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From its peaks and craters to the picturesque beaches, Hawaii is one of the best places to live. Moreover, your family will enjoy all that the island has to offer when it comes to exploring.
Here are some things that you need to know:
Climate
Thanks to the trade winds, the temperatures in Hawaii average about 85 degrees all year round. However, the landscape in this place varies depending on where you are. For instance, the west side of Oahu is drier than the east side. The North Shore is mostly made up of a rocky shoreline and many surfing events take place there, while Central Oahu is mostly a farmland.
Traveling to Hawaii
Moving to this state is more complicated than your average Permanent Change of Station because you have to plan everything, including the shipping of cars and pets in advance.
Unaccompanied Baggage
Service members who are relocating to Hawaii are usually allowed to ship a few household goods before they send their regular shipment. Known as the express shipment, this shipment will count towards your household weight limit and usually includes things like clothing, small appliances and kitchen items. You should take this opportunity to ship outdoor kids toys and scuba gear for yourself.
Depending on where you are moving from and the moving company you will use, unaccompanied shipments might arrive after the HHG shipment, so you should be ready.
Vehicle Shipping
When it comes to cars, the military usually pays to ship just one car to Hawaii. Also, check with your shipping company whether it is possible to ship motorcycles with your other household goods. When it comes to shipping a second vehicle, you can either pay out of pocket or sell it. You can ship your car to Hawaii with Executive Auto Shippers for example, if you are willing to pay out of pocket.
Pets and Lodging
If you want to move to Hawaii with your pets, you should look at Hawaii’s website for animal quarantine regulations. If your pet qualifies, you can pick it up from the airport’s quarantine station and take it home. However, if your pet does not qualify, it will have to complete the standard quarantine time of 120 days before you take it home.
You also have to look for temporary housing that allows animals before you get a house. Remember that fees and weight limits might apply, so be sure to double check.
Housing
You will get a house depending on whether you are in the army, navy, coast guard, air force, or Marine Corps. You should also consider living off base as long as there is a reasonable commute to your military base. The most popular off-base places to live include Salt Lake, Hawaii Kai, Ewa Beach, and Windward Side.
Schools
If your children are of school-going age, the best place that you can start is by contacting a School Liaison Officer from your branch. This person can help you to register your child. Although there are no DoD schools in this state, Hawaii has many good charter, public, and private schools.
If you prefer homeschooling for your kids, there is a large homeschooling community at this place. Before your child can be enrolled in any school, he/she should submit a negative tuberculosis test.
The Beaches are Amazing
Lanikai Beach – known for its beautiful blue water and white sands, this beach is ideal for boogie boarding and sunbathing. Moreover, your kids can surf here thanks to the low surf.
Hanauma Beach – this is the most popular spot for snorkeling on the island. You can pay several dollars for a shuttle ride down the hill to the parking lot.
Packing up your whole life to start over afresh is never easy, even if you have a new job assignment. Hopefully, the above tips will make your move much smoother and easier on you and your family.
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