Key takeaway: Shipping a 20-foot container of household goods from the West Coast to Honolulu costs about $6,900 before a fuel surcharge (Matson), and a car is $1,790 more (Matson). Add a security deposit and first month’s rent, and many movers spend $12,000 or more before their first paycheck. Numbers checked October 30, 2026.
Before you ship
- Pets: start four months ahead for the rabies blood test and paperwork. Direct airport release in Honolulu is $185 (Dept. of Agriculture & Biosecurity). See moving pets.
- Household goods: Matson’s published rate from the West Coast to Honolulu is $6,863 for a 20-foot container and $7,625 for a 40-foot, plus a fuel surcharge (Matson, 2025–26 rates). Full-service door-to-door moves start around $9,000 for 20 feet (LegalClarity, citing a Honolulu mover).
- Car: $1,790 to Honolulu, $2,600 to the neighbor islands. Matson isn’t taking EVs. See shipping your car.
Your first week
- Housing: first month plus a deposit of up to one month’s rent, and up to one more month for a pet (HRS §521-44). See move-in costs.
- Electricity: expect $240 to $330 a month for 500 kWh depending on the island. See electricity by island.
- Hawaiʻi ID: a state ID or driver’s license unlocks kamaʻāina rates. See kamaʻāina discounts.
Within 30 days
- Register your car or get a $5 out-of-state permit, after a safety inspection (City and County of Honolulu).
- Health insurance: if you work 20+ hours a week, your employer must offer coverage. See health insurance.
Sample first-month budget, Oʻahu
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| 20-ft container, port to port, before fuel surcharge | $6,863 |
| Car shipping to Honolulu | $1,790 |
| First month’s rent, typical 1BR | $1,900 |
| Security deposit | $1,900 |
| Total | about $12,450 |
Our calculation from the figures above. Doesn’t include flights, movers at either end, or pets.