Moving from Hawaii to Arizona means shipping a car across the Pacific, then driving it in from a West Coast port, and trading island humidity for desert heat. Many of the Hawaii buyers I work with are military families or are moving closer to relatives, and VA loans often play a big part in the plan.

Hawaii to Arizona at a glance

  • Time: Hawaii stays on UTC-10 all year and most of Arizona stays on UTC-7, so Arizona is three hours ahead year round
  • Car shipping: Matson lists Oakland and Long Beach as its mainland ports for Hawaii vehicles
  • Climate: dry desert heat; summers are long and hot, winters are mild
  • Military: Luke Air Force Base sits in the West Valley, mostly inside Glendale city limits
  • Loans: VA buyers can compare a new VA loan with taking over a seller's assumable VA loan

See all homesCall Terry: 602-483-4665

Getting your car off the island

Most Hawaii movers ship at least one vehicle. Matson, one of the main carriers, lists Oakland and Long Beach as its mainland ports for Hawaii vehicles, so plan on a drive or a car hauler from California to the Valley. Matson's own prep list includes a few things people miss:

  • Fuel between 1/8 and 1/4 of a tank, and no more than 1/4
  • A clean vehicle, since cars are inspected
  • Personal belongings removed
  • No warning lights on the dash

Matson has also suspended shipping for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, so EV owners need a different plan. Matson lists transit times of 9 to 45 days, so check the current schedule and book early. Other carriers have their own rules.

Military moves

If the move comes with orders, your transportation office and Military OneSource are the places to confirm what is covered, from household goods to a vehicle. Get those answers in writing before you set a closing date.

For West Valley assignments, many buyers look at Glendale, Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Surprise, Peoria and Avondale. I help buyers compare those areas by home style, lot size and HOA rules, and I check actual routes before talking about drives.

VA loans and assumable VA loans

VA buyers have two paths worth comparing. One is a new VA loan through a lender. The other is taking over a seller's existing VA loan when the seller has one and the lender approves you.

For the seller, VA explains that entitlement can be restored when a qualified Veteran-transferee assumes the loan and substitutes their own entitlement. That is one reason sellers often prefer a Veteran buyer for an assumption. You still need to qualify, and you usually need cash or a second loan to cover the seller's equity. I confirm the loan details before calling any home assumable.

What the space looks like here

Buyers coming from Oahu or Maui often ask whether they will get more house in the Valley. It depends on the area and the home, so I let the listings answer that instead of a promise. What you will see a lot of: single-level homes, two- and three-car garages, block walls and backyards built around a covered patio or pool.

Think about what you want the space for: a home office, a guest room for visiting family, a garage for the car you just shipped. Those needs narrow the search faster than a city name.

Heat, not humidity

The Valley is dry, and summer heat lasts a long time. Look at shade, which way the backyard faces and the age of the air conditioner. Fall through spring, the weather is what draws people outside, so a good patio matters as much as the kitchen.

Plan the timing

Shipping, housing and closing dates rarely line up on their own. Many Hawaii buyers rent first, ship belongings to storage and close once they have seen a few areas in person. Others buy remotely with video tours. Either way, talk with your lender before you set dates, and I will help you line up the rest.

Frequently asked questions

What is the time difference between Hawaii and Arizona?

Three hours, all year. Hawaii stays on UTC-10 and most of Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time, UTC-7, and neither changes clocks.

How do I ship a car from Hawaii to Arizona?

Ship it by ocean to a West Coast port, such as Matson's Oakland or Long Beach terminals, then drive or truck it to the Valley. Check the carrier's prep rules and current schedule.

Can I ship an electric car from Hawaii with Matson?

Matson has suspended shipping for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, so ask other carriers about their current rules.

Is there a military base near Phoenix?

Yes. Luke Air Force Base is in the West Valley, mostly inside Glendale city limits.

Can I assume a seller's VA loan?

Possibly, if the seller has one and the lender approves you. You usually need to cover the seller's equity, and a Veteran buyer can substitute entitlement for the seller.

See all homesCall Terry: 602-483-4665

Moving from Hawaii? Call Terry Day at DeLex Realty, 602-483-4665, and I will help you plan the home search around your shipping, orders and loan.