When moving to the Big Island of Hawaii, there are quite a few things you need to consider for a successful move. How much will it cost to ship your car? Can you bring your pets? Should I send a shipping container of my furniture?
Then there are the tasks you need to do when you move here that include getting a safety inspection for your car as soon as it arrives on island, getting your utilities switched over and turned on in your new home and getting your new 808 phone number.
Here is some advice with local service providers that LUVA Real Estate can suggest, but we encourage you to do research on your own, as well.
Making Your Move to the Big Island Easier –Moving Resources
Moving Your Belongings
Most residents who move to the Big Island wish they had not brought so much stuff. However, if you plan on bringing everything with you, here are some moving service companies that can help:
Kona Trans
(808) 329-4111
http://www.konatrans.com
Royal Hawaiian Movers
1-888-717-6925
https://www.royalhawaiianmovers.com/
Moving Your Car
Here are a few local resources to consider for shipping your car to Hawaii. Remember, you have to ship your car with nothing in it. Depending upon where you are shipping from will be how much you pay, but on average it costs about $1000 to ship your car from the Port of Oakland to Hilo using Matson as a cost estimate.
Matson
1-800-4MATSON
http://www.matson.com/matnav/services/hawaii.html
Hawaii Car Transport
(808) 445-6695
http://www.hawaiicartransport.com/car-shipping-to-hawaii.php
Moving Your Pets
Moving your pets over to Hawaii can be quite process due to the fact that the entire Hawaiian Island chain has been able to stop rabies from occurring here, so they have a strict vaccination and quarantine regimen that needs to be followed. Here are the Hawaii State requirements:
http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/animal-quarantine-information-page/
Getting Your Electricity Turned On
HELCO (Hawaiian Electric Light Company) is the main electric company.
Contact: (808) 548-7311
They suggest giving them at least a two-day heads up to get your power turned on. A service establishment charge of $20 is required to start or reconnect electric service to any customer. There is an additional charge of $25 for same-day service requests.
http://www.hawaiielectriclight.com/helco/Residential-Services/Customer-Service/Landing/Customer-Service?cpsextcurrchannel=1
Getting Your Water Turned On
Department of Water Supply, County of Hawaii
Contact: (808) 322-0600
https://www.hawaiidws.org/
To get your water service turned on or prevent it from being turned off, you will need to give them a $100 security deposit.
Getting Your Cable/DSL
Spectrum is a service provider for TV, Internet, and Home Phone.
(808) 643-2100
https://www.spectrum.com/services/hawaii
Remember to allow at least a week, sometimes two, for the “cable guys” to show up and connect you.
Getting Your Telephone Land Line
Hawaiian Telecom
Offers bundles for phone and TV
Toll Free (877) 482-2211
http://www.hawaiiantel.com/default.aspx
You may think your cell phone is enough. There have been enough cell phone tower and cable issues with weather and accidents that you need to consider having a land line in your home for emergencies.
Mobile Phone Providers
Both your Verizon and ATT services should work fine here in Kona. Sprint customers say they get frequent dropped calls.
Here is the link for Verizon, who also offers home bundles of services.
http://www.verizon.com/home/shop/moving.htm
AT&T
74-5457 Makala Boulevard
Suite 100
Kailua Kona
808.329.0992
Verizon
75-5595 Palani Rd, Ste B-8
Kailua-Kona
(808) 326-9540
Getting Your Driver’s License
Department of Motor Vehicles
West Hawai`i Civic Center, 75-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, near the harbor
Contact (808) 323-4800
Stop by Long’s Drugstore and pick up the Driver’s License Manual to take the test. You can also go to the DMV site to take practice tests online. http://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/library/motor-vehicle-safety-office/
The wait can be long. Get there right when they open.
Registering your vehicle
Motor Vehicle Registration
Contact (808) 323-4818
While you are at the DMV, register your vehicle too. You can download the forms you will need from here: http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/Weblink8/Browse.aspx?dbid=1&startid=63777
You will also need to have a vehicle safety inspection before they will finalize the registration of your vehicle. Get this done as soon as you get your vehicle on the island. Cost is about $20.
Dixson 76
75-5756 Hualalai Rd
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Phone number(808) 329-9395
Kona Kwik Lube
74-5590 Alapa St # E
(808) 329-2110
Setting Up Your Bank Account:
There are no mainland “mega” banks here in Hawaii. Here’s a list of some of the more popular financial institutions:
Bank of Hawaii
https://www.boh.com/
(808) 326-3900
First Hawaiian Bank
https://www.fhb.com/en/
888-844-4444
Central Pacific Bank
www.centralpacificbank.com
(808) 935-5251
American Savings Bank
www.asbhawaii.com
(808) 329-5281
Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union
www.hicommfcu.com
(808) 930-7700
HFS Federal Credit Union
www.hfsfcu.org
(808) 322-2121
Getting Your Child a TB Test
Before you can enroll your children in school, you will need to get them a TB test. You can do this at the County Health Services or through your child’s own doctor. Here are the locations, times, and phone numbers of the County Health Clinics:
https://health.hawaii.gov/tb/tb-testing-locations-times/
School Enrollment
If you are considering a move to the island and have school age children, you should know that many charter schools on the island require you to apply for their school admission by February before the Fall semester for their lottery requirements. Check each school’s website for the guidelines. Local charter schools include Kona Pacific Public Charter School, Innovations Public Charter School and West Hawaii Explorations Academy.
Health Care Centers
Major West Hawaii hospitals are located in Kealakekua and Waimea. There is an Urgent Care in Keauhou Shopping Center, which is highly recommended for emergencies. They are open 9am-9pm, 7 days a week, and can be a good alternative to the hospital emergency room.
- Kona Community Hospital (808) 322-9311
- North Hawai’i Community Hospital (808) 885-4444
- Kaiser Permanente Medical Center outpatient clinic (808) 432-3400
- Keauhou Urgent Care Center (808) 322-2544
- Kona Urgent Care Center (Sunset Dr. in downtown) (808) 327-4357
- American Cancer Society, West Hawai’i Unit (808) 334-0442
- Veterans Services (808) 969-3833
LUVA Real Estate hopes this resource list will help you in your move to Kailua-Kona and West Hawaii. Please contact us if you need additional local services and recommendations before, during and after your move!