Recent Hawaii Shipping News

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!

Jump to:
Hawaii’s beaches
The best beaches in Hawaii
Advice for enjoying the beach in Hawaii
Conclusion
 

Hawaii’s beaches

Hawaii is often considered paradise by many people. The primary reason for this is that the beaches in Hawaii are some of the most beautiful beaches on the entire planet. If you are in Hawaii for pretty much any period of time and do not make it to the beach at least once, you are wasting a golden opportunity.

If you do plan on getting out to the beaches in Hawaii, you should realize that you have a ton of different beaches between the different islands to choose from. Sure, if you were living there you could eventually make it to every beach in Hawaii. However, that probably is not the case. So, you will want to be sure that you spend your time on the very best beaches of Hawaii.
 

The best beaches in Hawaii

Here are the best beaches in Hawaii, how you can get there and where you can park:

• Hawaii (The Big Island)

  • Mauna Kea Beach is at the top of the list for the Big Island because it has the gorgeous white sand and bright blue water with less of a crowd because of the beach’s smaller size. You will need to arrive early to find parking as well as a spot on the beach, but it will be well worth it.

    As we mentioned, parking can be limited here. So, make sure you get to the parking lots by 8 AM at the latest. You will need to go through the resort to find parking. There is valet parking, but it is about $40. If you are staying at the Mauna Kea Beach resort then the valet fee will be reduced. We recommend this as it is the easiest of all the options. You can find directions to the resort here.

  • Hapuna Beach is another fantastic beach on the Big Island of Hawaii. This beach is much bigger than Mauna Kea Beach. It is one of the best beaches in the entire state of Hawaii for snorkeling as well as swimming.

    You can almost always find parking here. There is a small fee of $10 to park for the day. You can find directions to the beach here.

  • Maniniowali Beach has amazingly clear water and white sand that make it one of the more picturesque beaches in all of Hawaii. The water is calm earlier in the day, so get there early if you are not a super experienced swimmer because the water can be rougher later in the day. You will also have the chance to see lots of different fish and turtles throughout the day here.

    There is also a lot of parking here, so need to rush to the beach in order to find a spot. You can get directions to Maniniowali Beach here.

• Maui

  • Makena Beach State Park is a popular spot for weddings in Hawaii because of how nice the weather usually is as well as the beach’s overall beauty makes for great photo opportunities. Swimming is also great here, but the water can get rough here seemingly randomly. So, be sure you are always paying attention and using caution.

    Parking is pretty good here. There are additional parking lots available if you are not staying at the resort. You will just need to drive a little further and walk a little further as well. You can get directions to the beach here.

  • Baldwin Beach is another amazing sight and enjoyable beach on our list for Maui. The beach has beautiful crystal blue water near the shore. It is a great beach for swimming, running, sunbathing and more. There is even a small section where there is what is known as a “baby beach” portion where there is a seawall that provides a nice little and extremely calm swimming area for kids.

    There is a lot of parking available at Baldwin Beach on most days. You can get directions right here.

  • Kapalua Bay is a less popular beach but it is just as beautiful as most of the other Hawaiian beaches. There are a bunch of watersports that go on here. It is a week-known spot for snorkeling which provides a great chance to see some really cool marine life. This beach is generally quieter and less crowded.

    Parking can be a little harder to find here as it is fairly limited. So, get to the beach early! You will find directions to Kapalua Bay here.

• Lanai

  • Hulopoe Beach is likely most famous for its opportunity to see Dolphins. However, it is yet another beautiful Hawaiian beach and a great spot to kick back and enjoy the day. With white sand and pretty blue water, Hulopoe Beach a a perfect spot for a family beach day.

    Parking is fairly easy here as the beach doesn’t tend to get that busy normally. Find directions to Hulopoe Beach right here.

  • Shipwreck Beach is a difficult beach to get to because you will need to rent a Jeep so you can off-road your way there. However, if you can make it there, there will likely not be anyone else there. So, you will have lots of privacy. You can also see turtles and will have a great view of a wrecked ship hence the name of the beach.

    There are some places to park your Jeep when you finally arrive, you might just have to take a few minutes and look around. You can get directions here.

• Molokai

  • Kephui Beach is a nice and quaint beach and good for a quiet day relaxing in the sun. In the summer, the water is usually calm enough for swimming but exercise caution when you do as there are no lifeguards anywhere.
    The drive there can be a little rough but there is usually parking available followed by a short walk to the beach. Directions to the beach can be found here.
  • Pohaku Mauliuli Beach is another more quaint beach in Hawaii but it is also gorgeous and great for a relaxing day or half-day long get away. The water can be dangerous in the winter but is usually swimmable in the summer.

    Parking at Pohaku Mauliuli Beach is fairly tough as there is only a smaller area for parking here than most beaches. However, it is not a super popular beach. So, if you arrive early enough, you should be able to find parking. Pohaku Mauliuli Beach driving directions can be found here.

  • Murphy Beach, also known as Kumimi Beach, has shallow and calm water as well as golden sand. It’s safer to swim here than the other beaches on Molokai yet it is just as picturesque.

    Parking is available but it is limited, so arrive early if you can. You can find directions here.

• Oahu

  • Waikiki Beach is the most popular beach in all of Hawaii as well as one of the most popular beaches in the entire world and for good reason too. The beach is one of the most beautiful sights on the entire planet with gold sand and tropical teal waters. Get here early, this beach gets millions of visitors per year with no sign of getting any less busy.

    Parking is ample but also in high demand. Arrive early and you can find a relatively inexpensive spot fairly close to the beach. Driving directions to Waikiki Beach can be found right here.

  • Lanikai Beach is another incredibly popular and famous beach in Hawaii. This beach has some of the best swimming conditions in the world. As you might expect, it is also incredibly gorgeous and a great spot to kick back and enjoy the day.

    It is located right near a residential area so finding a parking spot can be really hard sometimes. Try and get here to find parking as early in the morning as possible. You can enter your address and find directions here.

  • Sunset Beach is well known for its surfing conditions as well as for its crystal-clear water. The water can be too rough for swimming during the winter, but it can be ideal during the summer for going for a swim. Snorkeling is also ideal here.

    Parking here is as easy as it can possibly be. So, no need to wake up extra early in order to find a spot. Directions can be found here.

• Kauai

  • Kee Beach is another incredibly popular Hawaiian beach. It has really amazing views and a true natural beauty. The beach also has a great variety of fish and is near a popular to hike as well. It’s a great spot for photos and a quick swim as well.

    Parking here fills up quickly so be sure to get here well before 10 AM. You can get directions to Kee Beach here.

  • Hanalei Bay Beach is another popular spot for surfers as well as vacation-goers alike. This is a popular spot for most ocean activities including swimming, surfing, fishing, fishing, snorkeling and more. The scenery, especially the mountains, is absolutely stunning.

    Parking at Hanalei Bay Beach can be hard at times but if you spend time looking you will almost always find a spot. Directions to the beach are right here.

  • Haena Beach is a lesser known beach in Kauai, but it is still a borderline perfect place to unwind for a day. With great sights and perfect tranquility, this beach a great stop at any point on a vacation. The beach also boasts some great amenities such as lifeguards, restrooms, showers and more.

    Finding parking at Haena Beach is not too hard. If you think it might be a popular beach day, just try and leave a little earlier in the day. You will find directions right here.

Advice for enjoying the beach in Hawaii

As you can tell by now, the beach is one of the absolute best parts of being in Hawaii. However, there are a few things to remain mindful of when you are planning a trip to the beach in Hawaii.

It should be clear by now that parking for the beach, no matter which beach, is a bit of a hassle. You can minimize the stress of parking by getting up as early as you can and driving there. You can also walk there if reasonable or try to take a cab or some sort of public transportation such as the bus.

Be sure that you pack the essentials for the beach before you head out there too. Some of Hawaii’s beaches are located in fairly remote areas. So, if you forget something like sunscreen you might have to travel several miles to go get it. Remember things like enough drinking water, food, towels and whatever else you might usually bring to the beach.

Check the weather and, more importantly, the surf conditions. Try to avoid going to the beach on days where the surf is particularly rough. The water can be very dangerous in those conditions and lifeguards in Hawaii are already spread thin. So, they might not see you in a situation where you are in trouble.

Conclusion

Spending a day on the beaches in Hawaii is truly like spending a day in paradise. If you are in Hawaii do not short-change yourself by missing the opportunity to spend some time at the beach. When you do go to the beach, make sure that you are prepared for things like parking and how rough or calm the water will be at that particular beach on that day.

Jump to:
Basic information about moving to Hawaii
The best places to move to in Hawaii
Tips for moving to Hawaii
Conclusion
 

Basic information about moving to Hawaii

A move to Hawaii is an exciting time for many people. It means living life in paradise. However, there are a few things to be aware of before you do move to Hawaii.

The first thing to think about is the cost of living in Hawaii. It is pretty expensive to live there, and average wages are actually below the US average. So, you really cannot move to Hawaii with just hope in your heart, you will need to have some savings to fall back on. Even things like milk normally costs $5 per gallon and gas costs around $4 per gallon.

You should also plan the specifics of your move far in advanced. You will need to consider what you want to take with you to Hawaii and what you are going to throw away or put in storage. You should try and keep what you bring to a minimum. You can always buy some new clothes and furniture when you arrive in Hawaii. You must also be careful when you choose a moving company.

However, there are things you might need to bring such as pets or your car. Be sure you get your pets up to date on their immunizations because Hawaii has some tough laws about importing pets. Shipping your car there is simple but can take several weeks so keep that in mind.

Another thing to think about before you move to Hawaii is your current friends and family. You likely won’t get to see anyone you know from the mainland more than once or twice per year after you move. This is because visiting the mainland from Hawaii or vice versa can get expensive when you consider the cost of flights alone. However, keep in mind, it is fairly easily to keep up with people across long distances in the digital age with things like FaceTime.

Be ready to deal with large amounts of sunlight. The sun is out a bunch in Hawaii, and it is also strong. Be ready to get a tan whether you want to or not.

There are also a bunch of different types of bugs in Hawaii. If you can’t stomach of idea of occasionally seeing a centipede or spider, Hawaii might not be for you.

Most of the jobs in Hawaii are in the transportation/hospitality industries as well as in the retail and office industries. If you have a specific career in mind, be sure you do your research before you move to Hawaii to make sure its feasible for your career.
 

The best places to move to in Hawaii

There really isn’t anywhere in Hawaii that you can move to that we wouldn’t consider “good,” but the following are widely accepted as the best places to move to in Hawaii:

• Maunawili – Maunawili is just a little bit north of Honolulu, the state capital, so it’s a good place to be if you need to commute there. This also provides a great opportunity to get a job in Hawaii. The area is gorgeous, and the population is pretty low. However, the one drawback to moving here is how much property costs. On average, property costs just under a million dollars.
• Waikele – Another fantastic place to move to in Hawaii, Waikele. It is one of the better places in Hawaii to raise a family because property is much more affordable here, coming in at just over $400,000 on average. Overall, it is another beautiful area and even has a shopping mall.
• Honolulu – Honolulu is the most populated and famous city in Hawaii. It has almost 400,000 people living there. This is the best spot in the state to look for a job. Rent is also quite affordable here coming in at only $1,300 per month.
• Princeville – Princeville is a gorgeous little costal community in Kauai. It is well known for its schools as well as the coconut trees. With great weather and even better views, the only negative is that property can cost up to three million dollars, although there are some options available for under a million.
• Mililani – Another good place to raise a family, Mililani has almost fifty schools in or around it. There are also ample opportunities for shopping and finding a job. As was the case with the rest of the cities/towns on the list, it is as beautiful as can be.

Tips for moving to Hawaii

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you are moving to Hawaii:

• Start looking for a place as soon as you decide to move there! It can be pretty difficult to find a place to live. There will be lots of competition whether you are looking to buy or rent. So, be sure you give yourself enough time to find a place.
• Be ready not to have a job at first. It is tough to find a job in Hawaii before you get there. Once you do get there, it is still pretty difficult to get a job. The issue is that many people try to move to Hawaii from the mainland and can’t quite cut it, so they end up having to leave. Thus, companies are hesitant to hire people from the mainland unless they lived in Hawaii for a year or more.
• Have some money saved. There are two reasons to have a comfortable amount of savings when moving to Hawaii. The first is that the cost of living is so high. The second is that it can be difficult to find a job when you first get there. Those two things can be dangerous when paired together if you do not have much savings.
• Become a resident as soon as you can. In Hawaii, having your local Hawaii license will help you get discounts at various places which can help you out with the cost of living.
• Ship your car to Hawaii. Renting a car is not really an option forever. Buying a new car can be outrageously expensive, especially when you need all the money you can get in Hawaii. Shipping your car one way to Hawaii is a cheap one-time alternative.
• Be prepared for sudden spells of bad weather. You should always have a light raincoat or umbrella within reach because bad weather can develop and occur quickly in Hawaii. For the most part, the weather is beautiful but being prepared can’t hurt.

Conclusion

Moving to Hawaii can be complicated and intimidating if you don’t prepare and plan for the move properly. You need to have extra money to fall back on because it is pretty expensive to live in Hawaii and finding a job is not easy at all at first.

However, if you save and plan properly as well as use the tips above, you will get the chance to live happily in paradise for life.

Jump to:
The facts about flash floods in Hawaii
How to protect your car from flash flooding
General safety tips for flash floods
Conclusion
 

The facts about flash floods in Hawaii

Flash floods can occur anytime of the year in Hawaii. Although, they occur most often in October through April. On average, they occur eight times per year which averages out to once every six and a half weeks.

These floods are caused by heavy rains which are usually produced by hurricane-like weather systems. Most recently, in 2018, flash floods occurred in Hawaii due to a series of thunderstorms that occurred. Over five hundred houses were destroyed, and the total damage was estimated at well over a hundred million dollars. Many people needed to be rescued by helicopter and boat. In twenty-four hours in some areas, there was nearly fifty inches on rain which was a record.

These floods are actually the leading cause of direct weather-related deaths in Hawaii. There have been nearly fifty deaths in the past fifty years due to flash floods. So, it is important to know how to stay safe during flash floods in Hawaii.
 

How to protect your car from flash flooding

You are likely worried about your car’s safety during a flash flood. In Hawaii, you can do the following to keep your car safe during a flash flood:

• Avoid driving through puddles – Sometimes you have no choice but to drive through a puddle but, if you can, avoid driving through puddles as much as possible.
• Drive slow – This might seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many people try to speed through bad weather conditions. Drive slowly so you can react to obstacles more easily.
• Brake gently – the more gently you brake, the easier it will be to avoid hydroplaning.
• Keep up-to-date on the weather – Whether it’s watching the news or installing a weather app, be sure to keep up on the latest weather news.
• Don’t park anywhere you think water could collect – When you are parking, be sure that you try to do so at the top of a hill for example. You don’t want to park in an area where water can accumulate.

General safety tips for flash floods

During a flash flood, you can do the following to stay safe yourself:

• Do not attempt to drive, swim or walk through flood waters – Flood waters can be stronger and deeper than they initially look. Stay away to avoid getting caught in them.
• Try to stay off bridges – Bridges can weaken and get knocked down in floods. Stay off them to avoid getting swept into flood waters.
• Evacuate if need be – If you are told to evacuate, then do so. Learn your nearest evacuations prior to a weather event.
• Have a way to hear/read local alerts – Be sure to be able to watch/read for any and all local alerts on television and/or radio.
• If you are stuck in your car, stay inside – If you are struck in your car stay inside. If there is rising water in the car, then try to get onto the roof of the vehicle.

Conclusion

Flash floods happen several times each year in Hawaii. You need to be prepared just in case you end up getting caught in one. Do your best to keep your car safe but, most importantly, look out for your own safety in the event that you are caught in one of these floods. Just about fifty people have died in flash floods in the last fifty years, so pay serious attention to any and all warnings.

Jump to:
Driving in Hawaii
Buying a car in Hawaii
Renting a car in Hawaii
Shipping a car to Hawaii
Conclusion
 

Driving in Hawaii

Driving in Hawaii can be a great experience. At other times it can also be extremely frustrating. However, having the ability to get around is a necessity. So, one thing is clear – you or someone in your family needs to have a car for you to be able to get around.

If you are driving in Hawaii during rush hour, it can be a difficult experience because the conditions of the roads are not great, but they are slowly improving. However, the traffic patterns have long been a primary source of contention for motorists in Hawaii.

With that in mind, driving in Hawaii can also be a really pleasant experience if you drive outside of those rush hour times. It is a great way to see all the sights as well as the most convenient way of getting around in Hawaii.

But the question is, should you buy a car, rent a car or ship your car to Hawaii?
 

Buying a car in Hawaii

Buying a car in Hawaii is obviously the most expensive option you have by a long shot. It would also mean that you would need to get rid of or store the car that you have on the mainland which can be a complicated experience.

You will also need to go make the decision to lease the car or buy it outright. There is also the choice of buying a brand-new car or buying a used car. All of this can take weeks or even months to sift through. Choosing this option would also include the most obstacles to finally getting your car on the road after you purchase it.
 

Renting a car in Hawaii

For a very short stay, this is a viable option. However, if your stay in Hawaii is longer than a few days this option can really start to add up quite quickly. Renting a car for a month can easily run over a thousand dollars.

With this option, you avoid putting wear and tear on your own car. But, what’s the point of having a car if you are concerned that regular driving will put too much wear and tear on your car? You might as well not drive the car at all with that mentality.

You also need to worry about any sort of damage that occurs to the car. Often, through some sort of loophole or hidden clause, rental car insurance can fail to cover you in case you have some sort of an accident. The rental insurance might cover you partially but there is a good chance it won’t cover you completely. Plus, you will get charged for any little ding or scratch and it will be the highest amount the rental can justify as well.

Shipping a car to Hawaii

Shipping a car to Hawaii is likely your best option if you are staying there for longer than just a few days and do not want to spend the money on buying a car or renting a car long-term. This way you can also have piece of mind knowing that the car you are driving is your own and you will be much more familiar with the ins and outs of the insurance policy on the car as well.

You also won’t have any restrictions on how you drive your car. Often with rentals and leases you will be limited to some extent in how you can drive. For example, rental companies often forbid drivers from driving off-road with their vehicles.
 

Conclusion

Depending on your situation, one of these options might be better than the others. In many cases you should consider shipping your current car to Hawaii before you consider buying a new car or renting a car. It will help you save money in the long-run and it will give you the freedom of having your own vehicle with you in Hawaii.

You can always call the experts at Hawaii Car Transport to get a free quote today at (808) 445-6695.

Increasing public transportation has been an initiative that has been on-going for years in Hawaii in an effort to ease the high level of traffic congestion. As a result, there was on-going debate for several decades over the development of a rail system on the main island of Hawaii.

After much discussion and planning, ground was broken in 2011 on the Honolulu Rail Transit Project. The rail line is scheduled to open its first phase in late 2020 and its second phase in 2025.
 

The history of Honolulu Rail Transit

Hawaiians had been trying to get a train system in place in Hawaii for over half a century before they voted to allow the Honolulu Rail Transit System just under a decade ago. Back in the mid 1960’s, the public discussion started regarding a new commuter rail system in Hawaii. However, it took until 2005 for the project to get approved.

This was due to several things one of which was the failure of several commuter railroads earlier in the 20th century in Hawaii. This includes the Hawaiian Railroad in the late 19th century, Hawaii Consolidated Railway, and the Ahukini Terminal and Railway Company which ran its last train in 1959.

It was a few years after that when discussions started regarding the current Honolulu Rail Transit Train, although it obviously was not named as such at the time.

Discussions went on and on for several decades without anything actionable occurring due to political turmoil and some general public opposition.

Then, in 2008 voters narrowly approved the project and ground was finally broke in late 2011.
 

When the project will be complete

As we mentioned earlier, the first phase is scheduled to open in late 2020 and the second phase in 2025. However, as with any project as large scale as this there could be delays and set-backs. In fact, they are currently facing budgetary issues right now concerning the cost of re-locating residents and businesses along the proposed route.

As of May 2019, even with some snags in the process, the first phase of the Hawaii Rail Project is scheduled to open in late 2020. The second phase is scheduled to finish in late 2025.
 

Planned routes

The Hawaii Rail Project is planned to have a two-phase route as previously mentioned.
The route on Phase one is:

• Kualaka‘i – East Kapolei
• Keone‘ae – University of Hawaii West O’ahu
• Honouliuli – Ho’opili
• Hō‘ae‘ae – West Loch
• Pouhala – Waipahu
• Hālaulani – Leeward Community College
• Waiawa – Pearl Highlands
• Kalauao – Pearlridge
• Hālawa – Aloha Stadium

 
The route of phase two is:

• Pearl Harbor Naval Base
• Honolulu International Airport
• Lagoon Drive
• Middle Street
• Kalihi
• Kapalama
• Iwilei
• Chinatown
• Downtown
• Civic Center
• Kakaako
• Ala Moana Center

Honolulu Rail Transit facts

To get a little more in depth on the Honolulu Rail Transit project, here are some interesting facts about the future Hawaii railway:

• It is estimated that the train will eliminate forty thousand car trips each year by Hawaii commuters.
• Honolulu Rail Transit will help stimulate the Hawaiian economy by creating thousands of jobs both during and after construction.
• The train also benefits the environment as it will eliminate tens of thousands of car trips each year and will make use of electric power itself.
• As of May 2019, construction progress is considered over fifty percent complete on the rail line as a whole.

Conclusion

The big island of Hawaii will have its commuter train within a year and a half. It will help ease the traffic congestion which currently plagues Hawaii. Within six years, the train’s full route will be complete. The train will not only ease traffic congestion, it will create jobs and lessen pollution as well. This is a big win for the state of Hawaii as a whole as well as all of its residents and visitors.