Best Movers in Honolulu, HI

Honolulu's breathtaking waterfalls, spectacular tropical rainforests and white sand beaches attract many new residents every year. Oahu often has the most job openings in Hawaii, and people move to Honolulu to work in construction, healthcare and the city’s bustling tourism industry. Whether you’re relocating to Hawaii for the first time, moving away or just moving down the block, the best movers in Honolulu make the process convenient and stress-free.

Hawaii movers charge between $500 and $10,000. The price range varies greatly because most moving companies consider moving from island to island long-distance. If you are moving from the mainland or another island, there are ways to save cash.

How much does it cost to move in Hawaii?

If you’re staying on Oahu, local Honolulu moving services range from $159 to $182 an hour for two movers and one truck. You can run the numbers to get a better idea of what your local move may cost. Expect to pay an extra fee if your home is less accessible because of stairs or narrow streets. Neighborhoods like Waikiki, for example, have various multistory apartment buildings that are difficult for moving trucks to access.

Long-distance moving cost to Honolulu

Moving to Hawaii from an outside location frequently costs as much as $10,000. Your price depends on:

• The weight of your belongings
• The dimensions of your shipment
• The total distance involved

The overall distance includes getting to or from the Port of Long Beach in California. Moving from the East Coast means your items first have to be moved cross-country by truck and loaded onto a ship in Long Beach before being shipped to Oahu. Once they’re here, your belongings need to be picked up and moved to their final destination in Honolulu.

Because Hawaii is so far away from the mainland, many movers in Honolulu follow international mover standards rather than conventional long-distance moving companies.

Moving services in Honolulu

The price of your move also varies with how many additional services you need. Hawaii movers can help by providing:

• Packing services
• Specialty-item moving
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Moving supplies

If you’re moving a business, you may need additional services. Check with your movers in Honolulu to be sure.

In general, the more work you do yourself, the more you save. Loading container pods yourself and having them shipped to Hawaii is the most cost-effective option. Many Hawaii moving companies can store your belongings until you need them. If you choose to take on more of the work, use our helpful moving checklist to keep things straight.

However, many people find that these savings are not worth the effort and stress. Full-service moves are the most expensive choice, but the high price is worth it for those who want a hassle-free moving experience.

Follow these five steps to choose the best mover in Honolulu:

1. Finding the right mover starts with understanding your needs. Not every Hawaii moving company offers long-distance moving from the mainland or between islands, so narrow down your choices based on their available services.
2. Reading online reviews gives you a better idea of each company's customer service, problem resolution and ability to handle complicated moves. Ask friends and family to see if they have any recommendations.
3. Once you have some Hawaii movers in mind, talk to them and get quotes for your move. These estimates let you shop around and compare prices before you commit to anything.
4. Any company you consider should be licensed and insured. Try to verify the company’s qualifications during your quote.
5. Before signing a contract, ask how the mover handles damage claims. Checking policies now protects you in the long run, especially if you're moving fragile or expensive items.

If a Honolulu moving company makes it through these filters, you can be confident you’re making a smart choice.

Regulations for moving companies in Hawaii

Hawaii movers are exempt from needing a USDOT number or registering with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration if they only operate within Hawaii, but they must have both if they handle state-to-state moves. Moving companies must have a Public Utilities Commission number displayed on their trucks. A Hawaii moving company must also carry worker's compensation insurance.

Local movers in Honolulu can charge hourly or flat rates as long as it publishes prices. Check that your Hawaii moving company follows these regulations. If it doesn’t, it might be a scam.