Best California to Hawaii Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from California to Hawaii and need first-hand information you can trust to make this CA to HI move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 285 California to Hawaii moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in California compared to Hawaii. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best California to Hawaii Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.679.47Authorized For HHG
2Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHG
3Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.9.639.59Authorized For HHG
4Best California Movers9.539.73Authorized For HHG
5Ewa Moving Co.8.298.22Authorized For HHG
6Mint Moving and Cleaning Solutions LLC7.967.61Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Hawaii to California guide.

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Compare the 6 Best CA to HI Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.67/10
based on 2,922+ data points

5914 Cobblestone Ct

El Sobrante, CA, 94803

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Pure Moving Logo

Pure Moving

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 7,662+ data points

1450 2nd St ste 225

Santa Monica, CA, 90401

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. Logo

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

Exceptional9.63/10
based on 1,498+ data points

Chico, CA, 95973

About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving...

Services

  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3421940 / 1416634

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers9
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2024)
View Full Review
3
Best California Movers Logo

Best California Movers

Exceptional9.53/10
based on 2,643+ data points

Glendale, CA, 91206

About Best California Movers

Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry....

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3489907 / 1173381

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans12
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved157,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Ewa Moving Co. Logo

Ewa Moving Co.

Very Good8.29/10
based on 181+ data points

91-593 Pohakupuna Rd

Ewa Beach, HI, 96706

About Ewa Moving Co.

Ewa Moving Co. is a locally-owned and operated moving company based in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. The company provides residential and commercial...

Services

  • Residential moving services in Oahu
  • Local moving services in Oahu
  • Hourly rate moving services in Oahu

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3786678 / 1601075

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved50 (2022)
View Full Review
5
Mint Moving and Cleaning Solutions LLC Logo

Mint Moving and Cleaning Solutions LLC

Good7.96/10
based on 67+ data points

Honolulu, HI, 96825

About Mint Moving and Cleaning Solutions LLC

Mint Moving & Cleaning Solutions LLC is a locally owned and operated business based in Honolulu, HI, offering services throughout all...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long Distance Moves
  • Office Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/25/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3396143 / 1265966

Authorized For HHG

Carrier/Shipper

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2019)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Hawaii

When moving from California to Hawaii, it’s crucial to evaluate the shift from familiar surroundings to new experiences. This guide provides an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from California to Hawaii , helping you make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
California iconCalifornia
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic and congestion
  • Wildfires and earthquakes
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
  • High taxes
Hawaii iconHawaii
  • Unique island lifestyle
  • Tranquil roads and scenery
  • Mild and consistent weather
  • Relaxed, aloha culture
  • No statewide sales tax
Hawaii iconHawaii
  • Fewer restaurant options
  • Limited entertainment venues
  • Limited tech job market
  • Higher isolation
  • Reduced park diversity
California iconCalifornia
  • Diverse culinary scene
  • Hollywood entertainment hub
  • Thriving tech industry
  • World-class cities
  • Scenic national parks

Moving from California to Hawaii means trading the hustle and bustle of cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco for the serene beauty of Honolulu and Maui. Instead of fighting through endless traffic on the 405, you'll find yourself cruising by Kailua Beach or exploring the lush trails in the Volcanoes National Park. While California offers countless dining options with its dynamic restaurant scene, Hawaii provides a taste of unique island specialties like poke and fresh seafood, albeit with fewer choices. The tech-centered career opportunities in Silicon Valley are abundant, yet the slower pace in Hawaii provides a chance to embrace the natural surroundings and enjoy local charms, from the serene beaches of Waimea Bay to the vibrant nightlife in Waikiki.

California vs. Hawaii Food Guide

Understanding the local food scene is a crucial part of immersing yourself in the culture and lifestyle of a new area. In this guide, we'll delve into a comparison of the local cuisine between California & Hawaii to provide insights into what your taste buds can anticipate when relocating. This comparison aims to help you feel more at home in your new local community by familiarizing you with the culinary environment.

California
Hawaii
Most iconic local food item
Sourdough Bread
Poke
Most popular meat dish
Tri-tip BBQ
Kalua Pork
Most popular street food item
Tacos
Spam Musubi
Most popular vegan food
Avocado Toast
Vegan Poke
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Chez Panisse
  • In-N-Out Burger
  • The French Laundry
  • Leonard's Bakery
  • Helena's Hawaiian Food
  • Matsumoto Shave Ice
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In both California and Hawaii, the local cuisine reflects the diversity and culture of each state. In California, you'll find a rich assortment of flavors, from the iconic sourdough bread of San Francisco to the umami-packed tri-tip BBQ popular in the Central Coast area. The food scene is incredibly vegan-friendly, with cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco leading the charge. Hawaii offers a unique blend of Polynesian, Asian, and Western influences, with dishes like poke and kalua pork capturing the essence of local flavors. Spam musubi, a fusion of Hawaiian and Japanese cuisine, can be found at numerous spots around the islands, from street vendors to convenience stores. Both states boast a vibrant food truck scene, with Hawaii slightly edging out in abundance. If you're moving to Hawaii, make sure to explore the local eateries in neighborhoods like Kapahulu in Honolulu, where you can find Leonard's Bakery, renowned for its malasadas, and Helena's Hawaiian Food for authentic Hawaiian dishes.

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California vs. Hawaii Real Estate & Living Facts

When contemplating a move, understanding the real estate landscape of your potential new home is crucial. This guide compares California and Hawaii in terms of housing, giving you a clear picture of costs, styles, and lifestyles to expect in each state.

California
Hawaii
Typical Architecture Style
Spanish Revival
Plantation Style
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Open floor plans, solar panels
Ocean view, lanais

In both California and Hawaii, the median home prices are significantly above the national average, reflecting the high demand and desirability of living in these locations. While California homes often boast open floor plans and solar panels, indicative of the state's commitment to sustainability and modern living, Hawaii's listings frequently highlight ocean views and lanais, emphasizing the connection to natural beauty and outdoor living. The slight variation in walkability and bikeability scores points to the differences in urban living experiences between the two states, with Hawaii offering slightly more pedestrian-friendly environments. The typical architecture styles—Spanish Revival in California and Plantation Style in Hawaii—further illustrate the unique cultural and environmental influences on housing in each state.

California vs. Hawaii Weather Considerations

Moving between states means adapting to new weather patterns. Understanding how the weather compares between California and Hawaii is crucial for planning your relocation and ensuring a smooth transition into your new environment.

California
Hawaii
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Hurricanes, Tsunamis
Air Quality
Varies widely
Generally Good
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

85°F/58°F
88°F/75°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

68°F/48°F
80°F/65°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

22 inches
63 inches
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

Varies
0 inches (except mountain peaks)


Although both California and Hawaii enjoy a generous amount of sunshine each year, there are significant differences in humidity levels and natural disaster risks. California's summer highs are generally lower than Hawaii's, offering a cooler season that some might prefer. However, the tropical climate of Hawaii provides warmer winters, making it an ideal location for those seeking year-round warmth. Air quality tends to be better in Hawaii, owing to its isolation and prevailing trade winds, although volcanic smog can be a concern. Understanding these differences allows you to better prepare for your move, ensuring you're not caught off-guard by your new state's weather patterns.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to Hawaii

When considering a move from one state to another, it's crucial to compare how your finances might be impacted. This comparison between California and Hawaii sheds light on various economic factors that could influence your decision. Understanding the differences in cost of living, state income tax, and average household income between these two locations can help you plan more effectively for your move.

California
Hawaii
Avg. Household Income
$91,551
$92,458
Cost of Living Index
136.4
165.7
State Income Tax
1-13.3
1.4-11
Avg. Property Tax
0.73
0.28
Avg. Sales Tax
8.56
4.44
Top 3 Industries
Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment
Tourism, Defense, Agriculture
Affluence
High
Very High
Poverty
Moderate
Low
Homelessness
High
Very High

Moving from California to Hawaii, you'll notice a significant shift in your financial landscape. While the average household income in Hawaii is higher, so is the cost of living index, making everyday expenses potentially more challenging to manage. The state income tax rates differ slightly, with California's top rate being higher. However, Hawaii's extremely high cost of living index, especially in housing, outweighs the seemingly moderate taxation. Understanding these dynamics can help you budget for life in Hawaii, considering also the buoyant job market in sectors like tourism and defense which are pivotal to Hawaii's economy.

California vs. Hawaii Political & Religious Comparison

As you consider moving from California to Hawaii, understanding the comparison of the politics between California & Hawaii, as well as the religious landscape, can offer you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of what to expect from your new home state's residents. This comparison aims to provide you with insights into the political and religious makeup of each state.

California
Hawaii
Political Make-up
Liberal/Democratic
Liberal/Democratic
Local Politics
Progressive urban policies in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles
Strong emphasis on environmental and indigenous rights
Religion
Mixed, with a significant number of non-religious individuals
Diverse, Christianity and indigenous beliefs, with a notable Buddhist and Shinto presence

In both California and Hawaii, you'll find a liberal and Democratic-leaning political climate, although the local political priorities may vary. California's cities are known for their progressive stances on various issues, while Hawaii places a strong emphasis on protecting the environment and indigenous rights. When it comes to religion, California presents a tapestry of beliefs with a large number of people identifying as non-religious. Hawaii, on the other hand, has a rich religious diversity that includes Christianity, indigenous spirituality, and significant Buddhist and Shinto communities, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage. This unique blend of politics and religion in Hawaii contributes to its distinctive communal and social atmosphere, which you'll soon experience firsthand.

Education Guide When Moving from California to Hawaii

Making a move from one state to another can bring about significant changes in your life, especially when it comes to education for you or your children. To help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options when moving from California to Hawaii , we’ve prepared a straightforward comparison chart and detailed insights. This information aims to aid in making an informed decision about the educational futures of your family.

CaliforniaHawaii

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of California
Stanford University
California State University
University of Hawaii
Hawaii Pacific University
Chaminade University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Orion Alternative (Redwood City)
Millbrook Elementary (San Jose)
Glenview Elementary (Oakland)
Parker School (Waimea)
Hanahau‘oli School (Honolulu)
Mauna Lani School (Puako)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Basis Independent Silicon Valley (San Jose)
The Nueva School (Hillsborough)
Preuss School UCSD (La Jolla)
Iolani School (Honolulu)
Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus (Honolulu)
Punahou School (Honolulu)

Top 3 High School Schools

Henry M. Gunn High (Palo Alto)
Troy High (Fullerton)
Lowell High (San Francisco)
Punahou School (Honolulu)
Iolani School (Honolulu)
Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus (Honolulu)

Top 3 private high schools

Harvard-Westlake (Studio City)
The Thacher School (Ojai)
The Bishop's School (La Jolla)
'Iolani School (Honolulu)
Punahou School (Honolulu)
Hawaii Preparatory Academy (Waimea)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Harker School (San Jose)
Crossroads School (Santa Monica)
The Athenian School (Danville)
Le Jardin Academy (Kailua)
Punahou School (Honolulu)
Island Pacific Academy (Kapolei)

Top 3 School Districts

Palo Alto Unified
Irvine Unified
San Marino Unified
Hawaii Department of Education (statewide)

In delving deeper into the educational landscape, it's noteworthy that Hawaii offers a unique educational environment with schools like Punahou School in Honolulu and Iolani School also in Honolulu, standing out not just locally, but nationally for their excellence. These schools provide a holistic education that emphasizes not only academic success but also cultural and environmental awareness, which is integral to living in Hawaii. Furthermore, the University of Hawaii system is highly accessible for residents and offers a wide range of programs that are deeply connected to the local culture and environment, offering students a uniquely Hawaiian collegiate experience. In comparison, California boasts a wide variety of highly esteemed educational institutions, from top-tier universities like Stanford and UC Berkeley to innovative K-12 schools that lead in STEM, arts, and humanities, reflecting the state's diverse and dynamic socioeconomic landscape.

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