Newcomers Guide
Become a Resident of Hawai‘i
There are just a few steps for establishing a legal residence in Hawai‘i. A Hawai‘i driver license, voter registration, automobile registration, the appearance of a person’s name on a city or town street list, and rent, utility, mortgage or telephone bills normally provide tangible proof of residence. However, individual public or private agencies or institutions may have their own requirements for proof of residence.
Registering Your Vehicle
Requirements for vehicle registration will vary depending on which island you reside on. View the motor vehicle licensing sites for Hawai‘i, Maui, Kaua‘i, or O‘ahu for specific procedures. Also visit our Transportation and Vehicles page for more information on motor vehicle services and alternate means of transportation.
Getting a Drivers License
You may not be legally required to obtain a new drivers license upon arrival in Hawai‘i if you hold a valid license issued by another state. Please read the State of Hawai‘i Driver license requirements (PDF) for complete information.
Getting a State ID Card
If you do not have or are ineligible for a drivers license, you may want to think about obtaining a Hawai‘i state id card for use as an official id. You can apply online or visit the Hawai‘i Criminal Justice Data Center website for more information.
Register to Vote in Hawai‘i
There are three ways to register to vote in Hawai‘i:
By Mail:
Mail in voter registration form is widely available. Mail the completed Affidavit on Application for Voter Registration (PDF) to the Office of the City or County Clerk (PDF) where you reside.
In Person:
Visit the Office of the City or County Clerk (PDF) where you reside to complete an Affidavit on Application for Voter Registration.
Department of Motor Vehicles:
Visit the Office of the City or County The State of Hawai‘i Application for Motor Vehicle Driver’s License also contains a Motor Voter Affidavit on Application for Voter Registration allowing any individual to simultaneously apply for a driver’s license and register to vote.
Newcomers Guide for Families
The Hawai‘i Parent Information Resource Center has created a guide titled "A Handbook for Newcomers to Hawai‘i". Includes information on health, safety, laws, and more topics relating to families.
Visit mySchool for all school information from the Department of Education. Use the links on the lefthand side of the page to navigate to information about public schools, public charter schools, community schools, homeschooling, public schools serving military base housing areas, and the program E-School.
Demographic Information
View the U.S. Census Bureau State and County Quick facts for Hawai‘i.
Utilities
The following is a list of utilities companies in the State of Hawai‘i:
Electricity
Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), 900 Richards St., Honolulu, HI 96813; or 820 Ward Ave., Honolulu, HI, 96814. Call 548-7311 or visit heco.com.
Gas
The Gas Company, 841 Bishop St., Suite 620, Honolulu, HI 96813. Call 535-5933 or visit hawaiigas.com.
Water
Honolulu Board of Water Supply, 630 South Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96843. Call (808) 748-5000 or visit hbws.org.
Maui County Water Supply, 200 S. High St. Kalana O Maui Bldg, 5th Fl Wailuku, HI 96793. Call (808) 270-7816 or visit: http://www.co.maui.hi.us/index.asp?nid=126.
County of Hawai‘i Department of Water Supply. Visit hawaiidws.org for contact information.
County of Kaua‘i Department of Water Supply, 4398 Pua Loke St. Lihue, HI 96766. Visit kauaiwater.org for contact information.
Telephone/Internet
Hawaiian Telcom, 1177 Bishop St., Honolulu, HI, 96813. Call 643-3456 or visit hawaiiantel.com.
Cable/Internet
Oceanic Time Warner Cable, 200 Akamainui St., Mililani, HI 96789. Call 643-2100 or visit oceanic.com.
Animals and Pets
Before bringing a pet to Hawai‘i, be advised to research the quarantine procedures and laws relating to shipping a pet. Hawai‘i is the only rabies free state and the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture's Animal Quarantine Branch ensures that it stays that way. View the Hawai‘i Humane Society website for a list of dog friendly parks and beaches.
View the current list of Hawai‘i animal laws for leashes, licensing, noise, and more.
Traveling and Shipping Information
Various state and federal agencies regulate the movement of plant materials to and from Hawai‘i. This includes travel between islands as well as to and from the mainland and foreign countries. Please make sure to view the rules at the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture website prior to any travel.
Interisland Flights
Aside from a ferry between Maui and Moloka‘i or a ferry between Maui and Lana‘i, flying is the only way to get from one island to another. The major airlines that fly between islands are: Hawaiian, Go! (Mokulele), and Island Air. For airport information, visit GOakamai for links to all Hawai‘i airports. Flights are typically less than one hour each way.
Shipping / Transport Companies
Due to Hawai‘i's remote location in the Pacific ocean, it is likely you will need shipping services to move personal items or vehicles. Visit Matson, Pasha Hawai‘i or Young Brothers for shipping estimates.