If you’re lucky enough to move to Hawaii’s oldest island, you have a lot to be excited about. Kauai, also known as the “Garden Isle” due to its winding lushness, is widely known as one of the most beautiful places in the world. While moving to Kauai is inherently exciting, it also may require making a few adjustments. Before settling into this cove of natural wonder, you should be aware of a few key pieces of information.

What to Know Before Moving to Kauai

1. Pet Inspections

Since 2005, the Kauai Humane Society has had a contract with the State Department of Agriculture that permits the receiving, inspection and release of pets upon their arrival at Lihue Airport from the mainland. That means if you’re traveling from the mainland with pets, you no longer need to stop at the Honolulu airport for an inspection. Just make sure that your pet meets all state rabies requirements beforehand. Be sure to bring all relevant paperwork to avoid any issues.

2. Building Permits

If you plan to build on Kauai, obtaining the proper permits may take several months. First, you will need permits from the County of Kauai’s building and planning department. Then, you will need to acquire permits from the Department of Water, the County of Kauai Engineering Division, and the Fire Department. Finally, you will need to contact the county’s Waste Water Management and the state’s Department of Health.

3. Prepare for an Island Lifestyle

Island time moves slower than mainland time. People tend to be more relaxed, so if you stress out easily, you may want to take a few cues from the locals. Additionally, if you’re used to big city life, the island may require some adjusting. There are no big cities in Kauai, and many small towns are quite spread out. In between, you will find tons of wild chickens and stunning, sprawling jungle.

If you’re moving to Kauai, HI, the expert movers from M. Dyer & Sons want to help. Based in Pearl City, HI, the experienced team can handle inter-island, mainland, and even international moves. To learn more about how the team can help you, call today at (808) 456-4200. You may also visit the moving company online.