Hawaii launches a remote worker program with free return flights

Swap chilly winters for warmer climes with a new remote worker program from Hawaii. The state is encouraging out-of-state professionals to relocate to its sun-drenched islands, and will sweeten the deal with a free round-trip ticket to Honolulu, and benefits that will help participants settle in and integrate with local communities.

Remote workers interested in joining the Movers and Shakas remote worker program must fill out an online application by December 15, 2020. Fifty applicants will be selected for the first phase, and will receive a free round-trip ticket to O'ahu, where they can spend their time exploring beachside towns, waterfalls and mountains in the land of sunshine and sand. Subsequent applications will be accepted to the program on a rolling basis and eventually the program will expand to neighboring islands.

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There's a "give" and "get" element to the Movers and Shakas scheme. Participants will be asked to give back by signing up to the Pledge to Our Keiki program; contributing their skill sets and knowledge to strengthen local communities and enterprises during their time in Hawaii, and committing several hours a week to a Hawaiian nonprofit.

In return, participants will get exclusive discounts on month-to-month accommodations, flights, restaurants, and other attractions they need while in the state. They'll also have access to networking opportunities to help them settle in and make new friends and contacts.

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“We wanted to help fill the gap from the decrease we’ve experienced in the seven-day visitors to our state,” said Jason Higa, CEO of FCH Enterprises, parent company of Zippy’s, and leader who has spearheaded the program. “Now that many people have the choice to work remotely, there’s an opportunity for former local residents to return home and for out-of-state individuals and families to live and work from Hawaii for a longer period of time."

Hawaii currently has the lowest rate per capita of COVID infections in the country, and recently opened its borders to quarantine-free travel to out-of-state visitors, with the exception of Kaua'i. For more information on the Movers and Shakas program, and to apply, see here.

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