Aloha and Welcome to Oahu!
Relocating to Oahu is more than just a move; it’s a chance to embrace a unique lifestyle with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and a strong community. This guide will help you navigate your transition with essential information on housing, schools, transportation, and local amenities.
Frequently Asked PCS Questions
4. Where do you recommend for affordable rental cars?
I HIGHLY recommend Baba Rentals. They are locally owned, veteran owned company with incredible customer service, and are WAY more affordable than the rental companies at the airports (who are charging tourist prices!). www.babarentalshawaii.com
6. When do I start getting TLA, Hawaii BAH and Cola?
You don't start getting any Hawaii-related money (BAH, COLA, Per Diem, TLA) until you sign in. Once you sign in, the service member will need to start in-processing the following Monday (in-processing only starts on Mondays).
PLEASE NOTE: YOU CANNOT come here on leave, sign in, and stay on leave. If you stay on leave and don’t sign in, you will NOT be refunded for any expenses.
9. Is solar energy popular in Hawaii?
Yes, and becoming more so every day! Homes with solar (PV) panels are becoming more common, and adding them really gives the resale value a nice bump! There are many programs to include "Green Loans," which have 2 years NO PAYMENTS AND NO INTEREST, making it very easy and affordable to get PV panels!
Living on Oahu
When moving to Oahu, one of the first things you'll notice is the cost of living, which tends to be higher than many areas on the mainland U.S. While the breathtaking scenery and island lifestyle are priceless, it's essential to budget wisely to enjoy your new home.
Housing:
Housing costs can vary significantly depending on where you choose to live. Popular neighborhoods like Honolulu and Hawaii Kai tend to have higher prices, with average home prices reaching over $1 million. However, more affordable options can be found in areas like Ewa Beach and Waianae. Renting can also be pricey, with monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment typically ranging from $2,500 to $3,500.
Groceries:
Grocery prices in Oahu can also be on the higher side, largely due to the cost of importing many products. Expect to pay more for everyday items like fresh produce, dairy, and meat compared to the mainland. Shopping at local farmers' markets can help you save money while supporting local agriculture.
Utilities:
Utility costs, including electricity, water, and internet, are generally comparable to or slightly higher than mainland averages. Keep in mind that air conditioning may be necessary during warmer months, which can increase your electricity bill.
Transportation:
If you plan to drive, fuel prices in Oahu can fluctuate, often higher than the national average. However, the island has a public transportation system known as TheBus, which is an affordable and convenient option for getting around.
Healthcare:
Healthcare costs can vary, but Oahu is home to several excellent hospitals and healthcare facilities. If you have health insurance, you’ll want to check coverage and out-of-pocket expenses to get a clearer picture of your potential healthcare costs.
Leisure and Entertainment:
While outdoor activities like hiking and beach outings are free or low-cost, dining out can add up quickly. Restaurants and cafes in tourist-heavy areas may have higher prices, but there are plenty of local spots where you can enjoy delicious meals at more reasonable prices.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, while the cost of living in Oahu is higher than many places in the U.S., the incredible quality of life, natural beauty, and unique cultural experiences make it a worthwhile investment. With careful budgeting and planning, you can enjoy everything this stunning island has to offer!
PCSing guide for military families moving to Oahu
Download our stress-free guide to PCS to Oahu, designed to simplify your relocation process and ensure a smooth transition.
PCS WITH LESS STRESS
Courtney, the visionary founder of Westward Homes, brings a deep passion for real estate backed by years of expertise in Hawaii's dynamic market. As a military family member, she uniquely understands the needs of those seeking homes in the islands and uses this insight to create personalized client experiences. Her journey through the transient nature of military life has instilled a deep empathy for finding a true home, not just a house. Driven by a commitment to excellence, Courtney leads Westward Homes with a mission to elevate real estate transactions, ensuring each client feels a sense of belonging.
Meet Courtney
your real estate specialist
"Whether you’re civilian or military, buying, selling, renting or just pcs’ing, a first or fifth time home buyer, scared, unsure, or skeptical… YOUR SEARCH ENDS HERE. There are realtors… and then there is Courtney Williams. "
Not once did she push her own agenda on us, nor did she ever let me wonder. From countless phone/video calls to texts whenever I needed she was available. Her professionalism and poise built up on a plethora of knowledge when it comes to all things related was comforting and positive throughout this process. I would choose Courtney a million times again and look forward to future investments.
Eduardo P
"I think the two most important things with a realtor are persistent communication and sound judgement. Buying a home is tough. Having someone that can immediately win your trust, and make your decisions as easy as possible is invaluable. This is exactly what Courtney provided for my Wife and I when purchasing our home."
She is also an incredible property manager and has removed the angst of being responsible for tenants! I know that we are in great hands with Courtney and feel so fortunate to have her in our corner!
julian L
"Courtney is the person to call if you're searching for someone who goes above and beyond to make your home-buying experience a pleasure."
We recently worked with Courtney for purchasing our dream home, and couldn’t be more satisfied. Her expertise was evident from the start, and she was always available to answer our questions. She provided valuable insights, and made our experience smooth and stress-free. Courtney’s attention to detail during our walk-throughs was exceptional and made us feel at ease; she was quick to make all necessary phone calls and stay on top of all issues. Her thoughtful welcome-home gifts made us already feel warm and cozy in our new home from the day we got the keys.
Christina W
"To say we trust Courtney with all of our real estate needs, is an understatement. Courtney assisted in helping my husband and I find our home in Hawaii within days of being on island. She was extremely informative and calming with the home buying process, as it was our first time purchasing. "
When it came time for us to PCS off island, she sat down with us and helped explore our options to sell or rent. She truly had our best interest, and emphasized the long term benefits, which ultimately led to keeping our home, and working with her as our property manager. She is a genuine, intelligent person and has helped us make great financial decisions.
Kemlyn C
"When it was time to PCS, she helped me weigh the pros and cons of renting vs. selling, and I felt great about selling, which turned out to be a success! Thanks to her, I now feel confident buying a house at every PCS and will never go back to renting! "
Working with Courtney was the best decision I made when buying a house in Hawaii! As a first-time buyer, I was nervous and clueless, but she made the process incredibly simple and enjoyable. Courtney is not only amazing at her job but also a blast to work with—she's always available at a moment's notice, a crucial quality in a realtor! I wish I could bring her to all my future duty stations!
Emily S
"Courtney gets the job done for a seller and or buyer. She is on your team from the very first meeting to past the closing. She will be your advocate and will make the process as smooth as humanly possible, we really didn’t even have to do much besides sign on the line, she was that helpful and hands on, no one compares."
I would buy and sell with her every time. She sold our recent house in Hawaii and we had so many over asking offers it was unreal. Above and beyond is what she offers and I can’t say enough amazing things about her. You can’t go wrong with her intelligence, her kindness, and her work ethic. She is 10/10 top notch!
Alison D
Free Resources
Access our free resources, including blogs and guides, to discover everything you need to know about living in Oahu and make your transition as smooth as possible.
Oahu Beyond the Beaches:
A Guide for Visitors and Locals
Everything You Need to Know About Buying on Oahu
FEATURED BLOG POST
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