Login

Relocation

E komo mai! Welcome to Hawaii! Have you received a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to paradise? While you may be excited about this move, you may also be apprehensive about relocating thousands of miles away to an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Follow these eight tips for a great move to military life in Hawaii paradise.

Tip #1 - Connect with military members who have previously made the move. When you receive your PCS orders to Hawaii, you will also be matched with a sponsor, who will give you more information about your assigned base. Connect with your sponsor and ask questions.

Social media groups, like “The Pearl Harbor Spouses” or “Hawaii Veterans Market,” also are great ways to connect with military members and ask questions about moving and Hawaii life in general. Nearly every Hawaii base and service has a local Facebook group.

Tip #2 - Take an inventory of household goods, be insured, and prepare for the movers. What will you move to paradise and what will you leave behind? Realize that homes in Hawaii are typically smaller than the mainland; the standard 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is 1,500 square feet. Also, since you can spend time outdoors year-round, you may not need as many household items.

Inventory all the items you want to ship, making a thorough list and even taking pictures of the condition of items. Estimate your household goods’ (HHG) weight, and assure you are roughly in your desired range. Also consider adding more insurance if you are moving more valuable items – like your grandparents’ antique dining room table. While the moving company will pay a limited amount for lost or damaged items, additional insurance can give greater peace of mind.

Sorting and preparing your household goods will assist the carrier in properly packing items and shipping them across the ocean. Here is more information from the Department of Defense on moving.

Tip #3 Prepare to ship and register a personally owned vehicle (POV). Military members are typically authorized to ship one vehicle at the government’s expense, which can total around $1000 from a west coast port. Depending on the cargo ship’s departure time, your vehicle could arrive in Hawaii between two weeks to a month. Here is more information on shipping vehicles during a PCS.

Once on island, you must pass a Hawaii State Safety Inspection, which can be done easily at many auto garages for about $25. After the inspection, you will be able to register your vehicle with the Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicle Registration. You must complete your vehicle registration within 30 days of arrival.

Top Tips: Hawaii Driving Laws

Tip #4 - Know about the Temporary Housing Allowance (TLA). Within 72 hours of arrival in paradise, you must report to your base’s housing office, where you will be directed to on or off base temporary lodging. You might be authorized for 30 to 60 days of TLA, where you can check in to a TLA-approved hotel.

Tip #5 - Consider Hawaii housing options. New military members in Hawaii typically have three housing options:

Popular homes for sale in Ewa Beach

OPEN: 09/23, 11am - 2pm
Don't miss out on the chance to turn this Ewa Gentry home into a true masterpiece. Bring your creativity, paint swatches, and your vision, and schedule a showing today to unlock the potential that awaits within these walls. This is your opportunity to make this house a home once more! Two-story, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom with an open loft area on the second floor, perfect for a home office, playroom, or additional living space. One bedroom and one bathroom on the first floor, offering flexibility and accessibility. Covered carport and a driveway with a low maintenance yard. Nearby parks, schools, and shopping centers provide convenience for daily living. Plus, Ewa Beach's beautiful beaches are just a short drive away, offering endless opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Open house Saturday 9/23 11:00am-2:00pm and Sunday 9/24 3:00pm-6:00pm. Some photos have been enhanced.
Home in lofts by gentry a
$750,000 | 3 bd, 2 ba | 1,179 sqft
Save this listing
OPEN: 09/23, 10am - 1pm
Hoakalei-Kamakana Residence located on a corner lot with 4 Bedrooms, Loft, and 2.5 Bathrooms.  Master bedroom and bathroom on first floor of residence.  Residence includes ample parking with 4 parking spots on premise consisting a two car garage and two additional HOA approved parking pads which accommodate smaller sized vehicles which mitigates parking challenges. Additional features of this residence include 13 owned solar panels, two solar attic fans, solar water heater, engineered quartz kitchen counter tops (2022), additional storage space, two ring door bells, and a HOA approved external security cameras. Central air compressor rebuilt in 2022 with invoice and warranty.  Second refrigerator and air compressor in garage will remain if desired. NO MAINTENANCE FEE. Low HOA fee of $253 per month includes internet, cable, phone.  Access to community amenities includes gym, tennis courts, spa, and swimming pool.  FOR VA ASSUMPTION at 3.125%. Call listing agent for details on VA assumption process. Early occupancy is possible.
Home in hoakalei-ka makana
$1,248,997 | 4 bd, 3 ba | 1,880 sqft
Save this listing

Tip #6 - Understand Hawaii’s pet quarantine laws early. Hawaii is a rabies-free state and has strict quarantine laws for any cats or dogs that move to the state. Here is some important information from Hawaii’s Animal Industry Division to assist in your dog or cat being released directly on the day you arrive (instead of up to 120 days of quarantine):

Tip #7 - Study the schools for your children. The Hawaii State Department of Education works closely with the military bases to ensure children have a successful transition to public school. Contact your base’s School Liaison Officer (SLO) to learn more about the schools near your assignment and how to register.

Homeschool, public charter, and private schools are also popular in Hawaii. Research more about all the different educational options on the island to assure your children have a smooth, successful transition.

Tip #8 - Reserve a temporary mailbox 30 days before your arrival. Temporary mailboxes can often be reserved for 90 days and extended upon request. Each base has a temporary mailbox location and point of contact, so inquire more at your respective base’s post office to begin receiving your mail in paradise.

Congratulations on receiving a PCS to Hawaii! With a little planning and packing before arrival, you can more easily transition into making Hawaii home.