How Much Does It Cost to Move in Hawaii?
Moving to or from Hawaii is the most expensive domestic relocation. Everything ships by ocean freight — a 20-foot container from the West Coast to Honolulu costs $3,000–5,000 alone. Local moves on-island average $1,600. Inter-island moves add barge costs. Budget 4–6 weeks for mainland-to-Hawaii moves.
Average Moving Costs in Hawaii — 2026
| Move Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Local move — professional movers | $1,600 |
| Long-distance move — professional movers | $8,500 |
| Mover hourly rate (per mover) | $72/hr |
| Moving truck rental (per day) | $195/day |
Averages based on a 2-bedroom local move. Long-distance averages assume 500+ miles.
What Affects Moving Costs in Hawaii
Distance: Local moves are priced hourly ($72/mover/hr). Long-distance moves switch to a weight-plus-mileage model, which is why the jump from local to long-distance is so large.
Timing: Peak season (May–September) adds 15–30% to any quote. The last 3 days of a month are the most expensive — most leases expire on the 1st, so demand spikes.
Home size: Every additional bedroom adds roughly $100–200 to a local move (more movers or more hours). Long-distance moves price by weight — a 3-bedroom house weighs 3× a studio.
Access: Stairs, long carry distances, and tight elevator access trigger surcharges. Expect $50–100 per flight of stairs. Parking permits in dense Hawaii cities can add $50–150.
Hawaii Moving Cost by City
Metro areas with high demand and traffic typically run 15–25% above the state averages listed above.
- Honolulu
- Pearl City
- Hilo
- Kailua
- Kapolei
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How much does it cost to move locally in Hawaii?
Local moves in Hawaii average $1,600 for a 2-bedroom home. Mover hourly rates run $72/hr per mover. Most local moves take 4–8 hours with a 2–3 mover crew.
How much does a long-distance move to or from Hawaii cost?
Long-distance moves to or from Hawaii average $8,500 with professional movers. DIY truck rentals typically run $1,200–2,500 depending on distance and truck size.
What is the cheapest way to move in Hawaii?
Renting a moving truck yourself is the cheapest option — expect $195/day plus fuel. Booking movers for a weekday in the off-season (October–April) can save 20–30% vs. weekend peak rates.
When is the cheapest time to move in Hawaii?
October through April is the cheapest time to move in Hawaii. Avoid May–September (peak season), the last three days of any month, and weekends — all carry 15–30% premiums.
Which cities in Hawaii are most expensive for moving?
Honolulu and Pearl City typically run 15–25% above the state average due to higher demand, traffic congestion, and longer drive times between pickup and delivery.
Is Hawaii gaining or losing residents?
Hawaii is currently experiencing net outmigration, which can mean more mover availability and negotiating room on quotes.