Recent Hawaii Shipping News

Jump to section:
The on-going issue with drunk driving in Hawaii
What is being done to prevent it?
Facts about drunk driving in Hawaii
Final word
 

The on-going issue with drunk driving in Hawaii

Recently, over half of all the car accidents resulting in a death in Hawaii have been because of a drunk driver. This is an alarming statistic because in 2012 the percentage of fatal accidents involving a drunk driver was 31% nationwide. More recently in 2016, that number was down to 28%. So, Hawaii seems to have a dangerous problem with drinking and driving, especially when you consider their percentage of deadly car accidents involving alcohol is nearly double the national average.

That percentage had dropped after being alarmingly high in the 1980’s and even into the early 1990’s after stricter laws were introduced regarding drinking and driving in Hawaii. It reached an all-time low in 2014 at only 35%, which finally fell close to the national average. However, now the number has risen again to over 50%.

Over the years, these numbers have been higher than other places in the country likely because Hawaii has some unorthodox and confusing traffic patterns which are difficult to navigate and the culture is one of relaxation which leads to higher amounts of people drinking. In fact, a recent study found that just over 20% of adults in Hawaii drinks “excessively” which is two percent higher than the national average of 18%.
 

What is being done to prevent it

Hawaii is going to tighten its drinking and driving enforcement in a big way going forward. They recently started a “Drive sober or get pulled over” program in an effort to educate the public about drinking and driving.

In addition to that, laws are being created that will enforce stricter penalties on drunk drivers. A new law that passed just two and a half months ago on July 1st will lower the charge of “habitual DUI” from three convictions in ten years to only two. It will also increase fines and jail time for DUI and DWI offenders.

Specifically, the periods for the length of license revocation will increase from months to years in many cases, probation will become jail time and fines will increase from hundreds to thousands of dollars in most cases.

Local police will also step up enforcement. More checkpoints are planned in Hawaii in the coming months, especially on holidays where people generally tend to drink such as the eve of Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve.
 

Facts about drunk driving in Hawaii

Before you decide to risk arrest, your safety and, most important, other people’s safety, you should learn the facts about drinking and driving in Hawaii. Here are the facts:

• More than half of the fatal car accidents in Hawaii could have been avoided – In 2016, 64 out of 109 fatal accidents involved a driver who tested positive for alcohol. That is 59%. That is double the national average for that year which was 29%.
• You will pay dearly if you drink and drive in Hawaii – The new legislation that passed on July 1st introduced stricter penalties for drunk driving. The highlights of the law are:
  
  • For someone’s first offense they will lose their license for a year, have a breathalyzer installed in their vehicle, pay a fine between $250 and $1000, and could possibly get community service or even several days in jail.
  • For a second offense that person will lose their license for two to three years, they will serve over two hundred hours of community service or go to jail for a month, and they will pay a fine between $1,000 and $3,000 dollars,
  • If a person is arrested for DUI with someone sixteen years old or younger, they will suffer the above consequences appropriate to their past history plus an additional $500 fine and serve an additional mandatory two day jail sentence.
• There is a chapter of MADD in Hawaii – You can join the fight against drunk driving in Hawaii by joining the efforts of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). The Hawaii chapter can be found here.
• You can report someone you suspect of drunk driving – If you are out on the road and you see someone driving who is doing so erratically (swerving etc.), you can report them to the police by calling their non-emergency line in Hawaii at (808) 529-3111.

Final word

Just don’t do it. Drinking and driving is a senseless and selfish act. You can always grab a cab or a ride using a ride-share app like Uber for just a few dollars and avoid the possibility of injuring or killing someone. Getting caught drinking and driving will turn your life upside down and will crush you financially.

If you are out on the road, always stay away from any drivers who seem like they might be driving drunk. You should pull over and call the police immediately if you suspect anyone of driving drunk as well.

Jump to section:
What does it cost to own a car in Hawaii each year?
Why it costs what it does
Advice for keeping your car costs low
Conclusion
 

What does it cost to own a car in Hawaii each year?

According to recent data from this article it costs $14,516 on average, to own a car in Hawaii over a typical three-year span. So, this breaks down to $4,839 each year. This puts Hawaii towards the top of the list at number eight out of the fifty US states in terms of overall expense to own a car.
 

Why it costs what it does

The cost of owning a car involves several variables and these variables will vary depending on where you live in the United States. These variables include insurance premiums, the cost of gas, registration, fees, taxes, and the cost of repairs.

In Hawaii’s case, the cost of owning a car is more expensive than it is in most states. This is partially because the cost of gas in Hawaii is significantly higher than other US states due to how much extra it costs for the gas to get shipped to Hawaii. As this post is being written, Hawaii has the most expensive gas prices in the United States at $3.60 per gallon. That is over a dollar more than the national average which is currently $2.59.

Then there are the costs of the registration in Hawaii which are $45 plus 1.75 cents per pound of the vehicle up to 4,000 pounds. The fee per pound increases beyond 4,000 pounds to 2 cents per pound. In 2018 the average American car weight was just over 4,000 pounds. That weight fee is for the state, there is an additional weight fee for the county as well. This fee is 1.25 cents per pound up to 6,500 pounds.

So, let’s say you have a car that weighs 4,100 pounds. Your annual registration fee would be $176.25 in total ($45 plus $80 for weight from the state and $51.25 for weight from the county). This is one of the more expensive registration fees in the entire country.

Thankfully, the average annual cost of insurance is considerably lower in Hawaii than the national average according to recent data. On average, annual insurance costs in Hawaii are $764.72 per year. This is 13% and over a hundred dollars less than the national average which is $889.

The cost of maintenance and repairs is much harder to estimate because every car is very different in this regard. However, AAA estimates that the national average monthly cost of maintenance and repairs is about $100. So, that is $1,200 per year. This can change greatly depending on both how well or poorly you drive as well as how old your car is.

Then there are the more miscellaneous costs such as parking costs and any toll fees. These will vary too much to estimate, so you can easily figure these costs for yourself by adding any annual parking fees to the total cost you pay for tolls (cost each week multiplied by 52 weeks).
 

Advice for keeping your car costs low

If you want to keep the cost of owning a car in Hawaii low each year, there are several things that you can do to save money.

• Drive safely and cautiously – If you get into an accident, you have the obvious expense of getting your car repaired. However, if you are at fault, your insurance costs will go up and likely quite a bit.
• Take your car in for regular maintenance – You might be thinking “How can taking my car to the mechanic more often SAVE money?” Well, this will ensure that all small issues get fixed and that they simultaneously do not become big issues. This can end up saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. We recommend you take your car in for a mechanic to check at least twice a year.
• If you are in the market for a car consider something smaller – Due to the weight tax from both the state of Hawaii and your individual county, if you have a lighter car you will end up saving a few bucks each year.
• Do not drive if you do not have to – We are not saying that you should actively avoid driving if you do not have to but if you can walk somewhere instead that will help keep the cost of gas down. You should also avoid idling in your car as this will drain your gas tank.
• Pay attention and avoid traffic and parking fines! – This should be pretty obvious but if you do not violate traffic and parking laws you will not need to worry about the added expense of traffic and/or parking tickets. These are completely unnecessary expenses in terms of owning a car.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, owning a car can be fairly expensive in Hawaii. The cost of fuel and registration is higher than most other places in the united states. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do in order to keep that cost down.

Either way, you will likely need a car to get around in Hawaii if you are moving there or even staying for an extended period or vacation. So, if you need your car shipped there the vehicle transport experts at Hawaii Car Transport can help, just give us a call today at (888) 777-2123.

Jump to section:
What is the Hawaiian Railway?
Common questions about the Hawaiian Railway
Advice for taking a trip on the Hawaiian Railway
Final word
 

What is the Hawaiian Railway?

The Hawaiian Railway is an operational train that is solely used for the purposes of ninety-minute-long guided tours each and every weekend in the area west of old Ewa. All of the trips are round-trips and there are no “stops” as it is not at all intended for commuter use.

Each weekend, the train has three departures: Saturday at 3 pm, and Sunday at 1:30 and 3 pm. Tickets cost $15 for adults, and $10 for kids as well as seniors.

Each ride lasts for an hour and a half and is narrated by a knowledgeable guide. The 3 pm trips feature a stop where passengers can get out and get ice cream. All rides feature places of historical significance such as sugar cane plantations and even a “ghost town”.
 

Common questions about the Hawaiian Railway

Where is the Hawaiian Railway located? How can I get there?

• The Hawaiian Railway is located at 1001 Renton Rd, in Ewa Beach, Kapolei. You can plug in your current address to get directions right here. If you drive your car there, parking is available.

  You can also take the bus there. Information on taking the bus there is available here.

Can I buy advanced tickets online?

• No, unfortunately, all ticket sales are in-person only. Ticket sales for each ride only begin two hours before the departure time. It is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Cash, check and credit are all accepted.

Is it handicap accessible?

• Yes, the Hawaiian Railway Society is handicap accessible.

Advice for taking a trip on the Hawaiian Railway

Before you set out on your first trip on the Hawaiian Railway, you should make sure that you are ready to get the most out of the experience. Keep the following things in mind:

• Check the forecast – If the weather gets particularly bad a ride could be cancelled or delayed. If you feel it is borderline you can give them a call at 808-681-5461 on the day of the ride that you are thinking of taking and ask them what the situation is. We recommend that you go on a nicer day as it is generally more enjoyable that way.
• Arrive early! – As we mentioned before, tickets only go on sale two hours before each scheduled departure and the seating is first-come-first-serve. So be sure to get there at least an hour before the departure of the train.
• Bring a camera or at least make sure your phone is fully charged – There will be some great photo opportunities during the ride so be sure you are able to snap some pictures!
• Check out the toy train museum! – There is now a toy train museum open which is pretty incredible. It is the perfect thing to do while you wait for your departure.
  

• Don’t forget about the ice cream rides or the gift shop – As we mentioned earlier, each week there is an “ice cream ride” where the train will stop and passengers will have the opportunity to get ice cream. This is the 3 pm ride on Saturday and Sundays. Every ride will allow passengers the chance to check out the gift shop, so be sure to pick up something to remember the trip by.

Final word

The Hawaiian Railway is a must for anyone interested in a great and unique way to see Hawaii as well as getting some history in the process. Be sure to arrive early so you can get tickets as well as to keep an eye on the weather the day that you are planning on taking a ride on the train.

Jump to section:
The traffic in Oahu
Tips for navigating traffic in Oahu
Resources to help you avoid getting struck in traffic in Oahu
Final word
 

The traffic in Oahu

Traffic has long been an issue for the island of Oahu. Many people attribute this to the fact that the affordable housing on the island is a considerable distance from the area where most people work. The Kapolei area, where most affordable housing is located, is approximately about twenty-three miles from the Honolulu area, where most jobs are located.

That distance should yield no more than a forty-minute commute. However, during rush hour it will typically take at least an hour to complete that drive because of the amount of people driving on that route.

There is also the laid-back nature of most Hawaii residents to consider as a contributing factor for the amount of traffic on Oahu. Generally, the people of Hawaii tend to drive in a very un-aggressive fashion which also usually means driving the speed limit or slightly under it.

Unfortunately, on Oahu’s major highways like the H-1 and h-2, there is little to no room at many points to pull over in case of an emergency such as engine trouble. So, when these things occur, as they do fairly frequently, it causes the shutdown of at least a lance which slows traffic immensely.

Finally, Hawaii’s traffic patterns have long been a source of frustration for residents as well as traffic. Things like four-way intersections with four or five lanes of traffic on each side or entrance ramps that are way too short leading onto highways cause major delays when driving.
 

Tips for navigating traffic in Oahu

Sometimes, you will just need to sit in traffic and there is not much you can do about it. However, you can trim the amount of time you spend in traffic on most days by using the following tips:

• Leave early or late – The peak driving times in Oahu are similar to the rest of the United States but they do tend to be a little earlier during the morning commute. The times during which the traffic is highest in the morning is between 6 and 8 AM going from Kapolei to Honolulu. In the afternoon/night the traffic is worst between 3 and 5:30 PM going back from Honolulu to Kapolei. So, leave before these times or after in order to avoid the brunt of traffic.
• Check the traffic and weather before you leave – Be sure to check the traffic and weather reports prior to leaving for your commute. As much as traffic is almost always pretty slow, unpredictable weather, accidents and construction can cause even worse delays.
• Use traffic apps – Apps that you can download and use for free on your phone such as Waze use up-to-date crowdsourced traffic data to ensure that you are getting the quickest and most efficient routes in real-time.

Resources to help you avoid getting stuck in traffic in Oahu

These are a few helpful resources that you can use if you are trying to avoid all the traffic on Oahu. Use them before you head out for the best results.

1. Oahu traffic cameras – You can use these cameras to see live footage of some major roads and highways along your route so that you can possibly avoid any high traffic areas.
2. Waze – As was mentioned earlier in this post, Waze is a great app to have because it reacts to current traffic conditions and gives you alternate routes so you can save time on your commute.
3. Park Me – Park Me is a website where you will be able to quickly see all the places in an area where you can find parking. This can help you if you lost time in traffic and now do not want to lose additional time driving around looking for parking.

Final word

The traffic in Oahu can be frustrating at times. Keep in mind that it is only bad during the rush hour commutes during the week or if there is construction or an accident.

Always try to plan ahead, this way you can know the best routes with the quickest drive times before you even get into your car.

Jump to section:
Basic info about the protests
What roads and areas will be affected
Tips for avoiding the protests
Conclusion
 

Basic info about the protests

Right now, there are on-going protests in Hawaii at Mauna Kea mountain to prevent the building of a large telescope on top of the mountain. For many years, Mauna Kea has been a sacred area for prayer and burials. This is why the building of something like a telescope is causing high levels of tension and emotion among longtime residents of the area.

Keep in mind that there is obvious benefit to constructing a state-of-the-art telescope in terms of research and science. However, that is not what is being protested. Those protesting have been fighting the project for years and this has now reached a boiling point as the construction on the Thirty Meter Telescope has begun.

So far, there has not been any resolution for the protesters and the building of the telescope has started to go ahead as planned. As construction has gone on, protests have continued. You will see some of the protesters throughout the island but mostly near Mauna Kea near the side of the road.
 

What roads and areas will be affected

Mauna Kea Access Road will be closed during the construction. Also, roads near Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park will be slower because of the protests.

Other than that, there won’t be much traffic disruption. In fact, in these areas, there are now traffic guards working around the clock to ensure that protesters and travelers alike are not injured by traffic and that traffic disruption is kept to an absolute minimum.
 

Tips for avoiding the protests

Right now, the protests are not out of control by any standard. They are actually quite peaceful. However, they have caused some lighter traffic delays in the past few weeks. Use the following tips to avoid getting delayed in traffic as a result of the protests:

• Avoid the Mauna Kea area – These protests are barely affecting traffic at this point but there are still the occasional disruptions. So, avoid the area altogether if you can.
• Check the traffic in the area before you get in your car – It only makes sense to check the up-to-date traffic conditions before you leave for your commute or trip. Google “(your area)” plus “traffic” to get up-to-date traffic information online.
• Plan out alternate routes – You can use apps like Waze to figure out what the best and quickest alternate routes are each day. Try and do this before you actually start driving.

Conclusion

Tempers are high right now regarding the construction of the telescope on Mauna Kea. It is important to realize why exactly the protests are going on. What is being protested is not the benefit of a new telescope or even science in general but the desecration of land that is deemed to be sacred by many Hawaii residents.

Jump to:
Basics about shipping your motorcycle
Preparation for shipping a motorcycle
Tips and advice for shipping your motorcycle to Hawaii
Conclusion
 

Basics about shipping your motorcycle

When you move to Hawaii, you have three options regarding your motorcycle: sell it, store it or ship it. If you want your motorcycle with you, you only have one option – to ship it.

This might seem intimidating at first because for most people motorcycles are like classic cars, they are a valuable with more sentimentality than any old car that you drive to and from work.

Fortunately, you can ship a motorcycle much the same way that you can ship a car. This includes upgraded shipping options to help ensure the complete safety of your bike during transport.

Shipping a motorcycle to Hawaii obviously takes longer than if you were shipping to somewhere within the continental United States. However, if you prepare for your shipment ahead of time, you will be able to easily work out the details of being without your bike for a week or two while it ships to Hawaii.
 

Preparation for shipping a motorcycle

Preparing to ship your motorcycle is a little different than preparing to ship a car but, for the most part, it is pretty similar. You will still need to give yourself time to plan your shipment and to get your motorcycle ready to be picked up. But there are a few details that will be different.

For example, you won’t have the option of open-air transport. Motorcycles can only be shipped in an enclosed carrier because they cannot be properly secured to a regular auto carrier. They also must be shipped on a pallet or skid. These things will prevent your bike from rolling during transport.

Right before your driver arrives, make sure your motorcycle is in neutral. Your driver will literally walk the bike onto the carrier. This is unlike regular auto shipping where the pickup driver drives the vehicle on.

The rest of the preparation for shipping your bike will be the same as regular auto transport preparation. You should make sure that your motorcycle is clean. Remove any personal items including motorcycle accessories and alarms. Make sure that the tires have the right pressure levels and that there are not any fluid leaks.
 

Tips and advice for shipping your motorcycle to Hawaii

Shipping your motorcycle is easy with a company full of vehicle transport experts like Hawaii Car Transport. However, you should read these tips before you ship your bike to or from Hawaii:

• Plan ahead – You should try to book your motorcycle shipment at least a month in advanced. You can still book your shipment with less notice but, as a result, your shipment might end up taking longer and/or costing slightly more due to a lower carrier availability.
• Take pictures with timestamps – Motorcycles are always shipped in enclosed carrier on a pallet, so the chance of damage occurring is extremely rare – even more rare than regular auto shipping. However, on the off chance that your bike does get damaged during shipping you should take pictures with timestamps on them before your bike is picked up. This way, you have indisputable proof of the bike’s condition prior to shipping.
• Make arrangements so you can be there for drop-off – It will make things a lot easier and convenient if you can be there for the drop-off of your motorcycle. Plan out your trip or move so that you can be the one who picks up the motorcycle at the port in Hawaii.
• Make sure the bike itself is ready to ship – You will also need to prepare the motorcycle itself. This includes cleaning it, removing any personal items and make sure that it is in working order.

Conclusion

Shipping your motorcycle to Hawaii is just as simple as shipping a car to Hawaii. You will just need to get ready for your shipment by planning it at least a few weeks in advanced and by doing what needs to be done in order for your bike to be ready to ship.

If you want to ship your motorcycle to or from Hawaii or have any questions about the process, give us a call today and talk to one of our dedicated shipping experts at 808-445-6695!

Jump to:
Why was Haena State Park closed for a year?
What is there to do and see at Haena State Park?
How can I get there by car?
Final word
 

 

Why was Haena State Park closed for a year?

Last year, a massive amount of rain led to a large amount of flooding in Haena State Park. It was because of this that the park closed down for about fourteen months.

Some of the damage that occurred during the storm included damage to bridges, comfort stations, waterlines and lifeguard stands. Considerable sections of the beach had also been washed away.

Repairs started on all of this damage a couple months after it occurred which brings the total repair time to just about one year. The total repairs ended up costing several million dollars before it was all said and done.

Thankfully, the repairs have been completed and the park is now back open for visitors.

However, the park is now only admitting 900 visitors per day now as opposed to 3,000 a day before the flooding had occurred. So, be sure make your reservations early. Potential visitors are actually allowed to make reservations up to two weeks in advanced. You can make a reservation here.

You should also be aware that as this post is being written, local residents are attempting to block the roads into the park each day to block tourists from entering. Police are on top of the situation now and making sure that everyone can use the roads as they need to but expect some delays as a result. The locals are doing this because they feel that tourists are bad for the area and that the area functioned much better for the last year without them.
 

What is there to do and see at Haena State Park?

Haena State Park is a great place to spend a day in Hawaii. It is most famous for its trails, beaches, and ancient historical sites. Here are some of the best reasons to take a trip to Haena State Park:

• Hāʻena Beach – One of the less busy beaches in Hawaii due to the current restrictions on visitors, Haena Beach is a great place to spend the day with the family. The beach features good swimming conditions, as well as snorkeling and surfing. It also has some nice family friendly facilities.
  

• Kēʻē Beach – Kee Beach is likely most famous for its incredible snorkeling with views of the coral reef but just spending a normal day at the beach here is quite an experience as well. Overall, the water is pretty shallow and there is usually a lifeguard on duty.
• Kalalau Trail – The Kalalau Trail is an extremely well-liked trail among Hawaii Hikers. It is eleven miles long and has no lack of incredible scenery to take in while you traverse it. Valleys, cliffs, waterfalls, interesting wildlife and the sea represent the main sight-seeing highlights. This is easily one of the most popular reasons to visit Haena State Park.
• Maniniholo Dry Cave – A quick stop on your trip through Haena State Park but one you will want to make, the Maniniholo Dry Cave is another great photo opportunity and a source of wonder and excitement for the kids.
• Makana Mountain – Less of something to do but certainly something to see, Makana Mountain is one of the more awe-inspiring sights in all of Hawaii. Don’t forget your camera when you come out to Haena State Park because you will definitely want to snap a few pictures of Makana.

How can I get there by car?

Haena State Park is actually pretty easy to get to by car. You just need to take HI-50 E. Then you take HI-56 N to HI-560 W. Follow the signs from that point to Haena State Park. You can take a shuttle but now that there are considerably less visitors and an overflow parking lot has been built; we recommend that you drive.

If you do drive your car there, the fees for the park are as follows:

• Entrance fees:
  • Hawaii residents: Free with valid ID
  • Non-Hawaii residents: $1
• Parking fees:
  • Hawaii residents: Free with valid ID
  • Non-Hawaii residents: $5

Final word

Haena State Park is likely the best attraction on the island of Kauai and it is now open to visitors once again. This is a golden opportunity to get out and enjoy some of the best hiking and beaches that Hawaii has to offer. Remember, you will need to make your reservations in advanced in order to be able to enter the park.

Also, do not forget that being able to drive and park there yourself is the most convenient and efficient option you will have as far as getting to the park. In order to do that, you will obviously need a car of your own. If you own a car and it is stuck back on the mainland United States, you should consider letting us give you a hand getting your car to Hawaii.

Jump to:
What kind of animals can you see in Hawaii?
Advice for seeing wildlife in Hawaii
Conclusion
 

What kind of animals can you see in Hawaii?

It should come as no surprise that in Hawaii, with it’s beautiful tropical climate, you will be able to see a variety of wildlife. You could see many types of animals from lizards and birds to boars and donkeys. However, most of these animals can be found only in specific areas of Hawaii.

• Birds – In Hawaii, you can see a large variety of birds. This includes owls, parrots, sea birds such as Loons and Albatrosses, ducks, Sparrows and more. Birds, in general, are located throughout the state of Hawaii, but, you will need to visit specific parts of Hawaii to see specific types of birds.
• Lizards – Primarily, you will mostly see geckos when it comes to lizards in Hawaii. However, you could still occasionally see species like Chameleons as well. You should be able to encounter the geckos all over Hawaii.
• Whales – For a few months each year you can see whales off the coast of Hawaii. These are primarily Humpback whales. From December until April you can see these whales of the coast of Maui and Kohala.
• Seals – There is a rare and endangered species of seal known as the Monk seal. It is fairly rare that you might see one but you stand a moderately better chance at Poipu Beach where these seals will occasionally rest.
• Turtles – If you go snorkeling in Hawaii, you have a pretty good chance of seeing a green sea turtle. Laniakea Beach, Kiholo Bay, Punalu’u Beach and Maluaka Beach are all considered good spots to see a turtle in Hawaii.
• Dolphins – You can see a few different types of dolphins when you are in Hawaii. Often times, they are right off the coast so you can see them from the shore. But it is best to take a boat out to see them for the very best views. The coast of Lanai has been frequented by dolphins recently.
• Manta Rays – Manta Rays are another creature you can see while snorkeling in Hawaii. The best spots that you can see them are off the Kohala Coast, Maui as well as Kona.
• Donkeys – Donkeys are pretty a pretty rare sight in Hawaii these days but they are there if you look for them. The feral donkeys are on Hawaii’s big island but there are very few left. Most have been rounded up and brought to a ranch in Waikoloa.
• Boars – Although they are a pretty rare sight in Hawaii, boars do exist there. They are feral so that means that they are running around untamed. So, be careful and keep a distance if you want to avoid any injuries.
• Bats – Believe it or not, you can actually also seem some bats in Hawaii as well. On The main island of Hawaii and on Kauai you can see the Hawaiian hoary bat.

Advice for seeing wildlife in Hawaii

Seeing the wildlife in Hawaii is definitely a great adventure for any animal lover. However, there are a few things to be aware of before you set out to see the animals of this tropical paradise.

First, always remember to keep your distance, for both your own safety and the safety of the animals. Some of these animals can be dangerous if they think that they are being threatened. Also, some are endangered, so it is important to make sure you keep a distance to make sure that you do not accidentally cause them any harm.

Remain as quiet and still as possible. This, quite simply, will decrease the chances of scaring animals away when you are trying to watch them and/or get a photo or video.

Also, be sure that you never feed the wildlife. This is important because when more and more people feed the wildlife, they become dependent on people for food rather than hunting/looking for it themselves.

Be sure you plan your wildlife viewing experience properly and in advanced. Not all animals are around all year-long. For example, you can only see whales in Hawaii from December through April.

You will likely be out for several hours seeing wildlife when you do end up going. So, you will likely need to bring something to eat. We recommend that you do not bring anything too pungent that could easily attract the attention of the animals. Try to bring something along the lines of a protein bar. Also, make sure you do not liter in the natural environments of these animals – bring your trash with you when you leave.
 

Conclusion

Seeing the wildlife of Hawaii is some of the most fun you can have while you are on the islands. You just need to make sure that you are prepared and ready for your animal sight-seeing before you trek out.

One of the easiest ways to see wildlife in Hawaii is to drive to the various locations where you can see the wildlife with your own car. If you are going to be in Hawaii in general, we recommend having your own vehicle there. The auto transport experts at Hawaii Car Transport can get your car shipped to Hawaii today without a hassle!

Jump to:
The history of car racing in Hawaii
Where can you watch a race in Hawaii today?
Pointers for watching a race in Hawaii
The future of racing in Hawaii
 

The history of car racing in Hawaii

For almost half a century, Hawaii Raceway Park was the center of the Hawaiian car racing culture. The track hosted all sorts of races from dirt racing to drag racing. It opened in 1962 and unfortunately closed back in 2006 due to the lease on the property expiring. There was a strong push to get the track re-opened, but that battle was eventually lost.

However, the Raceway’s history is notable and worth being aware of. There was a drag strip, multiple road courses over the years, a dirt oval and even a sand drag strip. The Raceway even regularly hosted a program for Junior drivers at one point.

Fortunately, there is new legislation currently being discussed that would facilitate the construction and operation of a new racetrack in Oahu. This is because since Hawaii Raceway Park has closed, illegal street racing has increased greatly which has led to accidents and injuries.

There are also several racetracks in Hawaii that still operate today. You can read more about them below.
 

Where can you watch a race in Hawaii today?

Currently, there are a handful of great places to watch a car race in Hawaii. They are as follows:

• Hilo Dragstrip – The Hilo Dragstrip opened back in 1978 in Hilo and is still a popular destination for race lovers today. The races that most often take place are hot rod races and motocross.
• Paradise Speedway Maui – Paradise Speedway in Maui is one of the better tracks in Hawaii to catch a race at. The races occur from February through October and happen about once a month. It is located in Puunene, Hawaii and is a dirt track.
• Kauai Raceway Park – A quarter mile-long drag strip, Kauai Raceway Park is located in Kekaha, Hawaii. From March through November there is at least one race per month, usually two. It is a fantastic place to catch a race while you are in Hawaii.

Pointers for watching a race in Hawaii

We highly recommend that you take the time to get out and see a race while you are in Hawaii. Before you do, check out these tips so that you can have the best experience possible:

• Get a good spot to watch but keep a safe distance – Races are almost never a danger to spectators. However, there is a slight chance in the event of a crash that debris can go flying so make sure you are not super close to the action.
• The tracks are outdoors, prepare for the elements – Depending on when you see a race, the weather could be factor in your enjoyment of the race. Be sure you check the forecast and dress appropriately for the weather that day or night. Bring a hat and/or poncho if there is a chance of rain.
• Consider a race scanner – If the race is notable enough to have commentators calling the action, you can listen in by using a race scanner.
• Be ready for the races to last a while – Drag races are obviously very short in duration but there might be a bunch of them which, combined, could last for a few hours. Regular races can last for a few hours as well. You should dress comfortably and find a comfortable spot to watch the race from.

The future of racing in Hawaii

Right now, the tracks above are the only tracks that are open in Hawaii. Although, Hilo Motor Speedway in Hilo is expected to re-opened sometime fairly soon after being closed for a few years. Also, as mentioned earlier, there is serious discussion going on in Hawaii’s legislature regarding the construction of a new racetrack in Oahu in an effort to curb illegal street racing.

Jump to:
Why are there so many abandoned vehicles in Hawaii?
What is Hawaii going to do about the abandoned cars?
How can Hawaii prevent people from abandoning cars in the future?
Final word
 

 

Why are there so many abandoned vehicles in Hawaii?

Hawaii has an on-going problem and that problem is abandoned cars being left scattered in random places throughout the state. If you are in Hawaii for more than a few days, you will likely come across at least one abandoned car at some point.

The reason for this is that it is actually pretty difficult to transfer ownership and/or sell your car in Hawaii. This is because the documentation that is required to sell your car and transfer the ownership is difficult and fairly expensive to acquire. When people have a car that has depreciated so much in value that selling it would actually cost more money and time then abandoning it, that is why many people decide to abandon vehicles in Hawaii.

Vehicle registration is probably the worst of it. In Hawaii, unlike any other state in the country, vehicle registration is not taken seriously at all. In fact, in most cases, if you get pulled over the police will not care either and you will not get a ticket. On the very off chance that you do, it will be for $200 less than the cost of actually getting the registration. However, if you decide to leave the state of Hawaii, you will get hit with up to a thousand dollars in fees for registration. Thus, people just abandon their cars.

Then there is the issue of the title and safety inspection. These are equally hard to obtain as the registration if not harder. You will need this to sell the car as well. You will also end up spending a couple hundred dollars to acquire these documents. On top of that, it could take several months before you finally receive these.

So, this is why Hawaii has ended up with so many abandoned cars recently. The choice is a pretty easy one for some people, take months dealing with the DMV, waiting for these documents and spending well over a thousand dollars or just leave your car in a field.
 

What is Hawaii going to do about the abandoned cars?

Hawaii eventually removes all of the abandoned vehicles. It just currently takes longer to remove these cars than the rate at which they are being abandoned. The state government is currently looking for ways to improve the response rate to these abandoned vehicles. So far, they have set up an email where people can notify the authorities about any abandoned cars they find. That e-mail is watch@hawaiianacres.org.

Unfortunately, disposing of these cars also comes at a cost to the counties and state. Because of this, when a vehicle gets marked as abandoned, there are several approvals that must be made before the physical process can begin. That is why it takes some time to get these cars removed after they are reported.
 

How can Hawaii prevent people from abandoning cars in the future?

Rather than being reactive about the abandoned cars issue, Hawaii can start being proactive. They can start making the registration process easier and hopefully more affordable. If they do this safety inspections will also be much easier to come by for vehicle owners.

The state is also looking to deter people from abandoning their cars by passing a bill that would enact a hefty fine for the legal owners of a vehicle that is determined to be abandoned. This will also help off-set the state’s costs of removing the cars.
 

Final word

Right now, there are a lot of abandoned cars in Hawaii in comparison to most other places like it. It also seems like, at the moment, that number is steadily increasing rather than decreasing. However, with a few upcoming changes this should soon change. Also, these cars are generally just eyesores more than anything else so long as they are removed before they become harmful to the environment.

One of the reasons people leave their cars abandoned in Hawaii is that they figure it is too difficult to ship them to the mainland and nothing could be further from the truth. Car shipping is actually an easy process that will help make the rest of your move even easier. If you are considering shipping your car you should give Hawaii Car Transport a call today!