Moving from San Francisco, CA to Honolulu, HI

Ease away from the Bay and find your slice of paradise 

Beautiful Oahu, home of Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor, is one of the most populated Hawaiian islands and an iconic vacation destination. It even boasts the inviting nickname of “The Gathering Place.” 

While life in Hawaii’s state capital of Honolulu may be the envy of many, it doesn’t come without challenges. But if yours is moving there from San Francisco, you’re in the right place! We’ll share some important things to know about relocating 2,400 miles across the Pacific Ocean, and we’ll tell you about the most efficient and stress-free way to do it. 

Paying the price for paradise 

There aren’t many U.S. cities that are more expensive than San Francisco, but Honolulu is one of them. It’s ranked No. 7 on U.S. News & World Report’s Most Expensive Places to Live list while San Francisco lands at No. 19.  

Because of Honolulu’s isolated location, most goods arrive by ship, which adds to their price tags. Tourism also drives up costs. And last but not least is the limited housing supply on Oahu. The median home price is just under $1 million, making renting a common option.  

It’s worth noting that while Hawaii has one of the nation’s highest state income tax rates, its property tax rates are among the nation’s lowest. 

Fewer people share more space 

Honolulu and San Francisco are similar in geographical size, but San Francisco is second only to New York City in population density. About 864,000 people live within San Francisco’s 47 square miles while 350,000 Honolulu residents are spread across 60 square miles. 

Both cities are melting pots 

Much like San Francisco, people from around the world help shape Honolulu’s culture. The city is primarily a blend of American, Asian and Polynesian influences. Big annual festivals include Lei Day in May and Aloha Festivals in September. Honolulu also has one of the oldest Chinatown neighborhoods in the nation. 

Be prepared to take your time 

It’s not just the spirit of Aloha and the locals’ easygoing nature that makes Honolulu move at a slower pace. It’s also the gridlock. According to the TomTom Traffic Index for 2020, Honolulu is ranked No. 13 in North America for traffic congestion (San Francisco holds the No. 7 spot on that list). 

Honolulu’s narrow roads, rising number of vehicles and limited space all contribute to an average commute of 43 minutes. Still, driving is more popular than using TheBus, which services Honolulu and other parts of Oahu. 

The climate is unmatched 

While San Francisco’s climate is pleasant year-round, it’s no secret that Honolulu takes outdoor enjoyment to the highest level.  

Summer temperatures usually top out in the low 80s with winter highs in the low 70s. The NOAA National Climatic Data Center rates Honolulu as one of the most favorable climates in the U.S. based on comfort and number of days with clear skies. 

On land or by sea, U-Pack is there for you 

Obviously, you can’t rent a truck and drive your things across the Pacific Ocean. But you can turn to U-Pack®, the long-distance relocation experts.  

Moving from San Francisco to Honolulu works a bit differently than mainland moves. We use ReloCubes® that travel by container ship, but you can still expect of total transit time of 10-14 days. One of our experienced consultants can break down the process for you. Just start by locating a nearby service center and you’ll be on your way to a seamless and affordable move.