Hawaii’s moving market is defined by a constraint shared by no other state: every household good crosses an ocean. The state recorded the highest rate of net outbound domestic migration in 2024, with 13,817 more residents leaving for the mainland than arriving from it, a net loss equivalent to 0.65% of its population. The top destinations for departing Hawaii residents are Texas, Washington, Nevada, and Florida, all states with no individual income tax. What keeps the local moving industry active is the state’s massive military presence: Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Schofield Barracks, Fort Shafter, Tripler Army Medical Center, and Marine Corps Base Hawaii generate a constant cycle of Permanent Change of Station orders that fill containers year-round. Ocean freight for a studio apartment runs roughly $1,000-$1,200; a full container for a four-bedroom home can reach $15,000. Air freight, rarely used except for urgent or high-value shipments, costs $10,000-$12,000 for a one-bedroom equivalent. Car shipping between Hawaii and the mainland adds $2,000-$2,500. Peak demand for container space clusters around the summer PCS season (May-August) and around the academic calendar for the University of Hawaii system, which drives student and faculty moves. Movers operating intrastate in Hawaii must hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC), which also enforces tariff and estimate requirements. Interstate moves fall under FMCSA authority. Consumer complaints are filed with the PUC.
Top-Rated Movers in Hawaii
Island Movers
Address: 4397 Lawehana St, Honolulu, HI 96818
Website: islandmovers.com
USDOT: #70851
Island Movers is Hawaii’s largest diversified transportation services company, in business for over 60 years and a multi-year winner of Hawaii’s Best Moving Service designation. The company handles local residential and commercial moves on Oahu, inter-island freight, mainland ocean shipping, and global logistics. Specialty services include vehicle transport, custom crating, and full packing and unpacking. Their scale and in-house logistics infrastructure make them a primary option for large household goods moves and military relocations.
Royal Hawaiian Movers
Address: 1130 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817
Website: royalhawaiianmovers.com
USDOT: #227698
Royal Hawaiian Movers is a family-owned company that has operated for over 40 years and holds PUC Certificate #85-C. The company maintains crews on all four major islands, which is a genuine differentiator for inter-island moves because it eliminates the need to coordinate separate mainland-affiliated contractors on neighbor islands. Services span local moves, mainland shipping (door-to-door, DIY EZ Move, and white-glove options), and inter-island relocations. The company reports moving more people to Hawaii than any other carrier and maintains a network of mainland partner movers for inbound shipments.
M. Dyer Global
Address: 98-054 Kuleana Rd, Pearl City, HI 96782
Website: mdyerglobal.com
USDOT: #105265
M. Dyer Global has been in operation for over 50 years and holds PUC Certificate #137-C. As a FIDI-certified global logistics provider, the company specializes in international moves alongside domestic ocean freight to and from Hawaii. Services include full packing, container loading, customs documentation assistance, vehicle shipping, and storage. The company’s military relocation experience and international credentials make it a strong option for households moving between Hawaii and overseas assignments.
Moving Companies in Hawaii: Common Questions
Does my mover need a license to operate in Hawaii?
Yes. Any company transporting household goods for hire within Hawaii, whether between islands or within the same island, must hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity issued by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. You can search the PUC’s carrier database online or call the PUC to verify a company’s status before booking. Interstate and international movers additionally require FMCSA registration.
How much does it cost to ship household goods from Hawaii to the mainland?
Costs vary significantly by volume, origin island, and shipping method. Based on available data, ocean freight for a studio apartment runs approximately $1,000-$1,200, while a full container for a four-bedroom home can reach $15,000. Vehicle shipping to or from the mainland typically adds $2,000-$2,500. Air freight is substantially more expensive, in the range of $10,000-$12,000 for a one-bedroom’s worth of goods, and is generally reserved for time-sensitive or high-value items. Contact carriers directly for current quotes, as fuel surcharges and container availability affect pricing.
When is the worst time to book a Hawaii mover?
Summer (May through August) is the hardest time to book, as the military PCS season drives peak demand for container space across all carriers. University of Hawaii academic-year transitions in August and January create secondary surges. Booking eight to twelve weeks in advance is advisable for summer moves to secure preferred departure dates and avoid container shortages.
What is the Hawaii PUC, and what protections does it provide?
The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission licenses and regulates all intrastate household goods carriers, enforces filed tariffs, and requires movers to provide written estimates with itemized rates and declared valuation options. If a mover charges rates not on file with the PUC, or withholds goods pending unauthorized payment demands, the PUC can investigate and act on consumer complaints. File complaints directly through the PUC’s website or by phone.
How do I file a complaint against a Hawaii moving company?
For intrastate moves (within Hawaii or between islands), complaints go to the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. For interstate moves to or from the mainland, complaints go to the FMCSA through its National Consumer Complaint Database at nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov. Retain all written estimates, bills of lading, and payment records before filing, as these are required to support a complaint.