By Karen Sprinkles
Things to Know About Moving to Hawaii
You have just returned from your visit to paradise, and now you are thinking about relocating to the Aloha State. Before you book your ticket and pack your bags for the big move, do the necessary research that will make your transition a smooth one. From shipping your car to transporting your pet, moving to Hawaii requires considerable pre-planning and expense.
Shipping Your Car
It is a common misconception that you can load your car with personal belongings when shipping it to Hawaii. The truth is, the shipping company requires all items to be removed from the inside of your car, including everything in the glove compartment. Time the shipment of your car to coincide with your arrival.
Bugs and Pests
From giant flying cockroaches to stinging centipedes, Hawaii's tropical setting attracts insects of all kinds. Be prepared to do some heavy-duty bug battling when you move to the islands. Tiny invaders from Puerto Rico, the noisy coqui frog, have infested the entire east side of Hawaii Island. Ants, termites and spiders frequent each island, as well.
Quarantine Rules for Pets
Hawaii state law says that dogs and cats must meet pre- and post-arrival requirements in order to qualify for the "5-day-or-less" quarantine program. Much more lenient than in years past, the law includes a provision for direct release of your pet at Honolulu International Airport after inspection. A rabies vaccination, microchip identification and a rabies blood test are among the requirements that must be met for the minimum quarantine time.
Bringing Plants
You may be tempted to transport your favorite houseplants or landscaping plants to the islands, but this should be avoided at all costs. Hawaii's delicate ecosystem has been ravaged over the years by invasive species like strawberry guava, Christmas berry, fountain grass and more. If you are a gardening enthusiast, learn as much as you can about native plants and tropical landscaping before designing your home's Hawaii landscaping.
About the Author:
Karen Sprinkles has been a freelance writer since 1988. She's currently the managing editor of a luxury home magazine and has written for regional newspapers and magazines. Sprinkles received the Award of Excellence from the Hawaii Book Publishers Association for "The Hawaii Home Book," which reached No. 1 on the Hawaii bestsellers list. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of California.
Photo Credits:
Karen Anderson
