? (I have read on the forum it is cheapest to ship items by mail vs a shipping container with furniture. We will not be bringing much except for the basics. No furniture. Just our vehicle and basics.

I see people flying with these bins as carry-on's all the time.

Depending on the year/make of your car, it may make sense to sell your vehicle and buy a new one on Oahu. While you'll pay a markup for a vehicle on island, the math may work in your favor when you consider the shipping costs. But, again, you'll have to crunch the numbers.

[Pupule]

I have a 2006 Prius and I priced it on Kelly Blue Book (kbb.com) and it was worth the same here as it was in Hawaii so there is no sense in shipping it. I went to True Car and priced a new Prius in Hawaii and Seattle and it was $3500 less in Seattle so I will stopover there when I move and purchase and ship the car.

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by Pupule

I went to True Car and priced a new Prius in Hawaii and Seattle and it was $3500 less in Seattle so I will stopover there when I move and purchase and ship the car.

I generally purchase my cars on the mainland - I've found the Los Angeles area to be the most competitive when dealing with the internet departments.