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Rebecca Walter is a senior writer for USA Today Homefront specializing in moving. She has won multiple awards for her writing, including recognition from the North Carolina Press Association for reporting on housing market trends. Her half-dozen moves in the last decade have perfected her packing skills, making her the go-to packer amongst her friends and family. Rebecca studied journalism and political science at Murray State University. She is located in Asheville, North Carolina, where she enjoys hiking, yoga, and reading.
For many, the thought of moving to a beautiful island state such as Hawaii conjures images of swaying palm trees, sunny beaches and a laid-back lifestyle. However, the logistics of moving to Hawaii can make the dream of island life feel daunting.
We trust International Van Lines to handle your long-distance move and all of the challenges that come with it. The company’s wide availability, including in isolated states such as Hawaii, makes its customizable service options accessible to more people.
For local moves in Hawaii, we recommend Royal Hawaiian Movers and Island Movers. Royal Hawaiian Movers has great customer feedback and, in our experience, made getting a quote easy. Island Movers has decades of experience and a responsive customer service team.
We put every mover we review through a meticulous vetting process — rating them on availability, services and pricing — and compiled the following list of the six best providers for your Hawaii move. Here’s what you need to know.
USA TODAY Homefront found the following companies to be the best picks for local and long-distance moves in Hawaii. Each mover has customizable services and a solid reputation among clients.
Long-distance:
Local:
These top long-distance Hawaiian moving companies scored high marks on our grading scale thanks to their positive feedback from clients, numerous service offerings and availability.
Moving to and within the island state of Hawaii presents unique logistical challenges and costs. The long-distance movers we spoke with consider relocations from the continental U.S. to Hawaii to be international moves, which can start with a base price of $2,000. That number will increase depending on the weight of your inventory, move distance and add-on service needs, such as vehicle shipping and storage.
Because shipping weight greatly affects your overall move cost, consider downsizing your inventory before moving to the Aloha State. Repurchasing household goods such as kitchenware, decorations and small furniture might be easier and more affordable than shipping all of these belongings.
Consider hosting a yard sale before your move to reduce your inventory load and make a little cash, which might come in handy, considering Hawaii is the most expensive state in the U.S.
According to PODS, larger items will likely require shipment by sea in a shipping container. Smaller items can be sent through the mail or in small shipments by air.
Move distance also plays a huge role in your final invoice. Hawaii sits about 2,000 miles southwest of the U.S. West Coast. The farther away you are from your moving destination, the more you can expect to pay. For example, moving from Los Angeles to Honolulu would be cheaper than relocating from New York to Honolulu, even if the inventory sizes are similar.
Here are our choices for the best long-distance movers in Hawaii.
International Van Lines (IVL) is one of our top choices for long-distance moves. We gave it high marks for its wide availability and upfront rates for add-on services. IVL’s cost calculator tool makes it simple to understand your moving costs ahead of your Hawaiian islands relocation.
Service area: 50 states and 150 countries
Base services:
Add-on services:
Storage: IVL offers short- and long-term storage options in most locations.
Quote type: This provider offers binding estimates for long-distance moves.
Pricing: Long-distance moves are charged at binding rates based on move distance and shipment weight.
Sample cost: We reached out to IVL for a quote for a three-bedroom, long-distance move from Los Angeles to Honolulu. The customer service representative asked to schedule a virtual or in-person consultation to provide an accurate estimate. This prevented us from getting a quote.
Deposit: Deposit requirements range from 20% to 25% of your final move cost.
Payment methods: IVL accepts money orders, credit cards, cashier’s checks and business checks.
Released-value protection is added to all moves for free. IVL also offers full-value protection for an additional cost. Contact an IVL customer service representative to learn more about the exact cost of this coverage.
IVL is rated 3.5 out of 5 stars on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We read through the 175 reviews on the site and noticed a few recurring themes. Positive feedback repeatedly commended IVL for great communication, professionalism and reliability. Negative comments mainly focused on pricing issues and damaged items.
North American Van Lines (NAVL) was chosen as one of our best moving companies for a reason. This provider’s “not-to-exceed” and “bottom-line” pricing models make planning your budget for a long-distance move easier. This model is particularly helpful for more detailed moves to Hawaii.
Service area: 50 states and 130 countries
Storage: NAVL provides short- and long-term storage options.
Quote type: NAVL provides binding quotes and not-to-exceed pricing for most moves.
Pricing: Long-distance relocation pricing is based on the distance of your move and shipment weight.
Sample cost: We reached out to NAVL for a quote for a three-bedroom move from Los Angeles to Honolulu. NAVL classifies relocations to Hawaii from the continental U.S. as international moves, with costs starting at $2,000. That price increases based on inventory weight and add-on services, including vehicle shipping. The customer representative we spoke with wanted to schedule an in-person home estimate, which prevented us from obtaining an official quote.
Deposit: None required
Payment methods: This provider accepts credit cards, certified checks and cash.
NAVL provides free released-value protection coverage for all moves. The company also offers full-value coverage, which costs between 5% and 6% of your total declared shipment value. While full-value coverage increases your final invoice, it could be worth it for the peace of mind.
NAVL’s Honolulu location doesn’t have any Google Reviews. The mover’s BBB page has predominantly negative reviews, contributing to the provider’s rating of 1.1 out of 5 stars on the platform. The most common complaints we noted in the 30-plus reviews were damaged items and high prices. NAVL responds to a majority of the customer complaints on the site. NAVL branches are independently operated, so your experience may vary depending on the location you use.
Allied Van Lines is one of our highest-rated companies for local and long-distance moves. This provider’s customizable service options and wide availability make it easier to curate a moving experience that is aligned with your needs. Allied’s in-house vehicle shipping options can also be extra helpful during a long-distance relocation.
Storage: This provider offers short- and long-term storage services at most locations.
Quote type: Allied provides binding rates for long-distance moves.
Pricing: Long-distance quotes are based on move distance and shipment weight.
Sample cost: We contacted Allied for a quote for a three-bedroom move from Los Angeles to Honolulu. The agent said moves from the continental U.S. to Hawaii are considered international moves and come with an automatic $2,000 minimum cost. The weight of the inventory and add-on services determine how much that cost increases. The agent asked to schedule an in-home estimate to review our inventory. This prevented us from obtaining a final estimate.
Payment methods: Allied accepts all major credit cards, certified checks, money orders and cash.
In addition to the mandatory released-value protection, Allied offers Extra Care Protection (ECP). You can select a maximum amount of coverage, and if any items are lost or damaged, you can file a claim for compensation up to this amount. ECP cost is based on the percentage of the total coverage amount and will be determined by your local branch.
Allied Van Lines often has highly rated individual locations. However, the company’s overall Trustpilot score is 2.3 out of 5 stars. Negative feedback mentions damaged items and poor customer service. Not all feedback is poor on the platform. Holly provided the company with a 5-star review that commended Allied’s efficiency and friendly team.
The following local Hawaii moving companies scored highly on our thorough grading scale, especially for customer service, client satisfaction and customizable service offerings.
Royal Hawaiian Movers has earned a solid reputation for customer satisfaction and professionalism. We were impressed to see our estimate mention that the company’s movers undergo in-depth training to properly handle island moves. This mover has branches in Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Kona and Hilo.
Service area: This provider offers local and long-distance moving services.
Quote type: This mover offers ballpark hourly rates for local moves.
Pricing: This mover bases hourly rates on the number of movers assigned to the job.
Sample cost: For a three-bedroom local move in Oahu we were quoted a rate of $288.57 per hour for three movers. This rate does not include tax and is for services performed Monday through Friday. Rates and availability may differ on the weekends. The estimate noted a two-hour minimum and that charges will apply for additional services.
Deposit: Our estimate did not mention a deposit requirement.
Payment methods: This mover accepts cashier’s checks, money orders, Visa, Mastercard and cash.
This mover provides the federally mandated released-value protection for all moves. Royal Hawaiian Movers also offers full-value replacement at no less than $6 per pound per item.
Royal Hawaiian Movers is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. We searched through the over 250 customer reviews and noticed several reviewers commending the company for professionalism and great customer service. Tina praised the company for promptly answering her questions and carefully unpacking her items during the moving process.
Negative feedback for the company includes Michal’s review, which mentions poor packing and carelessness.
Island Movers has more than 60 years of experience as a family-owned professional moving company. We were impressed by the thoroughness of the company’s quote process and the promptness of customer service when answering our questions.
Service area: This company offers local and long-distance moving services.
Quote type: This mover offers ballpark quotes based on hourly rates.
Pricing: Hourly rates are based on the number of movers handling the job.
Sample cost: Island Movers provided us with three different hourly rates for a local move within Honolulu. Hourly rates are $216.25 per hour for two movers, $308.91 for three movers and $401.57 per hour for four movers. The estimate noted these are rates for Monday through Friday and do not include tax. The company requested to do an on-site survey to give a recommendation for how many movers and hours the job requires.
Deposit: A $150 nonrefundable deposit is required to reserve a move date. The deposit is applied toward final moving costs.
Payment methods: This provider accepts major credit cards, cash and checks.
This mover offers the standard released-value protection. Ask your moving coordinator about pricing for full-value coverage.
Island Movers has 3.7 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. Positive reviews include Alexa’s, which mentions friendly moving crews who got the job done quickly. Negative feedback details experience with poor communication and delivery issues.
Hero Moving has served more than 10,000 customers and has more than a decade of experience with local and long-distance moves. The full-service moving company’s straightforward online quote feature makes it easy to get an estimate. A customer service representative reached out to us within minutes of requesting a quote.
Quote type: This mover offers ballpark hourly rates.
Pricing: Hero Moving’s hourly rate is based on the number of movers assigned to your move.
Sample cost: We contacted Hero Moving for a moving quote for a three-bedroom local relocation in Honolulu. After providing details about our inventory, we were quoted a rate of $189.34 per hour for two movers. The customer service representative estimated the job would take around four hours and 30 minutes, bringing the total to $892.18 after tax.
Deposit: Our quote did not mention any deposit requirements.
Payment methods: This mover accepts cash and credit cards.
Hero Moving provides standard released-value coverage at 60 cents per pound per item. It offers a higher amount of coverage at $5 per pound per item for an additional cost.
Hero Moving holds a solid 4.6 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews with over 50 reviews. We read through all the feedback — Julie’s review particularly stuck out. She said her experience moving from one side of an island to the other was professional, quick and friendly. Some 1-star reviews mentioned damaged items and service delays.
Before you book your mover, verify that the company holds proper licensing, offers the necessary services and fits within your budget. We recommend securing your preferred moving date at least a month in advance to guarantee the company’s availability.
Add-on services make your move more convenient for an additional cost. Some of these services, such as vehicle shipping, might be pricer for a Hawaii move due to the longer move distance. Likewise, it may be advisable to sell your piano or give it to a family member rather than risk damage during overseas transport.
Do a rundown of your inventory to find out which specialty services you might require. Common services include the following:
Moving companies run under two basic service models: carriers and brokers. Your choice can significantly impact your moving experience, so confirm your mover’s service model before making a final decision.
Carriers directly provide your moving services. On the other hand, brokers serve as booking agents or the go-between for movers and clients. Brokers often require a convenience fee and do not provide moving services directly; they only facilitate the matching process and handle the booking.
Moving companies must follow state-specific and federal regulations. These guidelines depend on the types of moves the company provides.
All interstate and long-distance moving companies are subject to federal rules and required to hold active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Verify a mover’s registration status with these numbers through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database.
The Public Utilities Commission regulates local movers in Hawaii. Verify that your intrastate moving company is properly registered before booking.
Move distance and inventory size are the largest determining factors of your moving estimate. Here are some key differences to note between local and long-distance estimates.
Move distance and shipment weight determine the cost of a long-distance move. Request a binding estimate if your relocation totals over 50 miles. With a binding quote, the mover must keep the final cost at or below the estimated amount, unless there are adjustments to the move distance, inventory or your service needs between your quote day and moving date.
Local moves are billed hourly. The rate depends on the moving company and the number of movers assigned to the job. We got quotes ranging from $289 to $309 per hour for three movers and $189 to $216 for two movers. Most local movers have a labor minimum.
All moving companies must offer basic insurance coverage at no charge. Released-value protection is mandated by the federal government and covers your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound per item. This coverage is generally included in all comprehensive moving packages.
Some companies provide additional coverage packages, such as full-value protection, for an additional cost. Under most full-value plans, you can specify a declared value for your shipment and pay a premium based on a percentage of that total. This coverage typically guarantees full reimbursement for any damaged or lost items.
Despite the logistical challenges, the dream of living in Hawaii can become a reality with careful planning. Start your quote process by reaching out to International Van Lines and Royal Hawaiian Movers.
IVL has wide availability for domestic and international moves, so you’ll likely never be too far from a provider. The company’s transparent rates for add-on services make budgeting easier. Royal Hawaiian Movers’ multiple branches throughout the islands and well-trained staff make it a great choice for local relocations.
We recommend giving yourself at least a few months to plan your Hawaii move and try to schedule your move date as far in advance as possible. Obtain at least three quotes before you make your final booking decision.
Our moving recommendations are all backed by our detailed rating methodology. To fairly assess both interstate and local movers, we have tailored two sets of review standards for long-distance and intrastate movers.
Both sets of review standards assess factors including reputation and customer satisfaction, availability and range, services offered, pricing and quote practices and customer service. We rate each moving company out of 100 possible points. We then divide the final score by 20 to obtain the 5-star rating we feature in our reviews.
BBB, Trustpilot and Google Review ratings are accurate as of May 2024.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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