Hawaii offers free round-trip airfare to telecommuters

Since the coronavirus hit the US, about 40% of US employees are now working from home. If you’re one of them, you might dream of swapping your boring apartment walls and humble desk for tropical air and sandy beaches.

A new program known as movers and shakas offers just that: Free round-trip travel to Hawaii for remote workers in exchange for a few hours of community service.

The program was launched through a partnership that includes the Hawaii State Government, business leaders, alumni associations and organizations including the Central Pacific Bank Foundation, Hawaii Executive Collaborative, Island Holdings, Inkinen and FCH Enterprises, parent company of Zippy’s Restaurants a press release. The goal? Diversifying Hawaii’s economy amid business closures and declining tourism.

“Now that many people have the choice to work remotely, there is an opportunity for former residents to return home and for out-of-state individuals and families to live and work from Hawaii for an extended period of time.” , said Jason Higa, CEO of FCH Enterprises. “We believe this program will attract many ex-Hawaiians and professionals who seek a safe, warm environment to continue their normal lives while contributing to the Hawaiian community.”

So what’s the catch you ask? There isn’t necessarily one, but it takes some planning (and maybe saving) to attend. Here’s a closer look at the initiative.

First, you must be a US resident and be at least 18 years old to apply. They must also be employed and work remotely or have the opportunity to do so. Hawaii residents are not eligible to participate at this time.

You must be able to relocate to Oahu within one month of being selected for the program and reside there full-time for at least 30 consecutive days. They are also required to volunteer 15 hours per week for local partners including the Chamber of Commerce, Girl Scouts of Hawaii and the Pacific-Asian Center for Entrepreneurship at UH Mānoa. Program participants are also asked toPromise to our Keiki’, a commitment to treating land and water with respect.

You have until December 15 to apply for the program. 50 participants will be selected (selection criteria are still in progress) and more participants will be added on an ongoing basis. Those who are selected will receive complimentary round-trip airfare to Hawaii and other perks.

Members of the same household, such as couples and families, are encouraged to apply as well. However, if you have pets you wish to bring with you, remember that traveling to the island and securing a place to stay will require additional time and planning.

Although the program is free, including your airfare to and from Hawaii, you must plan for a number of expenses.

The program offers significantly discounted rates for hotels, as well as some potential discounts for long-term rentals like Airbnb. However, the cost of housing is ultimately a cost you have to shoulder. If you also have a rent or mortgage to pay at home, your housing expenses could double for the month (or longer) you’re there.

Transportation is another cost factor to consider. Oahu is a sprawling island that requires a car to get around. And you’ll definitely want to visit attractions like Diamondhead, Hanauma Bay and the North Shore while you’re there. That means budgeting for a rental or relying on ride-sharing services and other forms of public transportation. An option you probably have not want to consider is to have your car shipped, which will cost approximately $1,000 to $1,500 each way.

You are also responsible for food, entertainment and any other expenses you incur as a short term resident of the island. Also, be sure to check with your accountant, as earning income in one state while living in another could increase your tax bill next year.

Sure, a month-long working vacation in Hawaii sounds like a dream. But what about that pesky pandemic that’s hampering travel, dining out, and being close to another human being?

Hawaii is pretty serious about keeping new coronavirus cases off its islands. As a result, the state has the fewest cases per capita in the US. When you get there, you must test negative for the virus within 72 hours of landing or self-isolate for two weeks.

Still, life on Oahu is far from where it existed before the pandemic. The island follows a four-tier system to determine which companies are allowed to operate. It’s currently only Tier 2, meaning most businesses like restaurants, gyms and salons can open with significantly limited capacity. Bars and clubs are closed.

As for the required volunteering, it’s unclear if the program offers virtual options or if you have to show up in person. The program leaders did not respond to a request for comment.

Ultimately, there is some risk involved in traveling to Hawaii to work and volunteer. You must consider your personal comfort level. And that assumes, of course, that you get selected for the program at all.