Malama Moving Company review 2026 (Honolulu, HI)
Updated
Malama Moving Company, a Honolulu, HI moving company, ranks #8 of 17 movers in Hawaii, with a moveBuddha rating of 3.36/5.
96% of Malama Moving Company's 90 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its affordable rates, while the most common complaint involves misleading marketing. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Malama Moving Company measures up
Malama Moving Company ranks #8 out of 17 movers in Hawaii with a moveBuddha Score of 3.36 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 3.36.
- Review quality
- 3.5
- Brand
- 3.0
- Website
- 3.0
- Customer service
- 3.0
- Industry experience
- 3.0
Is Malama Moving Company moveBuddha Certified?
Malama Moving Company is not moveBuddha Certified. Certified movers are licensed carriers vetted by moveBuddha and spot-checked every quarter. They meet higher standards for insurance, pricing transparency, and customer care.
With a Certified mover, moveBuddha does the vetting for you and provides added protection. Malama Moving Company hasn't gone through that certification process, so it's important to check licensing, insurance, estimates, and claims policies yourself before booking.
What movebuddha certified movers offer
- Up to $1,000 in added move coverage*. Extra protection for eligible moves.
- Vetted for licensing and insurance**. We verify state-required insurance for local movers and liability and cargo coverage for interstate movers.
- Dedicated moveBuddha support. Help through the move process.
- Dispute mediation. moveBuddha steps in if issues arise.
Before you book, check:
- USDOT and MC numbers. Look up the license and complaint history on FMCSA's site.
- Insurance coverage. Ask for proof of liability and cargo insurance.
- A written estimate. Binding or not-to-exceed, with every fee listed.
- The claims process. Ask how damage claims are filed and how long they take.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind. About moveBuddha Certified
** Local movers must hold insurance that meets state requirements for local moves. Interstate movers must carry auto liability of at least $750,000, general liability of at least $1M, and motor truck cargo coverage at or above $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence.
What do customers say about Malama Moving Company?
Out of 90 verified reviews, 96% of customers left a positive review about Malama Moving Company in Honolulu, HI. 3.3% of reviews are negative and 1.1% are neutral. Malama Moving Company has a 3% higher positive review percentage than the average Hawaii moving company (96% vs the Hawaii state average of 93%).
- Positive95.6%(86)
- Neutral1.1%(1)
- Negative3.3%(3)
Based on 90 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Malama Moving Company
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found Malama Moving Company to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Organized packing
Malama Moving Company is often recognized for labeling boxes clearly and packing with structure and care.
Flexibility
Clients liked that Malama Moving Company was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
Good communication
Reviewers frequently mention clear, consistent updates from Malama Moving Company throughout the moving process.
Respectful of property
Customers appreciated how carefully Malama Moving Company's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.
What positive reviewers say
“Prompt response to my inquiry on Yelp. Came to my office within a few days to provide a quote. The cost for the moving and junk disposal was very reasonable.”
David T.Verified ReviewerYelp“They wrapped all our furniture and were meticulous, making sure everything was organized so our unpacking went smoothly. They were also very quick to respond via email.”
Sara K.Verified ReviewerYelp“They handled the twists and turns of a complicated situation with flexibility and kindness. They communicated well and were caring and helpful throughout, from pricing to delivery.”
Susan D.Verified ReviewerYelp“We were very pleased with their professionalism, courtesy, and work ethic. They took care of our furniture and belongings and packed the storage container so we could easily go through the items later.”
Jana N.Verified ReviewerYelp“Malama Moving exceeded our expectations. They were punctual, hardworking, and friendly, took great care of our furniture and boxes, and their pricing was fair and transparent.”
Brad C.Verified ReviewerYelp
What mixed reviewers say
“Even though the cost was higher than some, I felt comfortable hiring them again because of past experience. Two items were broken, and we felt the damage was hidden.”
Jason PierceVerified ReviewerGoogle
Most common complaints about Malama Moving Company
Misleading marketing
Some felt that Malama Moving Company's website or sales reps promised services that weren't actually provided.
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
Higher-than-expected costs
Final bills were occasionally much higher than initial estimates, upsetting customers.
What negative reviewers say
“They came back with a really high price for three cans of rubbish and one small sectional. I'm not gonna pay 385 bucks for that.”
Jamie L.Verified ReviewerYelp“Their website states they offer a military discount, but when you call, they do not offer one. False advertisement.”
Pat RodVerified ReviewerGoogle“They broke my furniture and some other stuff and did not want to replace it or pay for the damages. At the end of the move, they charged more than quoted.”
Life in ParadiseVerified ReviewerGoogle
Malama Moving Company
3.36Honolulu, HI
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Malama Moving Company
3.36
Honolulu, HI
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Malama Moving Company, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Honolulu.
Compare prices side by side
See where Malama Moving Company lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
What services does Malama Moving Company offer?
Malama Moving Company is a local mover in Honolulu, HI, listing 4 services on moveBuddha, including packing and junk removal.
Services offered
- Local & in-state moving
- Office & commercial moving
- Packing
- Junk removal
Is Malama Moving Company licensed and insured?
Registered with the FMCSA
US DOT 3744891. Operating status is not on this profile. Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Malama Moving Company is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 3744891. It also holds a Hawaii intrastate license, number PUC-2247-C.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Malama Moving Company holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- PUC-2247-CIssued by Hawaii. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- FMCSA safety rating
- Not ratedMost carriers are unrated. A rating is only assigned after a compliance review. It is not a failed one.
How much does Malama Moving Company cost?
Malama Moving Company does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Total local-move costs from similar movers typically run $400–$750 for a studio or 1-bedroom, $850–$1,750 for a 2-3 bedroom, and $1,700–$3,400 for a 4+ bedroom home.
What similar movers typically bill for a local move
Full-service Hawaii moving companies similar to Malama Moving Company typically bill the amounts below and scaling up for larger homes that need more movers and hours.
| Home size | Typical total | Time and crew |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $400–$750 | 3–5 hours, 2 movers |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $850–$1,750 | 5–8 hours, 2–3 movers |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,700–$3,400 | 8–12 hours, 3–4 movers |
What payment options and discounts does Malama Moving Company offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
Malama Moving Company accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
How Malama Moving Company compares with other local movers
With a moveBuddha score of 3.36 out of 5, Malama Moving Company trails the four top-rated movers in the Honolulu area, just behind A Better Moving Co. Where Malama Moving Company falls behind is quote accuracy, with a quote accuracy score that trails three of the four.
The four highest-scoring nearby movers, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | You Move MeHonolulu | 4.44 | 1,251 | 4.9 | 4.5 | — |
| 2 | Ewa Moving CoHonolulu | 4.00 | 49 | — | — | A+ |
| 3 | Bill’s Movers LLCHonolulu | 3.94 | — | — | — | A+ |
| 4 | A Better Moving CoHonolulu | 3.38 | — | — | — | — |
| 5 | Malama Moving CompanyThis mover · ranks #5 | 3.36 | 90 | — | — | — |
How does Malama Moving Company compare to other Hawaii movers?
- moveBuddha score#8 of 17(worse than average)
3.36vs 3.49 avg
Malama Moving Company scores 3.36, below the Hawaii average of 3.49, and ranks #8 of 17 Hawaii movers.
- Positive reviews#4 of 17(better than average)
96%vs 93% avg
Malama Moving Company has 96% positive reviews, above the Hawaii average of 93%, and ranks #4 of 17 Hawaii movers.
- Negative reviews#4 of 17(better than average)
3%vs 5% avg
Malama Moving Company has 3% negative reviews, below the Hawaii average of 5%, and ranks #4 of 17 Hawaii movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#3 of 17(worse than average)
90vs 273 avg
Malama Moving Company has 90 reviews analyzed, below the Hawaii average of 273, and ranks #3 of 17 Hawaii movers.
| Metric | This moverMalama Moving Company | Hawaii avg | Hawaii rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#8 of 17 in Hawaii | 3.36 | 3.49 | #8 of 17 | −0.13(worse than average) |
| Positive reviews#4 of 17 in Hawaii | 96% | 93% | #4 of 17 | +3 pts(better than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#4 of 17 in Hawaii | 3% | 5% | #4 of 17 | −2 pts(better than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#3 of 17 in Hawaii | 90 | 273 | #3 of 17 | −183(worse than average) |
Compared with 17 Hawaii movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in Hawaii.
Malama Moving Company
3.36Honolulu, HI
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Malama Moving Company, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Honolulu.
Compare prices side by side
See where Malama Moving Company lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
Malama Moving Company
3.36
Honolulu, HI
Final verdict: Malama Moving Company
Malama Moving Company earns a 3.36/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #8 among Hawaii movers, with 96% positive feedback across 90 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its affordable rates and organized packing. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.
The most common complaint is misleading marketing.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated November 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
Malama Moving Company
3.36
Honolulu, HI
Why moveBuddha?
- 30%+Average savings
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
Calculate your Hawaii moving cost - $1,000Added move coverage*
When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage*, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- 1-on-1Dispute mediation
If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind.
Contact Malama Moving Company
- Phone
- (808) 699-4070
- Website
- malamamoving.com
- Profiles
How we score moving companies
Every mover on moveBuddha is scored on the same six factors, weighted by how much each one changes a move.
- Quotes & payment optionsWeighs most
The heaviest factor, because price certainty is where moves go wrong. We reward estimates you can hold a mover to, and terms disclosed before you pay.
- Online reputationMajor factor
An objective read from third parties rather than from the mover. The Google rating for the company's headquarters sets the band; Trustpilot, BBB, and independent review sites are read alongside it.
- ServicesMajor factor
The range a mover can actually cover, scored across seven categories, with extra credit for the uncommon ones most companies hand off to a subcontractor.
- Customer supportSupporting factor
How easily you can reach a human, and how clearly the mover sets expectations before, during, and after the move. Verified against company documentation and direct outreach.
- Review feedbackSupporting factor
A company's share of positive customer feedback, converted straight to points, with no curve and no editorial adjustment.
- State availabilityMinor factor
The lightest factor, and deliberately so: wide coverage helps more readers reach a mover, but it says nothing about how good the move will be.
What the scores are built on
- 4,500+Moving companies analyzed
- 1M+Authenticated reviews
- 25+Independent data sources
- 1,000+Live price points a month
- $0Paid for a ranking
- MonthlyRefreshed and re-verified
Written by
Ryan CarriganCo-founder, moveBuddha
Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.