Aloha, PCS! What No One Tells You About Moving to Hawaii (Until You’re Already Packing)
Getting orders to Hawaii is the kind of news most military families dream about. Between the beaches, waterfalls, and year-round warm weather, it’s easy to imagine life feeling like a permanent vacation.
Then reality hits…
“Wait… how do I move everything across the Pacific?”
The good news? Thousands of military families PCS to Hawaii every year. While it’s a little different than a move across the mainland, knowing what to expect can make the transition much smoother.
Pack Like You’ll Be Living Out of a Suitcase
Your household goods will most likely travel by ship, which means they could take several weeks to arrive. Be sure to pack plenty of clothes, medications, important documents, chargers, pet supplies, and anything you use every day in your luggage or express shipment. The future you will be very thankful.
You’ve probably heard of “island time,” and yes, it exists! Deliveries may take longer, appointments can fill up quickly, and some online orders aren’t eligible for free shipping. Instead of fighting it, embrace the slower pace. It’s all part of the Hawaii experience.
Speaking of, that also means you need to budget for items because many items are shipped to the islands, groceries and household goods can cost more than you are used to. Shopping at your local Commissary, Exchange, Costco, or Farmers Markets can help save money while letting you enjoy fresh local products.
Hawaii isn’t just a beautiful destination…it is home to a rich culture and history! Learning a few Hawaiian words like aloha (hello/love) and mahalo (thank you) and showing respect for local traditions goes a long way.
Living in Hawaii means your weekends can include hiking scenic trails, snorkeling in crystal-clear water, relaxing on beautiful beaches, exploring local markets, or visiting historic sites like Pearl Harbor. But also, your week can look like that too!
You’ll probably have more than one moment where you think, “I can’t believe I actually live here.”
If you are moving with dogs or cats, start planning early. Hawaii has strict entry requirements because it’s rabies-free, including vaccinations, paperwork, and deadlines. Starting the process well before your PCS can help make your pet’s arrival much smoother. It can be up to a 6 MONTH quarantine…you don’t want to miss deadlines and not be able to bring your furry family member over with you in time.
Just remember moving to Hawaii comes with plenty of logistics, but it also comes with experiences you will never forget. From breathtaking sunsets to incredible outdoor adventures, it is a duty station unlike any other. Pack your patience, embrace the island lifestyle, and get ready to say…
Aloha, Hawaii!
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