Best Chicago to Honolulu Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Chicago to Honolulu and need first-hand information you can trust to make this move from Illinois to Hawaii go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 35 Chicago to Honolulu moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is 606 Movers, Inc.), how much the move costs (depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Chicago compared to Honolulu. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Chicago to Honolulu Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1606 Movers, Inc.9.369.27Authorized For Property, HHGContact
2Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHGContact
3A1 Movers, Inc9.329.57Authorized For HHGContact
4Ewa Moving Co.8.268.22Authorized For HHGContact
5Mint Moving and Cleaning Solutions LLC7.907.61Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Honolulu to Chicago guide.

Compare the 5 Best Chicago to Honolulu Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

606 Movers, Inc. Logo

606 Movers, Inc.

Exceptional9.36/10
based on 1,152+ data points

159 N Sangamon St Suite 300

Chicago, IL, 60607

About 606 Movers, Inc.

606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly moving...

Services

  • Residential Movers
  • Commercial Movers
  • Packing & Unpacking Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3476069 / 1139300

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
1
Move-tastic! Logo

Move-tastic!

Exceptional9.35/10
based on 15,326+ data points

3100 N Tripp Ave

Chicago, IL, 60641

About Move-tastic!

What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving...

Services

  • Full Moves
  • Truck Loading and Unloading
  • Interstate Moving Assistance

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1906350 / 675927

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers28
Total Annual Miles Moved90,866 (2023)
View Full Review
2
A1 Movers, Inc Logo

A1 Movers, Inc

Exceptional9.32/10
based on 776+ data points

315 S Harrison St

Geneva, IL, 60134

About A1 Movers, Inc

A1 Movers, Inc. is a leading moving company in the Aurora, IL area providing residential moving services. This Aurora moving company...

Services

  • LOCAL MOVES
  • LONG DISTANCE MOVES
  • PACKING SERVICES

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3309154 / 1055273

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved6,800 (2024)
View Full Review
3
Ewa Moving Co. Logo

Ewa Moving Co.

Very Good8.26/10
based on 209+ data points

91-593 Pohakupuna Rd

Ewa Beach, HI, 96706

About Ewa Moving Co.

Ewa Moving Co. is a locally-owned and operated moving company based in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. The company provides residential and commercial...

Services

  • Residential moving services in Oahu
  • Local moving services in Oahu
  • Hourly rate moving services in Oahu

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3786678 / 1601075

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved50 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Mint Moving and Cleaning Solutions LLC Logo

Mint Moving and Cleaning Solutions LLC

Good7.90/10
based on 73+ data points

Honolulu, HI, 96825

About Mint Moving and Cleaning Solutions LLC

Mint Moving & Cleaning Solutions LLC is a locally owned and operated business based in Honolulu, HI, offering services throughout all...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long Distance Moves
  • Office Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/25/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3396143 / 1265966

Authorized For HHG

Carrier/Shipper

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2019)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Chicago vs. Honolulu Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be a daunting task, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Honolulu, HI. This guide will help you find a new home that matches the vibe and community you love.

ChicagoHonoluluHow They're Similar
Lincoln ParkKaimukiVibrant, family-friendly atmosphere
Gold CoastKahalaUpscale, with luxury homes
Wicker ParkKaka'akoHip, with a strong arts scene
Logan SquareManoaDiverse, with rich cultural heritage
The LoopDowntown HonoluluBusiness hub, historic
River NorthWaikikiNightlife, tourist attractions
AndersonvilleHawaii KaiQuiet community, waterfront living
LakeviewMoiliiliYoung demographic, lively
PilsenPaloloEclectic, with a mix of cultures
Hyde ParkMakikiEducational institutions, historic

For those who relish the tree-lined streets and historic architecture of Hyde Park along with its proximity to renowned institutions like the University of Chicago, Makiki offers a similar blend of educational culture and history in Honolulu, being home to several schools and near the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum. If the artsy and bohemian vibe of Wicker Park captured your heart, Kaka'ako's burgeoning arts scene, highlighted by vibrant street murals and creative spaces like the SALT at Our Kakaʻako complex, will certainly appeal to you. Meanwhile, Gold Coast's luxurious lifestyle finds its counterpart in Kahala, where you can enjoy upscale dining and shopping, not to mention some of the most prestigious real estate in Honolulu, exemplified by properties overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Honolulu

Moving across the ocean from Chicago, IL to Honolulu, HI presents a unique set of challenges and rewards. Through a comparative analysis, this guide aims to present an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this relocation. The ensuing charts provide a clear visualization of how the cons of Chicago transform into pros in Honolulu, and vice versa, helping you weigh your decision with clarity.

CONs
PROs
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Cold winters
  • High crime rate
  • Flat landscape
  • Less outdoor activities
Honolulu, HI iconHonolulu, HI
  • Warmer climate
  • Lower crime rate
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Abundant outdoor activities
Honolulu, HI iconHonolulu, HI
  • Smaller city vibe
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less diverse cuisine
  • Limited public transit
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Vibrant city life
  • Lower living cost
  • Rich cultural diversity
  • Convenient public transit

Transitioning from the bustling streets and diverse culinary scene of Chicago to the laid-back, scenic beauty of Honolulu offers a dramatic change in lifestyle. Chicago's flat landscape and harsh winters are replaced by Honolulu's endless summer, sandy beaches, and the hiking trails of the Koʻolau Range. While you might miss Chicago's iconic eateries like Giordano's Pizza, Honolulu offers its own unique culinary delights, such as the famous poke bowls at Ono Seafood. Moreover, the vibrant city life of Chicago, characterized by its vast array of museums, theaters, and neighborhoods like Wicker Park and The Loop, transitions into a more relaxed pace in Honolulu, with its own attractions such as Waikiki Beach and the historic sights of Pearl Harbor. Despite the higher cost of living, the quality of life and the natural beauty that Honolulu offers make it an enticing destination for many.

Chicago vs. Honolulu Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Honolulu is key to understanding the culinary landscapes you're transitioning between. Food greatly contributes to the local culture and overall liveliness of an area, and we aim to equip you with insights into what to expect food-wise in your new home.

ChicagoHonolulu
Most iconic local food itemDeep Dish PizzaPoke
Most popular meat dishItalian Beef SandwichKalua Pig
Most popular street food itemChicago-Style Hot DogShave Ice
Most popular vegan foodSeitanTaro
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
  • Portillo’s
  • Alinea
  • Helena’s Hawaiian Food
  • Leonard’s Bakery
  • Roy’s Hawaii
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Chicago, the deep dish pizza stands as an iconic symbol of the city's love affair with hearty comfort food; one you might often enjoy in the cozy neighborhood of The Loop. Meanwhile, moving to Honolulu introduces you to the vibrant flavors of poke bowls, found in numerous spots around the city but particularly beloved at spots like Ono Seafood in Kaimuki. Both cities cater well to health and fitness enthusiasts, with Honolulu edging slightly ahead thanks to its abundance of fresh, local produce and seafood, making it easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Food trucks and vegan options are plentiful in Honolulu, reflecting the city's innovative and health-conscious approach to dining. Whether you're exploring the food trucks along Waikiki Beach or enjoying a vegan meal in one of Honolulu's many cafés, there's no shortage of culinary adventures to be had.

Chicago vs. Honolulu Restaurant Comparison

Deciding where to dine out can be a pivotal part of making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison chart aims to bridge the gap between Chicago and Honolulu , providing a guide to finding new favorite eateries based on familiar favorites from your current hometown.

ChicagoHonoluluWhat You'll Love
AlineaLa MerGourmet French cuisine with a local Hawaiian twist
Girl & The GoatTownFarm-to-table dining emphasizing local Hawaiian ingredients
Lou Malnati's PizzeriaPizza CornerIconic deep-dish pizza with a Hawaiian flair
The Purple PigPig and the LadyFusion of local flavors with a Mediterranean twist
Portillo's Hot DogsPuka DogUnique Hawaiian-style hot dogs with tropical relishes
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone CrabHoku'sPremium seafood and steak selections with Pacific Rim influences
Rick Bayless's Frontera GrillHonolulu Taco CompanyAuthentic Mexican cuisine with a Hawaiian perspective
RoisterMud Hen WaterVibrant local dining with an innovative approach to traditional dishes
The Berghoff RestaurantHofbrauhaus HonoluluA touch of German cuisine mixed with local Hawaiian culture
Smoque BBQGyu-Kaku Japanese BBQExperience BBQ in a new style with Japanese Yakiniku

For the die-hard foodies yearning for a slice of Chicago's iconic deep-dish pizza, Pizza Corner in Honolulu serves up a comparable experience with their unique take on deep-dish pizza, incorporating local flavors that add a Hawaiian twist. Similarly, those missing the eclectic and globally inspired dishes of Girl & The Goat will find Town to be a worthy alternative, with its emphasis on farm-to-table dining and the creative utilization of Hawaii's abundant local ingredients. On the other hand, Chicago's famed hot dog enthusiasts can indulge in a distinctively Hawaiian variation at Puka Dog, where tropical relishes and unique mustards transform the traditional hot dog experience into something uniquely reminiscent of island life.

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Chicago vs. Honolulu Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, examining the real estate aspect between Chicago, IL and Honolulu, HI helps in making an informed decision. This comparison provides insights into housing costs, architectural styles, and the overall urban lifestyle of both cities.

ComparisonChicagoHonolulu
Typical Architecture StyleModern and Historical MixPlantation and Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLake views, proximity to public transitOcean views, outdoor living spaces

Diving deeper, it's clear that the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is significantly higher in Honolulu compared to Chicago. The median home price and rent in Honolulu dwarf those in Chicago, reflecting the premium for living in a paradisiacal island setting. Architecturally, both cities offer a mix of modern and historical influences but differ in type; Chicago is known for its skyline-defining skyscrapers and historical brownstones, while Honolulu features plantation-style homes and modern condos with emphasis on outdoor living, highlighting the regions' cultural and environmental differences. The slightly higher urban lifestyle score in Chicago indicates a more varied and accessible urban experience. But if your heart is set on ocean views and embracing outdoor living, Honolulu's listings frequently highlight these perks, making it an enticing option despite the higher cost.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Honolulu, HI

1. Kaka'ako: This vibrant neighborhood boasts numerous pet-friendly parks like Mother Waldron Park, along with several pet care options including Petco for your furry friend's needs.

2. Waikiki: Known for its world-famous beaches, Waikiki welcomes pets with open paws, offering dog-friendly areas along the beach and pet-friendly dining options like Barefoot Beach Cafe.

3. Manoa: This lush and serene neighborhood is a paradise for pets, featuring ample green spaces and walking trails such as those found at Manoa Valley District Park, perfect for the active pet and owner alike.

Chicago vs. Honolulu Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how the weather differs between your current and future home is crucial. With this comparison, we aim to highlight the weather variances between Chicago, IL, and Honolulu, HI , ensuring you're well-prepared for a significant climate change. This will assist you in planning your wardrobe, activities, and even your daily routine in your new city.

Summer icon
85/65

Chicago, IL

88/75

Honolulu, HI

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
35/22

Chicago, IL

80/65

Honolulu, HI

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36

Chicago, IL

17

Honolulu, HI

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
36

Chicago, IL

0

Honolulu, HI

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonChicagoHonolulu
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersBlizzards, TornadoesHurricanes, Tsunamis
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

In comparing the climates of Chicago and Honolulu, one of the most notable differences is the warmth and consistency of Honolulu's weather year-round, contrasting sharply with Chicago's four distinct seasons. For instance, while Chicago experiences a range of temperatures and heavy snowfall that accumulates to an average of 36 inches annually, Honolulu enjoys a steady climate with minimal variation and an absence of snow. This significant shift means you'll need to adjust your wardrobe and possibly your activities, especially if you're accustomed to cold-weather hobbies. Moreover, the high UV index in Honolulu necessitates daily sun protection measures, a routine change that may take time to adopt but is crucial for your health in a sunnier climate. Additionally, the types of natural disasters differ, with Honolulu facing hurricanes and tsunamis, thereby affecting emergency preparedness strategies.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Honolulu

When planning a move, understanding the financial landscape of your new city is crucial. This comparison will illuminate the differences in money and finance between Chicago and Honolulu, helping you make informed decisions about your relocation.

ComparisonChicagoHonolulu
Avg. Household Income$66,576$73,434
Cost of Living Index116.9165.7
State Income Tax4.9511
Avg. Property Tax2.100.28
Avg. Sales Tax10.254.5
Top 3 IndustriesFinancial Services, Manufacturing, Information TechnologyTourism, Defense, Agriculture
AffluenceModerately affluentHighly affluent
PovertyNoticeableLess visible
HomelessnessSignificantSignificant

Moving from Chicago to Honolulu, you'll find substantial differences in the cost of living, with Honolulu being significantly more expensive. This includes everyday expenses and housing. While the average household income is higher in Honolulu, the steep state income tax of up to 11%, combined with the high cost of living index, may offset this benefit. Despite these financial challenges, Honolulu remains a desirable location due to its strong tourism-led economy and lower sales tax, offering a unique lifestyle and economic opportunities you might find appealing.

Chicago vs. Honolulu Political & Religious Comparison

This is a comparison of the politics between Chicago & Honolulu to provide you with a quick snapshot of the political and religious landscape you’ll find in your new city versus your old one. Understanding these differences can help you settle into your new community with ease.

ChicagoHonolulu
Political Make-upLargely DemocraticLargely Democratic
Local PoliticsHigh involvement in local issuesCommunity-centric political engagement
ReligionDiverse, with Christian and Catholic communities alongside other religionsPluralistic, significant Buddhist and Shinto presence in addition to Christianity

Moving from Chicago to Honolulu, you'll find that both cities share a Democratic political leaning, facilitating a smoother transition in terms of political atmosphere. However, the nature of community involvement in local politics can vary significantly. In Honolulu, there's a strong emphasis on community-centric engagement, which often reflects the Aloha spirit’s inclusivity and warmth. Religion in Honolulu is notably diverse, with a higher visibility of Eastern religions such as Buddhism and Shinto compared to Chicago. This religious plurality adds to the cultural richness of Honolulu, offering new experiences and communities for newcomers to explore and become a part of.

Chicago vs. Honolulu Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

When considering a move from Chicago, IL to Honolulu, HI, it's essential to understand the differences in daily commute and traffic. This comparison focuses specifically on the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Honolulu, helping you envision your new life and make informed decisions about your move.

ComparisonChicagoHonolulu
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3427
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Yes, with easeChallenging

In Chicago, the robust public transit system, consisting of buses and the L train, makes navigating the city without a car quite manageable. Chicago's average commute time is slightly longer than Honolulu's, but the city is designed to support commuters with extensive public transportation options. Contrastingly, Honolulu, while boasting a shorter average commute time, presents challenges for those looking to rely solely on public transportation. The city's traffic congestion ranks a bit higher than Chicago, partially due to its limited road infrastructure. While Honolulu does have a bus system, the coverage and convenience can't compete with what's available in Chicago, making Honolulu more dependent on personal vehicles for daily commutes.

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