Moving from Hawaii to Washington
Moving from Hawaii to Washington means roughly 2,635 miles of ocean and mainland between you and your new home. Your belongings leave by container ship, you fly, and the two arrive weeks apart. This checklist keeps that gap from catching you out.
Generate My ChecklistHI vs WA at a Glance
Income Tax
Sales Tax
Time Zone
You'll be changing time zones
Distance
Moving Cost
Freight shipping required; cost varies by cargo volume.
What This Move Means for You
Lower cost of living
Washington is about 38% cheaper than Hawaii overall, so your budget should stretch noticeably further — especially on housing.
No state income tax in Washington
Washington charges no state income tax, versus a top rate around 11% in Hawaii. For most movers that means a meaningful bump in take-home pay.
Colder winters ahead
Washington averages 29°F cooler than Hawaii. Pack cold-weather clothing and expect higher heating bills through the winter.
Much drier climate
Washington is far drier than Hawaii — roughly 25" less precipitation a year. Expect to adjust to lower humidity and drier air.
After You Arrive in Washington
Get a Washington driver license within 30 days
You have 30 days after you move to Washington to get your driver license. Get the license first, because you need it to register a vehicle here. DOL treats you as a resident if you have a Washington address or are registered to vote here. Getting in-state tuition, state benefits, or a resident-rate fishing or hunting license also counts.
Source: Washington DOL, Moving to Washington: Get a driver licenseMake an appointment at a driver licensing office
You must have an appointment. Bring proof of identity, including your out-of-state license, and the license fee. At the office, you give your Social Security number. Depending on where your license is from, you may have to take tests. The office punches a hole in your old license and gives you a temporary license for 45 days. The permanent license comes by mail.
Source: Washington DOL, Moving to Washington: Get a driver licenseRegister the vehicle within 30 days at a vehicle licensing office
You have 30 days after you move here to register your vehicle. Vehicle licensing offices are separate from driver licensing offices, so plan two trips. Bring your current title and write down the odometer reading before you go. Does a bank hold the title? Call a vehicle licensing office for its fax number. Give that number to the bank. You get plates at the office.
Source: Washington DOL, Moving to Washington: Vehicle registration and platesCheck the use tax exemption for your vehicle
Washington charges use tax on a vehicle when sales tax was not paid here. New residents can be exempt. The personal vehicle must have been acquired and used in another state more than 90 days before the move. It must also be licensed here within 30 days of the move. A vehicle bought within 90 days of the move does not qualify. Your registration from the other state is the usual proof.
Source: Washington Department of Revenue, Vehicles brought into Washington from out-of-stateCarry at least 25/50/10 liability insurance
A vehicle registered in Washington needs at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person. It needs $50,000 for injury or death of two people in one accident. It also needs $10,000 for property damage. Be ready to show your insurance ID card any time you drive. Driving without insurance can bring a fine of $550 or more.
Source: Washington DOL, Mandatory insuranceRegister to vote 8 days before an election, or in person after that
Online and mail registrations must be received 8 days before an election. To register online, you need a Washington driver license, permit, or ID card, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. After that, register in person at a county elections office until 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you get an enhanced driver license, election officials register you automatically.
Source: Washington Secretary of State, Register to Vote in WashingtonYour Moving Timeline
8 Weeks Before
Book container space out of Honolulu early and expect three to six weeks in transit to the mainland. Ship your vehicle separately, and keep anything you'll need in the first month with you — it is expensive to be without it.
4 Weeks Before
Notify your utility providers, update your address with USPS, and begin packing non-essential items.
1 Week Before
Confirm with your movers, finish packing, clean your home, and prepare a moving day essentials bag.
Moving Day
Supervise loading, do a final walkthrough of your old home, and hand over the keys.
After the Move
Update your driver's license at the Washington DMV, register to vote in WA, and set up your new utilities.
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Climate Comparison
Hawaii
Tropical with warm temperatures year-round and distinct wet and dry seasons.
Washington
Marine west coast with mild temperatures, rainy winters, and warm, dry summers.
Utilities & Cost of Living
Hawaii
Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Hawaii to Washington?
Hawaii and Washington are approximately 2,635 miles apart as the crow flies.
- Because the route crosses water, you will need to ship your belongings by freight rather than driving a moving truck.
How much does it cost to move from Hawaii to Washington?
Shipping household goods to Washington requires freight transport.
- Costs typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on cargo volume and carrier, and do not follow the seasonal pricing patterns of truck moves.
How do I ship my belongings to Washington?
Because the route to Washington ends in an ocean crossing, there is no driving the last leg.
- Household goods travel by container ship, most commonly out of the Port of Oakland or Long Beach, with transit running roughly three to six weeks.
- Book early — container space is limited — and ship your vehicle through a carrier that handles the Hawaii route.
What is the cost of living difference between Hawaii and Washington?
Hawaii has a cost of living index of 184.8 versus 114.6 for Washington (US average = 100).
- Overall, Washington is about 38% lower than Hawaii.
How soon do I need to update my driver's license after moving to Washington?
After establishing residency in Washington, you have 30 days to update your driver's license at a Washington DMV office.
- Vehicle registration is a separate transaction with its own deadline, which in most states differs from the license deadline — confirm both with the Washington DMV before you go.
What is the climate like in Washington?
Washington has marine west coast with mild temperatures, rainy winters, and warm, dry summers.
- The annual average temperature is 48°F, with about 38 inches of precipitation per year.
- Average monthly electricity bills run around $114.