Updated Jan 12, 2023
Updated Jan 12, 2023
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Moving is one of the most stressful life events you’ll ever endure. Moving to, from, or between the Hawaiian Islands can present you with plenty of other logistical hurdles aside from those moving clients generally experience.
We’ve researched and reviewed several dozen providers to make this process hassle-free and accessible. In this guide, you’ll learn more about the best moving companies in Hawaii and how to plan and budget for a move to or from the Aloha State.
Our top recommended moving companies for 2023:
Here, we’ve included some basic information about Hawaii’s top moving providers. The moving companies below are excellent options for long-distance, mainland, and local moves.
Company | Website | Our Take | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Local Cost | Long-Distance Cost |
International Van Lines | Site | Best Full-Service Mover | 9.8 | B | $600 – $1,200 | $5,400 – $9,200 |
Allied Van Lines | Site | Most Vehicle Shipping Options | 9.4 | A+ | $750 – $1,350 | $7,400 – $10,900 |
Safeway Moving Systems | Site | Best Overall Moving Broker | 9.6 | N/A | No local services | $2,000 – $5,000 |
Moving APT | Site | Most Moving Partners | 9.6 | B | $850 – $1,700 | $3,900 – $7,000 |
U-Pack | Site | Most Widely-Available Container Service | 9.3 | A+ | N/A | $4,100 – $5,100 |
North American Van Lines | Site | Best Pricing Options | 9.2 | A+ | $750 – $1,350 | $7,400 – $10,900 |
PODS | Site | Most Container Size Options | 9.1 | B | $700 – $1,900 | $4,200 – $5,200 |
For your purposes, you should note that the local costs and the costs of 2,000-mile moves are most relevant. The former will cover inter or intra-island moves, while the latter will best apply to mainland relocations.
International Van Lines is our choice for the best island mover. Though it’s a relatively recent entrant into the domestic moving industry, it is now one of the most easily recognized names in the business. It currently handles more than 20,000 moves per year. With operational ability in all 50 states and 180 other countries, you can truly depend on them for any moving need.
The most constant aspect of this provider’s track record is its commitment to customer service. IVL customers consistently report on this mover’s communication and accessibility throughout the moving process. Especially with how involved Hawaiian moves can be, this is a welcome addition for most moving clients.
Pros
Cons
International Van Lines does local, long-distance, and international moves for both residential and commercial relocations. The service offerings include packing and unpacking, storage services (short-term and long-term), custom crating for fragile items, debris removal, auto transport, piano moving, air and ocean freight, and more.
International Van Lines consistently provides clients with some of the most competitive rates in the industry. Here, we’ve taken a quick look at expected costs for moves of varying lengths.
<250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
2 BR | $1,400 – $4,400 | $1,900 – $4,900 | $2,100 – $5,100 | $2,400 – $5,400 |
4 BR | $3,200 – $6,200 | $5,100 – $8,100 | $5,700 – $8,700 | $6,200 – $9,200 |
Get a free quote from IVL here.
Read our full IVL review to learn more.
Allied is one of the oldest and most trusted moving companies in the United States today. In 88 years in the business, Allied has built a brand that’s synonymous with excellence across all 50 states. It provides a suite of excellent services backed by top moving crews. Currently, this mover maintains a 96% satisfaction rate — no small feat when it has handled 750,000 moves in the last 15 years.
Allied’s large moving vans and expertise allow it to provide a range of specialty shipping options. This includes shipping for several different vehicles and large items. In many cases, moving clients will have to broker any vehicle shipping needs out to third-party carriers. Allied being able to provide these services directly makes for a far smoother moving experience.
Pros
Cons
Allied’s international reach and service offerings could greatly assist you if moving to or from the islands. Allied offers packing and unpacking, furniture assembly and disassembly, car shipping, boat and specialty vehicle shipping, storage options, debris removal, GPS shipment tracking.
Allied’s rates are slightly above industry averages but still within reason, considering the services it can provide. Here are some sample price ranges from recent Allied moves:
<250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
2 BR | $1,800 – $4,500 | $2,400 – $5,400 | $2,700 – $5,700 | $4,400 – $7,400 |
4 BR | $3,300 – $6,000 | $5,700 – $8,700 | $7,500 – $10,500 | $10,900 – $13,900 |
Get a free quote from Allied Van Lines here.
Read our Allied review for an in-depth breakdown.
Safeway Moving Systems is our choice for the best moving broker available in the state of Hawaii. This Chicago-based firm operates throughout all 50 states via a network of trusted carriers and has upheld a positive reputation among customers. Its status as a broker allows it far more flexibility than many of its competitors and makes it a great choice for moves with multiple specialty requirements like car shipping, piano moving, or other similar add-ons.
Safeway’s commitment to integrity and accountability for its work has been one of its main calling cards over its tenure in the industry. That overall quality and the bottom-line pricing it provides means that there are no surprises when you book with Safeway. All cost estimates are clearly broken down and itemized so you can see exactly what you’re paying for at the beginning. You’ll know how much your move should cost and why your price is set at a certain point.
Pros
Cons
Safeway’s exact service offerings will depend on where you’re located. However, in most cases, offerings include packing materials, short- and long-term storage, and car and piano shipping. Safeway also does commercial relocations with excellent full-valuation coverage options.
Safeway cost estimates include shipping weight, labor, add-on services, and more, and account for outside factors like time of year and carrier availability. As far as billing goes, you’ll be obligated to pay a deposit to Safeway to reserve your move date, with the remainder due upon completion of the job.
250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
2 BR | $2,000 – $5,000 | $2,100 – $5,100 | $2,200 – $5,200 | $2,700 – $5,700 |
4 BR | $3,200 – $6,200 | $4,700 – $6,700 | $5,500 – $7,500 | $7,800 – $10,800 |
State Availability: 50 States
Learn More: Read our full Safeway review to learn more about Safeway Moving Systems, and how it can assist with your Hawaii move.
Moving APT was founded in 1999 as a relatively small operation. The goal of this provider is to provide clients with added peace of mind and to ease the booking process for relocations of all sizes. Being a nationwide broker, it partners with many of the top moving companies in each state and locale around the United States. No matter your exact location, you’ll likely be able to find a Moving APT partner to assist with your relocation needs.
Moving APT’s provider breakdowns and summaries removes much of consumers’ guesswork when booking with a moving broker. Its more than 500 partner companies are all adequately vetted, registered, and insured, with Moving APT consistently checking to verify the operational ability of each carrier.
Pros
Cons
As brokers, Moving APT’s service offerings are fairly unlimited and are among the most diverse in the business. Some of its more commonly provided services for local and interstate moves are storage (one free month included with all moves), piano moving, car shipping, packing services with supplies, appliance connection services, and some furniture disassembly and reassembly.
Another of Moving APT’s leading features is its price-matching capability. Moving APT will match your price for any move if you get a competing quote. Because of this, and because it works with many of the leading movers in the business, Moving APT’s price points are typical for the industry. You’ll have to get a quote through its website to get your pricing estimate, but you can expect to pay $4,000 to $8,000 for a move to the mainland. For a more local or small move, you’ll typically pay between $850 and $2,000.
Get a free quote from Moving APT here.
Our full Moving APT review can provide you with further information about this moving broker.
U-Pack is our choice for the best overall container service due to its wide availability and the ease with which customers can carry out moves with them. U-Pack’s network of 240 locations and storage facilities across the country provide customers in numerous locations with easy access to DIY moving assistance. For all Hawaiian moving needs, its locations on both Maui and Kauai are excellent options.
U-Pack’s pricing structure allows clients to dictate their price points somewhat. When you book a move with them, you’ll be able to pay for only the space you use within its containers. This is an obvious plus, given the potential cost of shipping goods to or from the mainland.
Pros
Cons
With U-Pack, you’ll have access to the following options. ReloCubes can accommodate most studio apartments, while trailers are ideal for anything up to a three-bedroom home.
U-Pack’s rates are among the best in the industry and are even lower than many of its container competitors. You’ll find a table of U-Pack’s average rates for recent moves here. Be sure to get your own quote to ensure accurate pricing before booking. Due to its lack of local moving services, you may be unable to stage an inter-island move with U-Pack. You should contact this provider to discuss your options on this front.
<250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
2 BR | $600 – $1,600 | $1,200 – $2,200 | $1,600 – $2,600 | $2,100 – $3,100 |
4 BR | $800 – $1,800 | $1,800 – $2,800 | $2,800 – $3,800 | $4,100 – $5,100 |
Get a free quote with U-Pack here.
If you’re in the market for a container move, our U-Pack review can provide you with more information.
North American Van Lines (NAVL) is one of the most widely available and trusted movers in the United States. Its availability is nearly unmatched, with 500 local agents spread across 50 states. Whether you’re planning to move from Oahu to the Big Island or relocate to or from the East Coast, NAVL’s customer service and experienced crews will be of quality assistance.
North American Van Lines provides its clients with flexible pricing options. With “bottom line” and “not to exceed” options, you’ll be able to take some of the guesswork out of setting your budget. Many poor moving experiences begin and end with pricing discrepancies, which NAVL is able to eliminate.
Pros
Cons
North American offers clients packing and unpacking (full-service or partial), furniture assembly and disassembly, debris removal, 24/7 shipment tracking, appliance installation, and storage options. NAVL does local, long-distance, and international relocations.
North American’s costs can run a little high. However, the pricing options mentioned above help ensure some degree of transparency. Here are some sample rates from recent NAVL moves:
<250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
2 BR | $1,800 – $4,500 | $2,400 – $5,400 | $2,700 – $5,700 | $4,400 – $7,400 |
4 BR | $3,300 – $6,000 | $5,700 – $8,700 | $7,500 – $10,500 | $10,900 – $13,900 |
Get a quote from NAVL here.
Read our North Americal Van Lines review for more information about moving with NAVL.
PODS may well be one of the most recognized names in the moving industry. It was the original provider of moving containers for DIY relocations. Since its inception 20 years ago, PODS has become synonymous with containers from all companies, regardless of branding. This provider offers three sizes best for small and medium-sized moves. Honolulu’s location is ideally situated to handle inter-island, local, and long-distance moving needs.
PODS sizing options make it more versatile than many of its competitors. While some providers may only offer a single container option, PODS provides a bit more versatility and helps move clients to ensure they won’t be paying for space they won’t need.
Pros
Cons
PODS does local, long-distance, and interstate moves. Customers can choose from 7-foot, 12-foot, or 16-foot containers and utilize short and long-term storage options. Additionally, PODS offers third-party car shipping and loading assistance.
As a container service, PODS’ costs are extremely low. Here, you’ll find a full breakdown of average pricing from this mover.
<250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
2 BR | $700 – $1,700 | $1,300 – $2,300 | $1,700 – $2,700 | $2,200 – $3,200 |
4 BR | $900 – $1,900 | $1,900 – $2,900 | $2,900 – $3,900 | $4,200 – $5,200 |
Get a quote from PODS here.
PODS is one of the most recognized names in moving. Read our PODS review to learn more.
Given the numerous horror stories you’ve likely heard about moves gone awry, you may be wary about the vetting process. We’ve broken down some key criteria for you to remember when getting quotes from any mover. Remember, you’re well within your rights to request proof of any registrations and insurance policies before booking. It’s important to remember that all free quotes you receive are just that — free. You should never be asked to pay a fee or deposit without signing a moving contract.
If your mover of choice is primarily based in Hawaii or focuses mainly on local moves within the state, they must be registered with the state Public Utilities Commission. This body regulates tariffs, safety, and insurance for all island movers.
If you’re planning an inter-island move or working with an interstate moving company, your movers must be registered with the FMCSA. In addition to this, they’ll also have to carry active USDOT and MC numbers, which can be used to research complaint history and registration status through this link.
All movers must carry adequate insurance to operate legally. This includes cargo and vehicle policies and the following:
Moving companies rely on customer reviews and feedback to market themselves effectively. Reviewing reviews from multiple sources can give you far more accurate insight into a mover’s exact practices and customer treatment. This includes reviews from Google, Yelp, social media, and BBB.
A full-service move will always be the most expensive option for relocations of any size. Under this service model, your movers will take full responsibility for protecting and moving your goods and any additional services you could need. If you’re planning a move to or from the mainland, this is likely your best option. Such moves include professional furniture wrapping, which is ideal for longer shipments.
A self-service move involves renting a moving truck or container and providing for all associated labor on your own. Such rentals allow you to hire local movers to help as needed, which means that self-service or semi-self-service moves are viable for nearly all home sizes.
The state of Hawaii is famous worldwide for its beautiful scenery and ideal weather. Island life — and island time — are incredibly easy for most to settle into. Locals know this to be true; the longer you’ve been on the islands, the more likely you will stay. If you’re looking to make your new home in Hawaii, we’ve outlined all relevant information here. Read on to learn more about moving costs, cost of living, and how to plan your move.
We’ve outlined the relative costs of moving within, to, or from Hawaii. Moves within the same island will be considered local, while inter-island or mainland moves will be long-distance. Reviewing these figures should give you a basic idea of what you should set your move budget ahead of your move.
1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR | |
Local | $1,200 | $1,500 | $2,000 | $2,750 |
250 mi | $2,750 | $3,800 | $5,100 | $6,000 |
500 mi | $3,100 | $4,100 | $6,000 | $6,700 |
1000 mi | $3,500 | $4,500 | $6,400 | $8,400 |
2000 mi | $4,300 | $4,900 | $6,800 | $9,000 |
2500 mi | $4,800 | $5,100 | $7,100 | $10,000 |
3000 mi | $5,100 | $6,000 | $8,750 | $11,250 |
Once again, your primary focus will be on the local and 250-mile costs and the costs for 2,000-mile moves and beyond. The distance between Los Angeles and Hawaii is 2,500 miles, making even the shortest of mainland moves a costly endeavor. Be sure to get multiple quotes and plan your move well in advance to pay the lowest possible price and have the most hassle-free experience.
Hawaii is one of the most popular destinations for tourists worldwide, and for a good reason. The following cities offer prospective residents some of the best aspects of island life.
A key component of any stress-free moving experience is advance planning and booking. The more time you give yourself to plan your move, the better things will go for you. This should begin around two months ahead of your relocation. At this juncture, conduct a full survey of your home and inventory all household goods you need to be moved, along with the add-on services you think you’ll need.
Evaluate companies in your area and schedule moving quotes with all who you think would be a good fit for your move. Our experts recommend getting at least three quotes from the best moving companies in Hawaii, such as Internation Van Lines, American Van Lines, and Safeway Moving Services. After evaluating your options, you should aim to book your move at least a month in advance. Get copies of your move contract and estimate, and keep them on file until your move is complete.
Typically, your Hawaii movers will consider such relocations to be long distance. They’ll bill these moves based on shipping weight or volume, and total distance traveled rather than using an hourly rate.
Hourly moving labor in Hawaii costs between $200 and $220 for two movers at a two-hour minimum. This labor comes without the benefit of a moving truck, which will cost extra. The national average for moving labor is $25 to $50 per hour, per mover, which is slightly below the $50 to $55 per hour per mover reflected by the price above.
The state Public Utilities Commission regulates moving companies within Hawaii. This associated link offers a list of all licensed motor carriers within Hawaii, regardless of trade or industry.
You can report a motor carrier violation, submit a formal complaint, or file a declaration of witness for illegal motor carrier action by following this link. Most moving company complaints stem from billing disputes. In this complaint category, you should know that movers cannot charge you more than 110% of the originally quoted figure (on a written and binding estimate) unless your inventory or service needs change.
You’ll have to discuss this with your movers, as individual shippers’ practices and shipping times vary. However, a minimum of a week to 10 days is expected for any shipments between California and Hawaii. Once your goods reach the mainland, you can expect the fastest shippers to cover 400 miles per day with your goods.
At House Method, our primary goals are to be a reliable source of information and to be totally transparent to our readers. With that in mind, we’ve developed the following formula to render objective ratings – on a scale of 10 points – for the moving companies we review.
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