Aloha and welcome to Hawaii! If you’re moving to Hawaii and making the Aloha State your new home, there are a few things you need to know to make your transition as smooth as possible. From becoming a resident to registering your vehicle, getting a driver’s license, and understanding the local utilities, this guide will provide you with all the essential information you need.
Becoming a Resident of Hawaii
To officially become a resident of Hawaii, you’ll need to provide tangible proof of residence. This could be a Hawaii driver’s license, voter or automobile registration, or even rent, utility, mortgage, or telephone bills. However, keep in mind that individual public or private agencies or institutions may have their own requirements for proof of residence.
Registering Your Vehicle
If you’re bringing a vehicle to Hawaii, you’ll need to register it. The requirements for vehicle registration vary depending on which island you live on. Here are the specific procedures for each county:
For more information on additional motor vehicle services and alternate means of transportation, visit the Transportation & Vehicles page.
Getting a Driver’s License
If you plan to drive in Hawaii, you’ll need a local driver’s license. Here are the specific driver’s license issuing locations and procedures for each county:
Getting a State ID Card
If you don’t have or are ineligible for a driver’s license, you might want to consider obtaining a Hawaii State ID card for use as an official ID. Each county is responsible for issuing State ID cards. Visit the Hawaii Department of Transportation website for more information.
Registering to Vote in Hawaii
If you’re a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old, you can register to vote in Hawaii. You can register online via Hawaii’s Online Voter Registration System, by mail using a Voter Registration Application or One-time Absentee Application, or in person at your local Clerk’s Office. You can also register to vote when applying for a driver’s license.
Interisland Flights & Ferries
Traveling between the islands is typically done by air, with most flights routing through Oahu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). Here are some airlines that offer interisland flights:
If you’re traveling between Maui and Lanai, you can also take the Maui-Lanai Ferry.
Animals & Pets after Moving to Hawaii
If you’re bringing a pet to Hawaii, be sure to research the quarantine procedures and laws relating to shipping a pet. Hawaii is the only rabies-free state, and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s Animal Quarantine Branch ensures that it stays that way. You can also find information on dog-friendly parks and beaches and animal welfare laws on the Hawaiian Humane Society’s website.
Utilities
When moving to Hawaii, you’ll need to set up your utilities. Here are some key utility providers in Hawaii:
- Water: Honolulu Board of Water Supply, County of Hawaii Department of Water Supply, County of Maui Department of Water Supply, County of Kauai Department of Water Supply
- Electricity: Hawaiian Electric Company (serving the islands of Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii), Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (serving the island of Kauai)
- Gas: The Gas Company
- Telephone/Internet: Hawaiian Telcom
Traveling & Shipping Information
Various state and federal agencies regulate the movement of plant materials to and from Hawaii. This includes travel between islands as well as to and from the mainland and foreign countries. Please make sure to view the rules at the Hawaii Department of Agriculture website prior to any travel.
Demographic Information
If you’re interested in learning more about Hawaii’s demographics, you can find data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau on their Quick Facts: Hawaii page. For the latest population estimates, census data, reports, and more, visit the Hawaii Census Data page.
We hope this guide helps you navigate your move to Hawaii. Welcome to your new island home!
Scott Sweeney is the creator of Virtual Hawaii 360. Scott is a professional marketer and a lifelong Hawaii enthusiast. Scott splits time between Oahu and Dayton, Ohio. In addition to his marketing endevours, he is also a published Ukulele musician.
