Recent Hawaii Shipping News

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Mistake one: Not knowing what it costs to live in Hawaii
Mistake two: Not being ready for rain and rust
Mistake three: Buying a new car
Mistake four: Not being ready for the traffic
Conclusion
 
hawaii-home

 

Mistake one: Not knowing what it costs to live in Hawaii

Hawaii is always one of the most expensive states to live in. Not only are the homes outrageously expensive to buy and live in, the general cost of living is exceptionally high as well. More than eighty percent of the homes were worth more than three hundred and fifty thousand dollars and the average price for a home was just under seven hundred thousand.

Utilities come in at just under a hundred and fifty dollars per month. Groceries are the most expensive in the country because much of it needs to be imported. You better have some savings to burn if you plan to move to Hawaii.
 

Mistake two: Not being ready for rain and rust

Hawaii is obviously surrounded by the ocean. Because of this, there is much more rain here than there is in other states. However, it does depend on where you are in Hawaii. Much of the rain occurs in the mountainous areas. In lowland areas, the average precipitation is actually lower than the national average.

Either way, you should be prepared for rust. For example, if you have a car you should get it waxed monthly in order to prevent rust.
 

Mistake three: Buying a new car

Many people make the mistake of assuming that they will need to sell their car and buy a new one when they move to Hawaii. This process is complex. It will also end up costing you a considerable amount of money.

People do not realize that they can keep their current car and have it shipped to Hawaii. This process is much easier and will only cost between $800 and $2,000 wheras selling and buying a car can easily run you over $10,000.
 

Mistake four: Not being ready for the traffic

Many people mistakenly think that their nice and easy 20-minute commutes will continue when they move to Hawaii. They could not be more wrong.

The traffic in Hawaii rivals that of Los Angeles. So, be prepared to spend up to 90 minutes during your commute. You will not want to get stuck going into work nearly an hour late because you underestimated traffic.
 

Conclusion

Moving to Hawaii is a choice you will not regret. You just need to prepare for a few things like the expense of moving there as well as the weather. If you want to save some money you should use these tips as well as consider shipping your car there rather than buying a new one.

Posted in: Hawaii Car Shipping

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Travel during less busy times of the year
Choose a cheaper island
Look for free stuff to do
Seek out deals and coupons
Think and plan ahead
 
hawaiian-road

 

Travel during less busy times of the year

Supply and demand even applies to travel. If you choose to travel to Hawaii during a less busy month of the year like April, you can save some money on your flight. You can also choose to travel to Hawaii in September through November.

The height of the summer as well as the holidays are much busier than normal. Thus, flights will cost more during these times.
 

Choose a cheaper island

Not all islands are equal! Some islands will cost you more than others to visit. Oahu is the cheapest island to visit. Kauai is also pretty cheap in comparison to more expensive islands like the big island or Maui.

When we say cheap, we mean that hotels and other basic necessities will be cheaper. Things like gas and groceries will cost about the same.
 

Look for free stuff to do

You can always save some cash by doing things that will not cost you anything. This includes hiking, visiting the beach by taking a bus, watching firework displays, and going sightseeing. You can easily spend several days filled with fun and interesting activities that do not cost a penny.

You can also do things that might cost some money but are relatively inexpensive. This could include things like going to a museum.
 

Seek out deals and coupons

At some point you will need to do something that costs money. However, it does not need to cost a lot of money. You can search on Google for coupons. Many businesses will offer up to fifty percent off on sites like Groupon. Just be sure that the coupons are valid during the dates of your visit to Hawaii.
 

Think and plan ahead

The best way to get cheaper accommodations in Hawaii is to book them as early as you can. Travel companies know that when someone is booking a room close to the date that they will be staying that they can change more for it, so, they do. They take advantage of a traveler’s desperation and need.

You can avoid this by booking your room and whatever else accommodations you need a few months in advance.

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Hawaii camping 101
Hawaii camping by island
Tips for camping in Hawaii
Conclusion
 
camping-in-hawaii

 

Hawaii camping 101

Put simply, Hawaii is paradise. So, it should come as no surprise that it is also one of the best places in the world to go camping.

The weather is usually as close to perfect as you can get with average temperatures generally ranging between 78 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. Now, if you are higher on a mountain, temperatures could be a bit lower. Rainfall is what you would expect for the climate but most of the rain tends to fall during the winter months, so we recommend camping in Hawaii over the summer.

Now, you cannot always camp in or directly with your car in Hawaii. However, you can always drive to a particular campsite with your car and then walk to your desired area.

Whenever you camp in Hawaii, or anywhere for that matter, you need to take the time and effort to plan your camping trip. This will include getting and required permits prior to your camping trip. In Hawaii, you can get your permits online here.

Once you have your permits, you should make a list of all the things you need for camping and head to the store. Your list should include a tent, emergency first aid kit & supplies, less perishable food items such as protein bars, flashlights, batteries, sleeping bags, pillows, foldable chairs, bug repellent, binoculars, a cell phone, and more. You can read a complete list right here.

Next, you should plan the dates of your camping trip. Generally, try to plan your trip so that you have some flexibility and can keep your eye on the forecast. For the most part, the weather in Hawaii stays very ideal. However, you can never be certain.

Finally, you should plan your trip there and back. If you are going during the week, try to avoid travelling during rush hour in Hawaii. Also, you need to figure out where you can and cannot take your car before you go. You can always go online to figure this out.
 

Hawaii camping by island

Not all spots that you can go camping in Hawaii are created equal. Here are the best spots to go camping in Hawaii with your car broken up by island:

  1. Maui
    • Haleakala Backcountry – This Maui camping spot has a moon-like terrain for a totally different sort of camping experience. It also has two main camp sites. Hiking here is a bit more for those of intermediate experience.
    • Waianapanapa State Park – This is one of the most beautiful places that you can go camping in the entire world. This includes some incredible views of the coastline. This is also one of the more popular campgrounds so be sure to reserve your spot early.
    • Kipahulu Campground – Kipahulu has some of the best camping hiking in the entire state of Hawaii. You will also not have a hard time getting a spot here because most people choose not to travel this far for camping.
  2. Kauai
    • Salt Pond Beach Park – This camp site is actually one of the better spots in all of Hawaii to go snorkeling. It also has some of the best amenities of any campsite in Hawaii. It is, however, a popular spot, so make your reservations early.
    • Polihale State Park – This camp area is famous for the incredible and secluded beaches it has. It is also a great spot to go fishing so be sure that you bring your gear with you. The drive to the campsite has a bit of a rough terrain, so try and drive there with a Jeep or some sort of 4X4.
    • Lydgate Park – This is one of the most popular campsites in the state. So, plan on getting there nice and early and not leaving until late. This is another great place for snorkeling, especially for beginners because the waters are so calm.
  3. Hawaii (Big Island)
    • Waimanu Valley – Waimanu Valley is the best spot for camping on the Big Island of Hawaii because of the incredible views of the valleys that you will get. If you are not big into fitness and/or hiking, this may not be the campsite for you because it requires an almost 8-mile hike to reach the camping area.
  4. Moloka’i
    • Papohaku Beach Park – This campsite is known for how secluded it is. That it is because it is primarily a beach, but the waters are too dangerous most of the time for swimming and surfing, especially without any lifeguards on duty. This is a great spot to enjoy some serene views while getting some peace and quiet.
  5. Oahu
    • Bellows Field Beach Park – A popular spot on Oahu with fifty spots for camping, Bellows Field Beach is a great place to spend time at the beach and see the sun rise. Camping is allowed on the weekend only.

 

Tips for camping in Hawaii

Before you head out to go camping in Hawaii you should read the following tips:

  • Try to go during the week – It should not come as a surprise that campsites are always busier during the weekends, especially in the summer months. So, try to go camping during the week.
  • Practice getting your tent up before you actually go camping – Pitching your tent can be a lot more of a hassle than you think. So, make sure you have the know-how before you even leave for your camping trip by practicing at home first. If you have trouble you can go on a site like YouTube to find tutorials.
  • See what the camp’s amenities are prior to your trip – The vast majority of camping sites will have several amenities including bathrooms, showers, grills, and more. You can check out what an individual campsite has before you go by checking online.
  • Bring trash bags and leave no trace – This is one of the most important rules of camping to respect. You must leave your campsite as you found it. This means throw your trash out and do not leave any supplies behind.
  • Bring extra socks – You might be shocked at how easily your socks can get wet and or dirty when you are camping. So, if you are camping for three days, bring at least six pairs of socks with you.

 

Conclusion

Taking a camping trip in Hawaii is an experience that you definitely will not want to skip. The weather is almost always gorgeous, and the outdoors are incredible on any one of the islands. Take your time and plan your trip with care because you do not want to get stuck without necessary supplies or trekking to a campsite only to find out that it is full.

Posted in: Hawaii Car Shipping

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Watch where you park in Hawaii
How to avoid being towed in Hawaii
Advice for finding parking in Hawaii
Final word
 
car-being-towed-in-hawaii

 

Watch where you park in Hawaii

Parking in Hawaii can get tricky, especially in the densely populated areas like Honolulu. Hawaii has a very specific way of demarcating parking spaces. They paint the curb specific colors to alert motorists that parking is not allowed, handicapped or timed. So, if the curb is painted blue, that means that spot is reserved for a handicapped person. If the curb is painted red, no one may ever park there. If you do you are risking being towed.

Some areas in Hawaii require resident parking permits. These are essentially stickers for your windshield. You can only get them if you actually prove that you are a Hawaii resident in the area that you are applying for a permit for. These areas are known as Restricted Parking Zones, Kalihi Valley in Honolulu is one such area.
 

How to avoid being towed in Hawaii

Avoiding being towed in Hawaii is quite easy, just as it is in most parts the country. You just need to make sure that you pay attention to any signs and/or painted curbs. If you park near a meter, make sure you pay it and do not stay parked longer than the time you allotted yourself.

If your car happens to break down, put it in neutral and get it to the side of the road. You should call a tow truck yourself, because if the city or police call for one, it is likely going to be the most expensive one possible.
 

Advice for finding parking in Hawaii

As we mentioned before, parking in areas like Honolulu can be quite difficult at times. You can use the following tips to make finding parking a bit easier:

  • It pays to pay – There are several areas in Hawaii where you can pay for a spot to park your car. These are usually some sort of garage or lot. You can use an app to find these places
  • Pay attention – As we mentioned earlier, curbs might be painted to alert drivers of parking restrictions depending where you are in Hawaii. If you see that the curb is painted blue or red, do not park there.
  • Keep some coins handy – A decent amount of the parking in Hawaii is metered, so be sure that you always have some change with you in order to feed the meter.
  • Give yourself some extra time – Parking can be sparse in certain areas in Hawaii. So, make sure you give yourself an extra ten minutes in order to drive around looking for a spot.
  • Keep your eye on the clock – If you park in front of a meter or in a timed zone (2 hour parking limit etc), you will need to make sure that you do not exceed that time limit. You can even set an alarm on your phone to remind of when you need to go.

 

Final word

Parking in larger areas in Hawaii can be a hassle. Thankfully, you can pay for parking if you really need to. Be sure that you always give yourself some extra time to look around for open spaces because it might take a little bit to find one.

Posted in: Hawaii Car Shipping

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The inside of your car and the weather in Hawaii
Keeping the interior cool and comfortable
Advice for keeping your car comfortable in Hawaii
Conclusion
 
inside-car-in-hawaii

 

The inside of your car and the weather in Hawaii

Through out the year, temperatures in Hawaii stay warm to very warm all year long. It is one of the biggest reasons that Hawaii is a top vacation spot each year and is widely considered one of the most beautiful places on earth.

However, this means that the internal temperature of your car could get quite hot quite quickly. If it is 75 degrees outside, the internal temperature of your car could rise to almost 110 degrees in just a half an hour. This temperature could even be higher if it is particularly humid or if your car is full of people.
 

Keeping the interior cool and comfortable

Now, you can obviously crank up the air conditioning. But that is a solution for when you are inside of the car. It is too risky and expensive to keep your car running just to keep the air conditioning on in order to keep the car cool.

One way to keep the temperature down in your car when you are not driving it is to use a sun visor on your dashboard. This will prevent direct sunlight from warming your car for hours when you are not using it. Of course, if you have the opportunity to park in a garage or in the shade, you will have the same effect as well.

As far as staying completely comfortable in your car in a warm climate such as Hawaii, there are a few things you can do. First, you can get a car with a cloth interior. Cloth can get a little warm if your car has been sitting in the sun, but it is nothing too bad compared to leather which can become scolding hot and can be too hot to even sit on at times.

Next, you can cover your steering wheel with a towel. This will prevent it from getting too hot to the touch.

Finally, when you first open your door when you get in your car, hang outside for a few minutes with the door open. This will help cool the inside of the car down.
 

Advice for keeping your car comfortable in Hawaii

You can use the following tips to help keep your car comfortable in Hawaii:

  • Go with cloth – If you are in the process of getting a new or used car, try and choose a car with a cloth interior rather than leather. Cloth will not get too hot while leather can get extremely hot and it can also stick to your skin which is not fun.
  • Park in the shade or use a window visor – If you prevent the sun from beating down on the interior of your car while you are not in it, you can greatly reduce the amount of heat in the car.
  • Push that hot air out of the car – When you first start driving, you should turn the air conditioning on full blast and you should make sure that the back windows of the car are open for about twenty or thirty seconds as you do this. This will essentially push all of the hot air out of the car.
  • Keep the bugs out – One of the biggest ways to make yourself and your passengers uncomfortable in Hawaii while you drive is to have a bunch of bugs in the car. As long as you keep your car clean and any other sort of entry ways for bugs blocked, you should be fine. It is because of this that you should not keep your windows cracked while you are not in the car.
  • Consider seat covers – Seat covers can help keep the actual seats in your car cool. Mesh covers tend to work the best.

 

Conclusion

Keeping your car comfortable and cool in Hawaii is as easy as taking a few preventative steps like preventing direct sunlight from entering the car by getting a window visor. If at all possible, get a car that has a cloth interior if you are going to be living in Hawaii.
If you are on your way to Hawaii for a move or a trip and you would like to have your own car with you when you are there, contact the vehicle transport experts at Hawaii Car Transport today for a free quote.

Posted in: Hawaii Car Shipping

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How Hawaii’s weather can lead to fogged up windows
How you can stop foggy windows from happening
The best ways you can de-fog your car windows in Hawaii
Conclusion
 
the-inside-of-a-car-in-hawaii

 

How Hawaii’s weather can lead to fogged up windows

The warm and often humid weather in Hawaii can indirectly cause your car windows to fog-up which can make it incredibly difficult or even impossible to see out of them. This obviously makes it extremely dangerous to drive.

What happens is that the inside of your car can get extremely warm in Hawaii when it is sitting out in the sun while you are not in it. So, when many people first get into their car in Hawaii, their reaction is to crank up the air conditioning. When they do this, the windows fog-up almost immediately.

That is because condensation settles on your windows when it is hot out in Hawaii. Then, when you turn the air conditioning on, the air becomes dew, and this is what “fogs-up” your windows.
 

How you can stop foggy windows from happening

There are several ways you can prevent your car windows from fogging-up in Hawaii. The best way to do this is to keep your car’s internal temperature cool while you are not in it. This is not always the easiest thing to do. We suggest keeping your car in a garage if you can or at least in a shaded area.

Another way you can stop foggy windows before they happen in Hawaii is by opening your windows instead of turning on the air conditioner in order to cool your car down in Hawaii.
 

The best ways you can de-fog your car windows in Hawaii

There are also a few ways that you can de-fog your windows once they fog-up in the first place in Hawaii:

  • Recirculate the air – If you set your air conditioner to recirculate the air, you can get the temperature inside the car to equal that of the air outside which will cause the windows to de-fog.
  • Use your wipers – This is usually a temporary measure as your windows can fog-back up as soon as you turn your wipers off but it can be a stop-gap if you are in a hurry.
  • Wipe your windows with a cloth – This is a temporary measure as your windows will fog back up not long after you wipe them. This is only if you are in a real hurry. We recommend at least using your wipers in addition to wiping your window with a cloth.
  • Keep the A/C low – If you need to turn on the air conditioning, keep it to the least cool setting possible. Remember, foggy windows are caused by the temperature difference from the air inside the car and the air outside of the car. So, if that difference is smaller, your windows will be less foggy.

 

Conclusion

It is crucial to being able to drive safely in Hawaii that you do not have fogged up windows. There are ways that you can prevent your windows from fogging up and there are ways for you to de-fog them if they do end up getting fogged up. Always be sure that you allow yourself some extra time before you drive somewhere to de-fog your windows.

Posted in: Hawaii Car Shipping

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Where you can buy used cars in Hawaii
Advice to read before you buy a used car in Hawaii
How you can ship a used car you bought to Hawaii
Final Word
 
used-car-in-hawaii

 

Where you can buy used cars in Hawaii

The following list is of used car dealers who have used car dealerships in Hawaii only. As always, you can buy a used car from a private seller and/or online from a site like Craigslist or eBay. Just be sure that you do the appropriate amount of research into the seller before you buy a car.

  • Island of Hawaii
    • Pre-Owned Motor Cars – Pre-Owned Motor Cars has hundreds of reviews and still has a 4.9-star rating on Google, making them the best reviewed on the island. They offer all sorts of used cars including sedans, hybrids, convertibles and vans.
    • Big Island Used Cars – With over a hundred reviews Big Island Used Cars has a great 4.8-star rating. They have many types of used cars, trucks, vans and SUVs for sale.
    • Big Island Toyota – Big Island Toyota sells both new and used Toyotas. They have over four hundred reviews on Google with an overall 4.8-star rating.
  • Maui
    • Kihei Auto Sales – Kihei Auto Sales has a 4.8-star rating with nearly two hundred reviews on Google. They offer a wide selection of used cars that includes Nissan, Ford, Toyota, Chevrolet, Lincoln and more.
    • No Ka Oi Motors – With only for and five-star reviews on Google, No Ka Oi Motors boasts an overall 4.9 rating.
    • Island Honda – Island Honda has over a thousand reviews on Google and still have a very healthy 4.7-star rating. They offer new and used Hondas.
  • Oahu
    • TCA Auto – With a selection that includes Nissan, Mercedes, Toyota, Honda and more, TCA Auto has a 4.9-star rating with nearly a hundred reviews on Google.
    • Choice Automotive – Choice Automotive has a 4.6-star rating on Google and nearly three hundred and fifty total reviews. They offer a wide selection of vehicles that includes Chevy, Buick and BMW.
    • Voyager Auto Sales – Voyager offers a good selection of used cars. They have a 4.8-star rating on Google with nearly 50 total reviews.
  • Kauai
    • Ohana Motors – Ohana Motors offers Acura, Dodge, GMC, Chevy, Ford and more. They have well over three hundred reviews on Google and a 4.9-star rating.
    • Garden Island Auto Sales – Garden Island Auto Sales has a very respectable 4.9-star rating on Google. They offer used BMW, Ford, Chevy and more.

 

Advice to read before you buy a used car in Hawaii

Before you buy a used car in Hawaii, you need to do your research, just as you would anywhere else you were considering buying a used car. However, there are even a few steps to take before that point.

First you will need to figure out your budget. For a used or even a new car, this should not be more than one fifth of your salary (after you have taxes deducted). So, if you clear $50,000 after taxes each year, you should not spend more than ten thousand dollars on a car, new or used.

Once you set your budget, consider what type of car that you are looking to buy. You should consider several brands if you are looking to buy a particular type of car. This way it will be more likely that you will find a good deal.

Next, you will want to comparison shop around. Remember, physical car-dealerships are not the only place that you can buy a car anymore. You can buy them online and from private sellers as well.
 

How you can ship a used car you bought online to Hawaii

Shipping a used car that you purchased online to Hawaii is not too much different from normally shipping a car to Hawaii. You need to find an auto transport company that ships to Hawaii.

Then you need to figure out where you are shipping from exactly and what port you are shipping to in Hawaii. You will need to ask the seller the specific address where the car is located.

After that, you can book your shipment once you discuss the specific details with your car shipping company.
 

Final Word

Buying a used car in Hawaii is easy when it comes to certain aspects and more complex when it comes to others, just as it is anywhere else. The important thing to remember is to always do the appropriate research before you buy a used car from any seller in Hawaii. This includes looking up the history of a vehicle on a site like CarFax and reading past reviews of any dealership you are considering on a site Google.

Posted in: Hawaii Car Shipping

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Getting your car repaired in Hawaii
The best places to get your car repaired in Hawaii
Tips for getting your car repaired in Hawaii
Conclusion
 
car-repair-in-oahu-hawaii

 

Getting your car repaired in Hawaii

Getting your car repaired in Hawaii is not much different than anywhere else in the United States. The expense will be based on what type of work you need done, how severe any damage to your car or its parts are and where exactly you take it to get repaired.

On smaller islands like Molokai, you will likely need to take your car to a local gas station for repairs as they really are not many major automotive repair service shops around. For larger islands like Oahu, you can check our list directly below.
 

The best places to get your car repaired in Hawaii

The following are the best automotive repair services that you can find in various areas on the different islands of Hawaii:

  • Hawaii
    1. Kona European Auto Repair – Kona European Auto Repair nearly has a perfect five-star rating on Google and offers a variety of services for various types of European brands of cars like Audi and BMW.
    2. Precision Auto Repair – Also located in Kona, Precision Auto Repair has a 4.6-star rating on Google and offers most automotive services and repairs that you can think of.
    3. Clint’s Auto Repair – Clint’s Auto Repair is located in Hilo and has an excellent 4.7-star rating. It is an official NAPA AutoCare Center.
  • Maui
    1. Maui Mobile Auto Repair – Maui Mobile Auto Repair is a mobile auto service in Wailuku where the repair service conveniently comes to you. They have a 4.6-star rating on Google and are cheaper than most other options.
    2. Uptown Automotive – Uptown Automotive is also located in Wailuku and they offer a variety of car repair services at reasonable rates.
    3. Mike’s Automotive Located in Kahului, Mike’s Automotive has a ton of five-star reviews on Google and has been a trusted name in the community for many years.
  • Kauai
    1. Kauai Mobile Mechanics Kauai Mobile Mechanics are a mobile car repair service on Kauai. They boast a 4.5-star rating on Google.
    2. Kauai Auto Repair – Kauai Auto Repair has over fifty five-star reviews on Google and are located in Lihue. They offer a variety of automotive repair services.
    3. T&C Auto Repair – Located in Kapaʻa, T&C Auto Repair has an official five-star rating on Google with over twenty reviews.
  • Oahu
    1. Artesian Auto Repair Artesian Auto Repair offers most car repair services. They are located on Honolulu and have a 4.8-star rating on Google with over sixty total reviews.
    2. LS Automotive Repair & TransmissionLS Automotive Repair & Transmission is located in Waipahu. They have a 4.9-star rating on Google.
    3. Auto Repair of Hawaii Auto Repair of Hawaii has a very solid 4.7 rating on Google, they offer a variety of services and are located in Aiea.

 

Tips for getting your car repaired in Hawaii

Before you go and get your car repaired in Hawaii, you should read the following tips so you can have the best experience possible:

  • Stay away from the dealership when you need auto repairs – Dealerships almost always are the most expensive option when you are trying to get your car fixed. They generally choose to use the costliest parts and service so that they can charge the highest for the repairs.
  • See what insurance can do for you if the damage was the result of an accident – You pay expensive insurance premiums each month, so that if you ever need work done on your car, at least some of it might be covered. Call your insurance company and talk with them about your options if the work that you need done on your car was the result of an accident.
  • Get at least two estimates – When you go to get your car fixed, you want to make sure that you comparison shop for the repairs. Some repair shops will charge more than others for the same services. We recommend that you get at least three estimates.
  • Pay with a credit card – If the work you get done is not done right and the auto shop will not refund your money, you can dispute the charges with your credit card company within sixty days of the charge. You will need to jump through some hoops but at least this gives you a chance of possibly getting refunded.
  • Do not leave any personal items in the car – It only happens rarely, but sometimes a dishonest mechanic could steal something out of your car. In order to avoid this, do not leave anything of value in there when you are getting repaired.

 

Conclusion

Getting your car fixed in Hawaii is as simple as it is anywhere else in the country. You just need to make sure that you know what you are doing so that you do not end up getting ripped-off. You can always use a site like Google to read other former customers reviews to see how each service center treats customers.

If you need your car shipped to or from Hawaii, you can get a free quote right now by visiting our homepage!

Posted in: Hawaii Car Shipping

Jump to section:
What the weather is like in Hawaii
What driving is like in Hawaii
Tips for driving in the rain in Hawaii
Final word
 
rain-on-the-big-island-of-hawaii

 

What the weather is like in Hawaii

The weather usually varies in Hawaii depending on where you are. It ranges from desert-like climates to beautiful tropical climates. In between, you have certain areas that get hundreds of inches of rain per year. As an overall average, the entire state of Hawaii normally gets less than twenty inches of rain per year. So, overall, Hawaii does get much less rain than a lot of states.

However, there are areas that average much more rain than that as we just mentioned. These areas include Kaneohe, Hana, Kilauea, Hawaii Volcanoes Park and Hilo. These areas all average over two hundred days of rain per year and some average over a hundred inches of rain per year. So, you can see that the heavy rainfall in Hawaii is concentrated in several small areas.
 

What driving is like in Hawaii

Driving in Hawaii is much slower paced and relaxed than it is in most other places in the United States. This can be pleasant for some while it can be frustrating for others. Drivers in Hawaii often do not drive over the speed limit and they also do not exhibit much “road rage” if any at all. In fact, drivers in Hawaii really only use their horns to say “hello” to someone or to acknowledge someone, they do not use horns to say “get out of the way” or “speed up.”

As you might expect, this laid-back style of driving becomes even slower moving when there is inclement weather just as traffic does in any other part of the country. For safety’s sake, this is a good thing. For the sake of getting somewhere in an efficient amount of time, it hurts a bit.
 

Tips for driving in the rain in Hawaii

Driving in the rain in Hawaii requires focus and safety, just as it would anywhere else. However, it is also a little bit different than most other places at the same time. Use the following tips to be able to drive safely in the rain in Hawaii:

  • Always check your weather before you head out on the road – Knowing what you are getting yourself into will help you plan the route you take and minimize overall travel time.
  • Give yourself some extra time – If you know that there is a chance of rain in the forecast, you should give yourself some extra time for your commute. If you do this, the worst thing that could happen is that you end up arriving at your destination a bit early. In Hawaii, driving through the rain can easily take longer than it does in most other places.
  • Keep some extra distance between you and the car in front of you – In case you need to stop short in the rain, you might end up in a skid. With this possibility in mind, you should give yourself some extra distance between you and the car in front of you.
  • Try and avoid hitting and big puddles or standing areas of water – Driving through areas of standing water can cause you to hydroplane and lose control of your car. If possible, try to avoid driving through large spots of water.
  • De-fog the windows – Keeping the fog off of the windows is important so that you can safely see the road. When you get in your car and it is raining, the windows will likely fog up due to the increased levels of moisture in the air.

 

Final word

For the most part, you likely will not end up seeing much precipitation in Hawaii. However, some areas end up getting much more rain than others in Hawaii. So, if you end up needing to drive through these areas, you should be ready to drive through some rain. This also means being ready for your drive to move along at an even slower pace than normal. If you are moving to Hawaii or taking a long trip there you always have the option of shipping your car there, so call us today at (808) 445-6695!

Posted in: Hawaii Car Shipping

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Why Hawaii’s climate can shorten the life of your car
How you can extend your car’s life in Hawaii
Final word
 
car-driving-in-hawaii

 

Why Hawaii’s climate can shorten the life of your car

Driving in Hawaii is a very pleasant experience. However, the beautiful weather in the state can take its toll on your car in the long run. Things like salt air can ruin cause considerable damage to your cars finish. The hot weather can also cause your engine to work harder than it typically needs to.

These factors are manageable, but you need to take precautions in order to keep your car running well for as long as possible. Even if your car does not seem to be suffering any ill effects from these things, the effects might already have started to take effect imperceptibly. So, now is the time to start taking the necessary steps to prevent this slow acting damage regardless.
 

How you can extend your car’s life in Hawaii

As we just mentioned, there are a few things that you can do in order to keep your car in tip-top shape for the longest amount of time possible:

  • Keep your car out of the sun – The san can do serious damage to your car’s paint over time. Salt air is another serious offender for this. If you keep your car in a garage, or at least covered, you can prevent most of this damage from happening.
  • Don’t push the engine if possible – If you normally drive fast, consider slowing down. The less stress you put on your engine in a warmer climate like Hawaii the longer your engine will last. You should also try and avoiding to much frequent braking AKA traffic, but that might not be very easy in Hawaii.
  • Make sure you take care of the routine maintenance on-time – Changing your oil might not seem like a super important task but if you do not do it as frequently you are supposed to, your cars engine can break down more easily – especially in hot weather like you have in Hawaii.
  • Keep the car as light as you can – The more weight a car has, the harder the engine ends up needing to work. So, keep unnecessary stress off the engine by keeping the car low-weight.
  • Get it waxed – By getting your car waxed, you essentially are adding an extra layer of protection for your car from adverse weather, sun and salt-air which are all prevalent in Hawaii.

 

Final word

Taking a few easy precautions can really make a big difference for your car in Hawaii. The warm weather and the sun in particular, can slowly but surely cause your car to age faster than it would somewhere else. Doing something as simple as keeping your car out of the sun can make a huge difference for the longevity of your vehicle.

Posted in: Hawaii Car Shipping