Decide what to take with you. Moving to the mainland from Hawaii is expensive. If you are planning to ship your household belongings, you've got to get them on a container ship and then possibly on a train or semi-truck from California to your final destination. Check with cargo companies to see what it will cost to move your items -- if the cost is higher than what your belongings are worth, you may be better off selling them and buying new when you reach your final destination. Keep in mind, that almost everything costs less on the mainland -- except maybe pineapples!
Decide whether to ship your car. Cars have to go on container ships, just like other belongings. The cost to ship from Hawaii to California is about $1,000 as of July 2011, and you can easily spend another $1,000 shipping or driving your car to your final destination. Decide if it's worth it to ship your car, and then make arrangements to get it shipped. Decide if you'll fly to California to pick it up at the port or if you'll have it delivered to your new home. Consider the cost of driving and hotels as you price these options.
Make travel arrangements for you and your belongings. You'll have to buy plane tickets for yourself and your family and you'll also have to book transit for your belongings or car, if you are shipping them. Keep in mind that it will take three weeks for your belongings to get from Hawaii to California and additional time if they have to be shipped to another location. Consider having your car or belongings leave before you do so you can meet them at your new home, or make arrangements to rent a vehicle until you receive your own.
Pack carefully and close out all business in Hawaii. When moving to the mainland from Hawaii, you must remember that you'll be thousands of miles (and an ocean) away. The time difference can make dealing with business difficult and you can't just pop back to Hawaii to pick up things that you forgot. It's best to start early and make sure everything is taken care of before you leave.
