Florida → Hawaii: Quick Facts
| 📍 Distance 4700 miles |
✈️ Flight Time 9-11 hours |
🕐 Time Difference -6 hours |
| 📦 Shipping Time 21-30 days |
🚗 Car Shipping $3,500-5,000 |
💰 Avg Moving Cost $10,000-20,000 |
Florida to Hawaii—trading one paradise for another, though locals in both places would argue about which truly earns the title. This move is surprisingly common, driven by military transfers from Florida’s numerous bases, retirees seeking a different kind of tropical lifestyle, or people who’ve realized they want ocean culture without hurricanes and humidity quite so intense.
You’re already familiar with beach living, palm trees, and tourist-heavy areas, but Hawaii takes island life to its logical extreme: more expensive, more isolated, more culturally distinct. No more driving to other states, no more Amazon same-day delivery, no more $3 avocados. Both states offer year-round warmth, but Hawaii’s version comes with trade winds instead of thunderstorms. This guide covers what Florida residents really need to know about making the leap.
Cost of Living: Florida vs Hawaii
Here’s the financial reality of moving from Florida to Hawaii. Hawaii consistently ranks as the most expensive state in the US, so understanding the cost gap is critical for planning your move.
| Category | Florida | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $400,000 | $900,000 |
| State Income Tax | 0% | 1.4–11% |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.50–4.50 | $7.50–9.00 |
| Electricity (monthly) | $120–160 | $250–350 |
| Gas (gallon) | $4.00–4.30 | $5.25–5.50 |
For a detailed breakdown of Hawaii living costs, check out our complete Hawaii cost of living guide and grocery prices in Hawaii.
Compare quotes for shipping to Hawaiʻi.
Ocean freight to the islands is priced by the cubic foot and varies wildly by route. Tell us about your move and we’ll come back with the shipping options and quotes that apply to yours. Free, and no obligation.
Flat-rate mail, consolidators or a shared container: what each costs and how long it takes.
Read the shipping guide →Port-to-port prices, sailing schedules and what to do before drop-off.
Compare car shipping →Most people book a few weeks of furnished stay before signing a lease. Compare apartments and longer-stay hotels.
Compare longer stays →Shipping Your Belongings from Florida
Moving your household goods from Florida to Hawaii requires shipping by ocean freight — there’s no driving option! Your belongings will ship via Panama Canal or West Coast to Honolulu Harbor.
| Move Size | Estimated Cost | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR | $3,000–5,000 | 21-30 days |
| 2-3 BR House | $5,000–10,000 | 21-30 days |
| 4+ BR House | $10,000–20,000 | 21-30 days |
| Car Only | $3,500-5,000 | 21-30 days |
Read our complete guides on shipping to Hawaii and shipping your car to Hawaii for detailed carrier comparisons and step-by-step instructions.
Flights from Florida to Hawaii
Florida doesn’t have direct flights to Hawaii, so you’ll connect through a West Coast hub (Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle). Roundtrip tickets from Miami, Orlando, and Tampa average $450-800 with one stop.
Pro tip: Book 2-3 months in advance and fly midweek (Tuesday-Thursday) for the best fares. Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest, and United all service Hawaii routes.
Climate: Florida vs Hawaii
Florida climate: Similar tropical feel but with hurricanes and more humidity
Hawaii climate: Year-round temperatures of 75-88°F (24-31°C) with trade winds keeping things comfortable. Two mild seasons: dry summer (May-October) and wet winter (November-April). No snow, no freezing, no extreme heat waves.
The biggest adjustment for Florida residents is usually the humidity — Hawaii averages 60-70% humidity year-round. If you’re coming from a dry climate, give yourself a few weeks to acclimate.
Military Moves from Florida to Hawaii
With military installations including MacDill AFB, NAS Jacksonville, Eglin AFB, Patrick SFB, Florida has a strong connection to Hawaii’s military community. Service members frequently PCS (Permanent Change of Station) between Florida bases and Hawaii installations like Schofield Barracks, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and Fort Shafter.
If you’re PCS’ing to Hawaii, the military covers your moving costs (TMO/household goods shipment), and you may qualify for COLA (Cost of Living Allowance) and OHA (Overseas Housing Allowance) which significantly offset Hawaii’s high costs.
Getting Settled in Hawaii
Once you arrive, here are the essential tasks for Florida transplants:
- Driver’s License: You have 30 days to get a Hawaii driver’s license after establishing residency
- Housing: Check out the most affordable places to live in Hawaii or our home buying guide
- Which Island: Not sure where to settle? Read our best Hawaiian island to live on comparison
- Learn Local Culture: Brush up on Hawaiian Pidgin slang and understand aloha attire
- Schools: If you have kids, explore Hawaii public schools, private schools, or preschools
Bringing Pets from Florida to Hawaii
Hawaii has strict animal quarantine laws to protect its rabies-free status. Plan at least 6-7 months ahead to avoid the 120-day quarantine. Read our guides on moving to Hawaii with pets, the FAVN test requirements, and which animals are prohibited in Hawaii.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move from Florida to Hawaii?
A typical move from Florida to Hawaii costs $10,000-20,000 for household goods, plus $3,500-5,000 to ship a vehicle. Add flights ($450-800 roundtrip) and first/last month’s rent, and most families budget $15,000-25,000 total for the move.
How long does it take to ship belongings from Florida to Hawaii?
Ocean freight from Florida takes approximately 21-30 days to reach Honolulu. Your items ship via Panama Canal or West Coast to Hawaii’s main harbor.
Is Hawaii more expensive than Florida?
Yes — Hawaii is the most expensive state in the US. The median home price in Hawaii ($900,000) compared to Florida ($400,000) gives you an idea of the gap. Groceries run 30-60% higher than mainland averages, and electricity costs 2-3x more.
What’s the biggest adjustment moving from Florida to Hawaii?
Most Florida transplants say the biggest adjustments are: the high cost of living, the slower pace of life (“island time”), being far from mainland family and friends, and the humidity. That said, the natural beauty, outdoor lifestyle, and welcoming community make it worthwhile for most people.
