Moving from California to Hawaii?

6 Best CA to HI Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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CA to HI Moving Specialists

Moving from one state to another is an exhilarating step toward a fresh chapter in your life. California, the Golden State, known for its sunshine and innovation, contrasts beautifully with Hawaii's Aloha spirit, where the promise of paradise and tranquility await. Recognizing the significance of this venture, we stress the utmost importance of entrusting your journey to professional movers, ensuring a smooth transition to your new island life.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Hawaii to California guide.

6 Best California to Hawaii Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

#1
OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional

based on 3,273+ data points

El Sobrante, CA
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Commercial Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 2597230 Verify

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation services...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in san francisco 2023 ocd moving services llc image
top 10 ranked movers in oakland 2022 ocd moving services llc image
#2
Pure Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 8,688+ data points

Santa Monica, CA
Residential moving, Commercial moving, Long-distance moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 3207734 Verify

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>

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top 3 ranked movers in santa ana 2023 pure movers santa monica image
top 3 ranked movers in santa monica 2022 pure movers santa monica image
#3
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,645+ data points

Chico, CA
Local & Long Distance Moving, Residential Moving, Commercial Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 3421940 Verify

About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving back to the community....Read More >>

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top 3 ranked movers in chico 2023 murdocks moving hauling inc image
top ranked movers in chico 2022 murdocks moving hauling inc image
#4
Best California Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 3,003+ data points

Glendale, CA
Cheap moving services, Local moving services, Long-distance moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/4/2024)

USDOT: 3489907 Verify

About Best California Movers

Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry. Th...Read More >>

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#5
Ewa Moving Co. Logo
Very Good

based on 209+ data points

Ewa Beach, HI
Residential moving services in Oahu, Local moving services in Oahu, Hourly rate moving services in Oahu See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/4/2024)

USDOT: 3786678 Verify

About Ewa Moving Co.

Ewa Moving Co. is a locally-owned and operated moving company based in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. The company provides residential and commercial mo...Read More >>

#6
Mint Moving and Cleaning Solutions LLC Logo
Good

based on 73+ data points

Honolulu, HI
Local Moves, Long Distance Moves, Office Moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 1/25/2024)

USDOT: 3396143 Verify

About Mint Moving and Cleaning Solutions LLC

Mint Moving & Cleaning Solutions LLC is a locally owned and operated business based in Honolulu, HI, offering services throughout all Ha...Read More >>

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Hawaii

Moving between states can be a monumental decision, influenced by a variety of factors from the cost of living to climate. In this guide, we provide an honest reflection of both the good and the bad attributes of relocating from California to Hawaii. This comparative analysis aims to help you weigh the pros against the cons so you can make the most informed choice about your potential new home.

CONs
PROs
California iconCalifornia
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Wildfire risks
  • Water scarcity
Hawaii iconHawaii
  • Lower utility costs
  • Less congestion
  • Lush landscapes
  • Rich marine life
Hawaii iconHawaii
  • Island economy limits
  • Far from mainland
  • Volcanic air pollution
  • Higher grocery costs
California iconCalifornia
  • Diverse economy
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Varied landscapes
  • More job opportunities

The decision to move from California to Hawaii encapsulates more than just a change of scenery—a shift from the Golden State's bustling urban centers to the Aloha State's serene beaches and volcanic landscapes. For instance, while you might miss the vibrant cultural festivals and tech job opportunities in California cities like San Francisco, Honolulu offers a unique blend of urban and island living. You could exchange a weekend road trip across California’s desert landscapes for snorkeling in Hanauma Bay or exploring the trails of Volcanoes National Park. However, this new lifestyle comes with its challenges, such as adjusting to the higher costs of groceries in Hawaii, but also perks like enjoying lower utility bills and fewer traffic jams. Beyond the obvious changes, you'll find a new rhythm of life in the local communities—participating in neighborhood potlucks, visiting farmers' markets for fresh produce like those at Hawaii Farm Bureau Farmers' Markets, and exploring local eateries such as Helena's Hawaiian Food in Honolulu. This move is not just about changing locations, but also about embracing a new culture and lifestyle.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from California to Hawaii

Understanding the local food scene is a crucial part of immersing yourself in the culture and lifestyle of a new area. In this guide, we'll delve into a comparison of the local cuisine between California & Hawaii to provide insights into what your taste buds can anticipate when relocating. This comparison aims to help you feel more at home in your new local community by familiarizing you with the culinary environment.

CaliforniaHawaii

Most iconic local food item

Sourdough BreadPoke

Most popular meat dish

Tri-tip BBQKalua Pork

Most popular street food item

TacosSpam Musubi

Most popular vegan food

Avocado ToastVegan Poke

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

  • Chez Panisse
  • In-N-Out Burger
  • The French Laundry
  • Leonard's Bakery
  • Helena's Hawaiian Food
  • Matsumoto Shave Ice

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

97

Abundance of Food Trucks

89

Foodie Scene

108

Vegan Friendly

107

In both California and Hawaii, the local cuisine reflects the diversity and culture of each state. In California, you'll find a rich assortment of flavors, from the iconic sourdough bread of San Francisco to the umami-packed tri-tip BBQ popular in the Central Coast area. The food scene is incredibly vegan-friendly, with cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco leading the charge. Hawaii offers a unique blend of Polynesian, Asian, and Western influences, with dishes like poke and kalua pork capturing the essence of local flavors. Spam musubi, a fusion of Hawaiian and Japanese cuisine, can be found at numerous spots around the islands, from street vendors to convenience stores. Both states boast a vibrant food truck scene, with Hawaii slightly edging out in abundance. If you're moving to Hawaii, make sure to explore the local eateries in neighborhoods like Kapahulu in Honolulu, where you can find Leonard's Bakery, renowned for its malasadas, and Helena's Hawaiian Food for authentic Hawaiian dishes.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from California to Hawaii

When contemplating a move, understanding the real estate landscape of your potential new home is crucial. This guide compares California and Hawaii in terms of housing, giving you a clear picture of costs, styles, and lifestyles to expect in each state.

In both California and Hawaii, the median home prices are significantly above the national average, reflecting the high demand and desirability of living in these locations. While California homes often boast open floor plans and solar panels, indicative of the state's commitment to sustainability and modern living, Hawaii's listings frequently highlight ocean views and lanais, emphasizing the connection to natural beauty and outdoor living. The slight variation in walkability and bikeability scores points to the differences in urban living experiences between the two states, with Hawaii offering slightly more pedestrian-friendly environments. The typical architecture styles—Spanish Revival in California and Plantation Style in Hawaii—further illustrate the unique cultural and environmental influences on housing in each state.

Weather Considerations for Moving from California to Hawaii

Moving between states means adapting to new weather patterns. Understanding how the weather compares between California and Hawaii is crucial for planning your relocation and ensuring a smooth transition into your new environment.

Summer icon
85°F/58°F

California

88°F/75°F

Hawaii

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
68°F/48°F

California

80°F/65°F

Hawaii

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
22 inches

California

63 inches

Hawaii

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
Varies

California

0 inches (except mountain peaks)

Hawaii

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Although both California and Hawaii enjoy a generous amount of sunshine each year, there are significant differences in humidity levels and natural disaster risks. California's summer highs are generally lower than Hawaii's, offering a cooler season that some might prefer. However, the tropical climate of Hawaii provides warmer winters, making it an ideal location for those seeking year-round warmth. Air quality tends to be better in Hawaii, owing to its isolation and prevailing trade winds, although volcanic smog can be a concern. Understanding these differences allows you to better prepare for your move, ensuring you're not caught off-guard by your new state's weather patterns.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to Hawaii

When considering a move from one state to another, it's crucial to compare how your finances might be impacted. This comparison between California and Hawaii sheds light on various economic factors that could influence your decision. Understanding the differences in cost of living, state income tax, and average household income between these two locations can help you plan more effectively for your move.

Moving from California to Hawaii, you'll notice a significant shift in your financial landscape. While the average household income in Hawaii is higher, so is the cost of living index, making everyday expenses potentially more challenging to manage. The state income tax rates differ slightly, with California's top rate being higher. However, Hawaii's extremely high cost of living index, especially in housing, outweighs the seemingly moderate taxation. Understanding these dynamics can help you budget for life in Hawaii, considering also the buoyant job market in sectors like tourism and defense which are pivotal to Hawaii's economy.

Political & Religious Comparison between California and Hawaii

As you consider moving from California to Hawaii, understanding the comparison of the politics between California & Hawaii, as well as the religious landscape, can offer you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of what to expect from your new home state's residents. This comparison aims to provide you with insights into the political and religious makeup of each state.

CaliforniaHawaii

Political Make-up

Liberal/DemocraticLiberal/Democratic

Local Politics

Progressive urban policies in cities like San Francisco and Los AngelesStrong emphasis on environmental and indigenous rights

Religion

Mixed, with a significant number of non-religious individualsDiverse, Christianity and indigenous beliefs, with a notable Buddhist and Shinto presence

In both California and Hawaii, you'll find a liberal and Democratic-leaning political climate, although the local political priorities may vary. California's cities are known for their progressive stances on various issues, while Hawaii places a strong emphasis on protecting the environment and indigenous rights. When it comes to religion, California presents a tapestry of beliefs with a large number of people identifying as non-religious. Hawaii, on the other hand, has a rich religious diversity that includes Christianity, indigenous spirituality, and significant Buddhist and Shinto communities, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage. This unique blend of politics and religion in Hawaii contributes to its distinctive communal and social atmosphere, which you'll soon experience firsthand.

Education Guide When Moving from California to Hawaii

Making a move from one state to another can bring about significant changes in your life, especially when it comes to education for you or your children. To help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options when moving from California to Hawaii , we’ve prepared a straightforward comparison chart and detailed insights. This information aims to aid in making an informed decision about the educational futures of your family.

CaliforniaHawaii

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of California
Stanford University
California State University
University of Hawaii
Hawaii Pacific University
Chaminade University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Orion Alternative (Redwood City)
Millbrook Elementary (San Jose)
Glenview Elementary (Oakland)
Parker School (Waimea)
Hanahau‘oli School (Honolulu)
Mauna Lani School (Puako)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Basis Independent Silicon Valley (San Jose)
The Nueva School (Hillsborough)
Preuss School UCSD (La Jolla)
Iolani School (Honolulu)
Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus (Honolulu)
Punahou School (Honolulu)

Top 3 High School Schools

Henry M. Gunn High (Palo Alto)
Troy High (Fullerton)
Lowell High (San Francisco)
Punahou School (Honolulu)
Iolani School (Honolulu)
Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus (Honolulu)

Top 3 private high schools

Harvard-Westlake (Studio City)
The Thacher School (Ojai)
The Bishop's School (La Jolla)
'Iolani School (Honolulu)
Punahou School (Honolulu)
Hawaii Preparatory Academy (Waimea)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Harker School (San Jose)
Crossroads School (Santa Monica)
The Athenian School (Danville)
Le Jardin Academy (Kailua)
Punahou School (Honolulu)
Island Pacific Academy (Kapolei)

Top 3 School Districts

Palo Alto Unified
Irvine Unified
San Marino Unified
Hawaii Department of Education (statewide)

In delving deeper into the educational landscape, it's noteworthy that Hawaii offers a unique educational environment with schools like Punahou School in Honolulu and Iolani School also in Honolulu, standing out not just locally, but nationally for their excellence. These schools provide a holistic education that emphasizes not only academic success but also cultural and environmental awareness, which is integral to living in Hawaii. Furthermore, the University of Hawaii system is highly accessible for residents and offers a wide range of programs that are deeply connected to the local culture and environment, offering students a uniquely Hawaiian collegiate experience. In comparison, California boasts a wide variety of highly esteemed educational institutions, from top-tier universities like Stanford and UC Berkeley to innovative K-12 schools that lead in STEM, arts, and humanities, reflecting the state's diverse and dynamic socioeconomic landscape.

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