Navigating Travel Occupational Therapy Jobs in Hawaii: Logistics and Realities
For many healthcare professionals, taking a travel assignment in Hawaii represents a pinnacle career goal. The allure of living and working amidst the stunning Hawaiian Islands for several months is undeniable. Indeed, numerous travelers who secure positions here choose to extend their contracts, return for future assignments, or even establish permanent residency. Fortunately, obtaining Travel Occupational Therapy Jobs Hawaii is a viable option for many therapists, though it does involve navigating some specific logistical challenges.
Based on experiences within the travel healthcare field, including physical therapy roles in Hawaii, this guide aims to illuminate the essential logistics you need to consider if you aspire to take a travel occupational therapy job in Hawaii. While personal experience shared here is from a physical therapist, the core challenges and considerations are largely applicable across therapy disciplines, including occupational therapy.
Occupational therapist working with patient outdoors in Hawaii
Competition for Travel OT Jobs in Hawaii
As you might anticipate, securing a travel contract, particularly Travel Occupational Therapy Jobs Hawaii, can be quite competitive. Hawaii is a highly sought-after location for both living and working, especially in more populated areas like Honolulu.
Conversely, more rural regions across Hawaii sometimes face shortages of healthcare professionals. This can potentially increase your chances of finding a travel contract if you are open to working on any island and in various towns. Having personally visited all four major islands, I can attest that you will have abundant opportunities for unique experiences regardless of your contract’s island or town. Even on the largest island, traversing from one side to the other takes roughly two hours or less. This means your weekends can be filled with adventure across any part of the island, or you can easily take a short flight to explore another island, even if your specific job site isn’t in a main tourist hub.
Given the general competitiveness for travel occupational therapy jobs Hawaii, possessing more experience on your resume can significantly help your application. This includes not just years of practice but sometimes also variety in clinical settings. New graduates may find it more challenging to compete for positions in this highly desirable market.
To maximize your likelihood of landing a job in Hawaii, it is generally most beneficial to be as flexible as possible during your job search. Being open to various settings (inpatient, outpatient, skilled nursing, etc.) and locations across the islands, combined with some prior experience, makes you much more competitive than if you are highly selective about both clinical setting and geographic location.
Scenic view of Hawaiian landscape with mountains and ocean
Understanding Pay for Travel OT in Hawaii
A common point of adjustment for therapists considering travel occupational therapy jobs Hawaii is the typical pay rate, which tends to be lower compared to many mainland travel opportunities. This trend applies to both travel and permanent healthcare positions in the state. A primary factor contributing to this is lower insurance reimbursement rates in Hawaii, particularly for therapy services. Additionally, the intense competition for jobs in this desirable location allows employers to offer lower pay rates while still attracting a substantial pool of qualified applicants. This reality exists despite Hawaii’s notably high cost of living.
Therefore, approaching your search for travel occupational therapy jobs Hawaii requires the understanding that you may not earn (or save) as much money as you might on travel assignments elsewhere in the United States. It is often viewed more as a “working vacation” or a lifestyle choice. For this reason, it’s often recommended that new graduates or first-time travelers gain experience and build savings on the mainland before pursuing Hawaiian opportunities. Having some financial cushion is always advisable when embarking on a travel assignment in Hawaii.
For travel therapy roles (including PT, OT, and SLP), typical after-tax weekly pay often falls within the $1400-$1700 range. For occupational therapists, this is generally considered on the lower end compared to pay rates often recommended for travel therapists on the mainland, where rates often exceed $1600-$1900+ weekly. However, for Hawaii, approximately $1500 per week is a common benchmark for many therapy roles. Nursing and other healthcare disciplines in Hawaii also typically see lower pay compared to mainland positions, unless it’s a crisis or high-demand specialty role like in an ICU during peak need. While you might occasionally find higher-paying opportunities, don’t be surprised if advertised rates for travel contracts appear relatively lower.
You may also inquire about potential reimbursements included in your pay package for expenses like travel to Hawaii, professional licensing fees, or car rental. It’s crucial to remember that reimbursements are almost always deducted from the job’s overall bill rate paid by the facility to the staffing agency. This means any reimbursements you receive will likely reduce your overall weekly take-home pay. Always discuss clearly with your recruiter whether reimbursements are possible and how they will impact your total weekly compensation.
Sunset over the ocean in Hawaii, viewed from the shore
Finding Travel OT Jobs: Recruiters & Flexibility
As with any travel healthcare job search, we consistently recommend collaborating with 3-4 different recruiters from various agencies. When seeking a contract in a highly competitive location such as Hawaii for travel occupational therapy jobs Hawaii, working with multiple recruiters becomes even more critical. This approach significantly expands the number of job options you will see and provides different avenues for potential placement.
For occupational therapists specifically targeting Hawaii, contacting recruitment agencies known for having placements in the islands can be beneficial. Some companies may have more established relationships with Hawaiian facilities. When I was searching for a travel physical therapy job, leveraging connections helped identify companies more likely to have outpatient PT positions, which was my initial preference. While I remained flexible and willing to consider other settings, I was fortunate to secure an outpatient contract that was a great fit. Flexibility in setting, start date, and location is paramount when the market is competitive.
Traveling as an OT Pair in Hawaii
For occupational therapists or other healthcare professionals traveling with a partner also seeking a travel assignment, pursuing two positions together in Hawaii adds another layer of complexity. While possible, the inherent competitiveness of the Hawaii market makes finding suitable contracts for a pair significantly more challenging than for a solo traveler.
Based on personal experience traveling as a PT pair, while we initially considered seeking two positions, we anticipated the difficulty. Surprisingly, during our job search, we did encounter facilities looking for two therapists concurrently. However, given the licensing process differences at the time, only one of us pursued a contract.
Attempting to find two travel occupational therapy jobs Hawaii requires an exceptional degree of flexibility from both individuals regarding setting, location, pay, start dates, and contract lengths. While opportunities may arise, they are less frequent than those for single travelers.
Two people sitting on a beach in Hawaii
Navigating the Hawaii OT Licensing Process
Obtaining professional licensure is a standard requirement for any travel healthcare assignment, but the licensing process in Hawaii is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and time-consuming. The state is known for its slower pace (“on island time”), and processing new licenses is often a slow and sometimes frustrating endeavor.
Based on personal experience initiating the process during peak COVID delays, obtaining a physical therapy license took an unusually long nine months. While this timeline was exceptionally long, most therapists report a waiting period of 1-3 months. Nevertheless, it’s a process that can take a significant amount of time, emphasizing the need to start your application very early if you are serious about travel occupational therapy jobs Hawaii.
All professional licensing in Hawaii is overseen by the Hawaii Professional & Vocational Licensing Division (PVL). Reaching someone by phone at the PVL can be difficult, and their website is not always user-friendly for finding specific information. Emailing is often a more reliable method for follow-up and inquiries. For occupational therapy licensing questions, the appropriate email address is occ_therapist@dcca.hawaii.gov.
Crucially, when pursuing travel occupational therapy jobs Hawaii, you generally must already possess your Hawaii OT license or be very close to receiving it (meaning all required documents have been submitted and confirmed received by the PVL). Unlike some states where you might secure a contract contingent upon obtaining the license afterwards, most Hawaiian employers will not extend a job offer unless you hold an active state license. Start this process well in advance of when you hope to begin applying for jobs.
Beautiful view of Hawaii coastline with turquoise water and palm trees
Securing Housing for Your Travel OT Assignment
Finding affordable short-term furnished housing in Hawaii for your travel occupational therapy assignment can present another significant challenge. The cost of living is exceptionally high, and consequently, you should anticipate paying a premium for furnished accommodations, particularly if you seek a private unit. It is essential to find housing that is fully furnished and includes necessary housewares, as you will have limited capacity to bring belongings when flying to the island from the mainland.
During a previous assignment, a furnished private “Ohana” unit (similar to an in-law suite attached to a primary home) was secured for $1800 per month, including utilities. This was found via Furnished Finder. While prices can fluctuate, similar units on platforms like Airbnb might list for significantly higher amounts, sometimes exceeding $3000+ monthly.
When searching for housing for your travel occupational therapy jobs Hawaii, exploring multiple resources is highly recommended. Furnished Finder is often a good starting point, but also check platforms like Airbnb, Craigslist, VRBO, and specialized Facebook housing groups catering to travel healthcare professionals. Additionally, networking with other travelers who have previously worked in Hawaii and asking potential facilities if they have housing connections can sometimes yield leads.
As a last resort, you could potentially arrange housing through your travel company. However, be aware that utilizing company-provided housing will likely result in a substantially lower weekly take-home pay, as you typically would not receive the separate tax-free housing stipend.
Lush green valley landscape in Hawaii
Transportation on the Hawaiian Islands
Another logistical consideration for your travel occupational therapy jobs Hawaii is transportation. In most locations across the islands, having access to a car is practically essential, with very limited exceptions. The only potential scenario where you might manage without a car is if your job is located in Honolulu and you can live within walking distance, utilize a bicycle or moped, or rely solely on rideshares and public transit. Even in this case, having your own vehicle is highly recommended for exploring the island during your off time.
For any assignments located outside of Honolulu, a car will be necessary. Many travel occupational therapists choose to rent a car for their contract duration. Another option, typically more suitable for longer stays (6+ months), is purchasing a used “island car” and then reselling it before you leave. For shorter assignments, renting is generally the more practical approach.
It’s important to note that challenges in car availability and higher rental costs can arise, influenced by factors like tourism demand and supply chain issues impacting both rental and used car markets. During a previous assignment, a shortage of rental cars necessitated seeking alternative options. Through local connections, a used car rental was secured for a relatively low monthly rate. While this requires word-of-mouth or networking, it highlights that creative solutions exist. Asking other travelers who have worked on specific islands might provide contacts for local rental options.
Alternative rental options include Turo (a peer-to-peer car sharing platform) or traditional car rental agencies, though these can often be more expensive. Shipping your own car from the mainland is another possibility but typically involves significant cost and time, making it less practical for shorter travel contracts.
Again, while your travel company could potentially assist in arranging transportation, they generally use the same methods available to you, and the cost incurred will significantly impact your overall compensation package.
Waterfall flowing into a pool in a tropical setting in Hawaii
Packing and Preparing for Your Hawaii Assignment
Packing for a travel assignment that requires flying, like travel occupational therapy jobs Hawaii, requires a minimalist approach. As a traveler, learning to pack only the essentials is key. For Hawaii, you should primarily focus on bringing clothing, shoes, and necessary personal items. Your furnished housing should provide most housewares. Any miscellaneous items can likely be purchased locally at stores like Walmart or Costco. Aim to pack enough clothing for about a 10-day period, planning to wash and re-wear outfits. Your packing list should include a few work outfits, swimwear, hiking/workout attire, and general warm-weather casual wear. Bring a few pairs of essential shoes (work shoes, athletic shoes, sandals). Fortunately, Hawaii’s weather is relatively consistent year-round, simplifying packing for one climate type. The only time you might need a jacket is for higher elevation excursions like visiting volcanic summits.
Regarding flying to Hawaii, especially in times of evolving health regulations, staying informed about current travel requirements is crucial. Always check official state websites for the most current information on entry protocols before your departure.
Rocky coastline of Hawaii with waves crashing
The Rewards: Why a Travel OT Job in Hawaii is Worth It
While the logistics and potential hurdles discussed might seem daunting, taking on travel occupational therapy jobs Hawaii is, for many, profoundly rewarding and well worth the effort. Navigating the application, licensing, and preparation phases requires persistence, but once you arrive, you are literally living and working in paradise for several months! This truly embodies living a dream for many.
Living and working in Hawaii offers a rich cultural experience. While it is a U.S. state, the local culture (“local time,” Pidgin language, emphasis on ‘ohana’ or family/community) is distinct from the mainland. A travel healthcare assignment here provides a unique perspective unlike assignments in other parts of the country.
In Hawaii, opportunities for exploration and new experiences are endless: from majestic volcanoes and breathtaking beaches to traditional Hawaiian music and dance, unique local cuisine, challenging hikes, and so much more. Many travelers who experience Hawaii through a work assignment find themselves wanting to extend their stay or return for future contracts.
This guide covers the primary logistical considerations for travel occupational therapy jobs Hawaii. While challenges exist, the opportunity for personal and professional growth, coupled with the unparalleled environment, makes Hawaii a highly desirable destination for travel healthcare professionals.
