🌺 First 30 Days in Hawai‘i — Your Essential Relocation Checklist.

Photo by Jo Barnes on Unsplash

🏠 Housing & Utilities

• 📄 Sign rental agreement & collect proof of address
• ⚡ Set up electricity (HELCO) & water service
• 🌐 Choose internet provider (Spectrum, Hawaiian Telcom, local options)
• 📬 Update mailing address with USPS
• 💰 Budget: Rent + utilities + internet ≈ $1,200–$1,800/month

🩺 Health & Employment

• 🧪 Schedule TB testing (required for many jobs/schools)
• 🏥 Obtain health clearance from a local clinic
• 🗂 Gather employment eligibility docs (passport, SS card, birth certificate)
• ✅ Complete I‑9 verification with employer
• 💰 Budget: TB test $20–$50; clearance visit $75–$150

🚗 Transportation

• 📝 Register car with Hawai‘i DMV (title, insurance, safety inspection)
• 🔧 Complete safety inspection at authorized station
• 🛡 Transfer or purchase Hawai‘i auto insurance
• 🪪 Apply for a Hawai‘i driver’s license
• 💰 Budget: Registration $50–$300; inspection ≈ $25; license ≈ $40

📜 Legal & Residency

• 📑 Collect proof of residency (lease, utility bill, bank statement)
• 🗳 Register to vote in Hawai‘i
• 🪪 Update ID documents with new address
• 🎓 Transfer professional licenses/certifications if applicable
• 💰 Budget: Minimal fees, mostly admin

💵 Budget & Lifestyle

• 🛒 Track grocery costs ($500–$700/month per person)
• ⛽ Monitor gas prices (often $0.50–$1 higher than mainland)
• 🌽 Explore farmers’ markets for affordable produce
• 🤝 Join community groups/clubs to build connections
• 📊 Use cost calculators to plan monthly spending

🛠 Tools Included

• 📊 Rent Affordability Calculator
• 🧾 Cost of Living Worksheet
• 📅 Onboarding Timeline Tracker
• ✅ Residency Proof Checklist
• 💡 Relocation Budget Planner

🎯 Quick Wins

• ✅ Book TB test before arrival to avoid job delays
• ✅ Register car within 30 days to avoid penalties
• ✅ Use relocation budget planner to prevent overspending
• ✅ Keep digital copies of all documents for faster onboarding