Setting Up Utilities and Mail Forwarding When Moving to Hawaii

Written by a couple who've made this move both directions.

One of the most overlooked logistic steps when moving to Hawaii is how to set up a utility account in Hawaii. A good timeline is about 2-3 weeks before move-in as some utility providers (particularly electric) require advance scheduling and proof of occupancy before service can be activated.

In this post, we’ll cover which utilities to set up and when, mail forwarding steps, and the easy-to-forget address updates that most people forget about.

Also read: Transferring Your Driver’s License and Car Registration to Hawaii

Quick Answer

It’s ideal to start setting up Hawaii utilities (electric, water, internet) about 2-3 weeks before your move-in date. Electric is typically provided by Hawaiian Electric on Oahu and Maui. On other islands it is a local co-op/utility. Mail forwarding is through the USPS and should be submitted about 1-2 weeks before your move. Update your address with banks, insurance, and subscriptions during the same week.

Key Takeaways

• Start utility setup 2-3 weeks before move-in. Some providers require proof of occupancy (lease or closing documents) before activating service
• Electric utilities vary by island: Hawaiian Electric serves Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island (Big Island), and Molokai/Lanai, while Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) serves Kauai as a member-owned co-op
• Water is typically handled by each county’s Board/Department of Water Supply, separate from electric
• USPS mail forwarding can be submitted online up to 30 days in advance but no later than the week of your move for reliable processing
• Internet/cable providers on outer islands can have more limited options than Oahu

Electricity: Who to Contact and When

Before setting up your electricity, it’s good to know which providers service which islands. Hawaiian Electric covers Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, Molokai, and Lanai. Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) covers Kauai as a member-owned electric cooperative.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Hawaii’s electricity rates are significantly higher than the mainland average due to imported fuel dependence. It’s worth planning to budget for it along with other high cost of living items such as groceries.

A good timeline for setting up service is around 2-3 weeks ahead of moving to the island since some providers require a scheduled activation date and proof of your Hawaii address.

In our case, we didn’t have to set up utilities because our landlord included them in our rent. I have heard of some older apartment complexes on Oahu splitting the electric between all tenants regardless of usage.

That means if some tenants use ore electricity, the other tenants still have to pay whatever it costs split amongst the complex. It is due to older buildings not having individual meters for each unit. Something to keep in mind if you’re going to be renting on the island.

Water and Sewer

Water and sewage are handled separately from electricity. It is typically managed through each county’s Board of Water Supply (for example: Honolulu Board of Water Supply). The set-up process is usually simpler than electric as the only requirement is an application and proof of residency. As mentioned above, some landlords may include water in the rent so be sure to ask before setting up.

Internet and Cable

Oahu generally has more internet and cable provider options than the outer islands which can be limited to one or two providers. The two main providers on Oahu are Spectrum and Hawaiian Telecom. If reliable internet is important to you for remote work, it is recommended to check availibility at your specific address before signing a lease.

Lead time for typical setup is often 1-2 weeks for installation appointments. Book as early as possible, especially if you’re moving during a popular relocation season.

USPS Mail Forwarding

It is very easy to set up mail forwarding and it can be done online through USPS up to 30 days in advance. It should be submitted no later than about a week before your move for reliable processing.

There is a difference between temporary forwarding (up to 12 months) and permanent forwarding. Inter-island/inter-state forwarding to Hawaii works the same as any domestic move. Mail forwarding is a backstop and not a substitute for updating your address directly with your important accounts.

Some mail such as financial/legal may not forward reliably.

The Address-Update Checklist Most People Forget

It is easy to overlook address updates to most of your accounts. Here is a list of places where you will need to update your address:

• Banks and credit cards
• Insurance providers (auto, health, renters/homeowners)
• Employer/payroll for tax withholding purposes
• Subscriptions and memberships
• Voter registration
• Any accounts tied to your driver’s license or state ID, since that will also be changing

Also read: Transferring Your Driver’s License and Car Registration to Hawaii

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

We were fortunate enough to have both electricity and water included in our rent. Both utilities are on the higher side in comparison to mainland rates. For example, Hawaii electricity costs around $0.38 cents per kWh where as on the mainland it is costs on average $0.12 – $0.14 cents per kWh.

Beware of older apartment complexes that may split the utility bills amongst all of the tenants regardless of use.