Hawaii’s car culture is actually quite spectacular and exotic. It turns out that Hawaii is well known for their automobiles and many people who live in Hawaii are passionate about what they drive. Hawaii is known for its diversity in people and cultures, and that goes for its cars as well. You can expect to see trucks, convertibles, muscle, hybrids, and European cars. Below are some details about Hawaii’s car culture.

The joke around many of the Hawaiian islands is the easiest way to spot a tourist is to see what they’re driving. Tourists are usually the only people seen driving convertibles. The most popular convertible on the island is the Ford Mustang. Tourists enjoy cruising down the coast with the sun beating down on them. However, this isn’t the same for the locals.  Locals feel that convertibles are too hot to drive in and due to its size, a surfboard can’t fit inside. The locals usually prefer some sort of pick up truck because their surfboard can easily attached. In fact, the most popular pickup truck is the Toyota Tacoma. The Toyota Tacoma has been ranked as one Hawaii’s best selling cars for years. It has been #1 on the list for 15 years and shows no signs of moving down. This car sells eight times faster in Hawaii than it does in any of the other states.

Classic cars are very big in Hawaii’s car culture. You can expect to see classics like the Chevrolet Bel Air Wagon and 1971 Mustang. Wagons such as the Toyota Corolla wagon and the Volvo wagon are equally as popular.

Free electric charging stations are everywhere in Hawaii and that’s because the electric car is making its way into Hawaii’s car culture. The Nissan Leafs has made itself known in Hawaii and its followed by Tesla’s electric cars.

So relocating to Hawaii and want to fit in with Hawaii’s car culture? Contact us to today to get started on your car shipment to Hawaii.

Buying real estate in Hawaii can be an exciting experience, but also nerve wracking, especially if you aren’t familiar with the state and towns. Choosing the perfect place to settle down in can be overwhelming, so where do you start when buying real estate in Hawaii? Do you want a real estate agent from your location that can do research on areas in Hawaii? Or do you want to deal with a real estate agent in your new area? Do you think seeing homes virtually is enough to make a decision? Or should you plan to spend a week or two in Hawaii in order to attend open houses?

Below are some questions you should ask your real estate agent prior to seeing any homes:

1. Have the prices in the area fluctuated in recent years?
2. Is this area prone to any natural disasters? If so, what is the insurance policy like on homes in these areas? Are there any insurance policies provided in the HOA fees?
3. Are there any homes that have furnishings included? If not, is leaving furnishings a negotiation piece for the seller?
4. Are there any HOA (homeowner association) fees? What do the HOA fees include? In addition, are there any restrictions regarding visitors, rentals, and/or having pets?
5. How many owners in the neighborhood are full time residents? If the area has short term properties or many renters, what is the percentage of long term tenants?

Where to relocate to in Hawaii? What are some popular Hawaiian towns known for?

Kaneohe in Oahu- affordable, multiple golf courses

Kahului- Lots of shopping, more commercial properties, beaches perfect for windsurfing and kiteboarding

Kailua on Oahu’s Coast- Beautiful white sand beaches, community is on the smaller side

Honolulu in Oahu- Popular vacation spot, historic attractions, nightlife spots, live music venues

Hilo on Hawaii Island- Busy city with shops, museums, art galleries, restaurants, and home to the annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival

Interested in buying real estate in Hawaii? Contact us today and let us worry about shipping your car to your new home.

Living in Hawaii often means a different lifestyle than if you lived on the mainland. Hawaii is considered the least- stressed state in the country. In order to keep up with the slowed- down, low- stress life, you need to have the appropriate car to fit the lifestyle. Considering relocating to Hawaii? Below are the best selling cars in Hawaii.

The Toyota Tacoma has been ranked as one Hawaii’s best selling cars for years. In fact, it has been #1 on the list for 15 years and shows no signs of moving down. This car sells eight times faster in Hawaii than it does in any of the other states. It is perfect for the rough terrain and weather, and affordable enough to not break the bank. Hawaii is culturally diverse. Over twenty five percent of the population in Hawaii is Asian. Non- white ethnic groups have been known to purchase non- American brands at a higher rate. As a result, Toyota has made its way to the front in popularity.

The Jeep Wrangler is # 2 on the list. A wrangler fits the carefree lifestyle of a Hawaiian. With the beautiful weather it is no wonder why the locals love being able to take off the roof and doors while cruising alongside the beach or coastline.

Toyota is a dominant brand in Hawaii. The Toyota 4Runner is a perfect passenger car which works well for large families and those who like to travel in a group. The four wheel drive system makes it the perfect car for all types of road situations, including off roading.

Looking to relocate to Hawaii and want to make sure you fit in with the locals? We can ship one of Hawaii’s best selling cars to your new destination. Contact us today to get started on your car shipment process.

If you are either relocating or visiting Hawaii, you should without a doubt be add visiting Hawaii’s National Parks to your itinerary list. Hawaii’s National Parks are full of culture, picturesque landscapes, and unforgettable rainforests, wildlife, and history. There are several of Hawaii’s National Parks that offer a variety of experiences and adventures, but why not start with visiting a park that is home to two special volcanoes- one being active and the other being the largest volcano on earth.  

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Island of Hawaii

Located just 45 miles southwest of Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to some of nature’s most awe- inspiring wonders. There are two volcanoes, Maunaloa and Kilauea, both located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Since there is a chance you could witness an eruption, the active volcano, Kilauea, is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Hawaii. In addition to the active volcano, the park spans for 333,000 acres. Adventures at the park include hiking through volcanic craters, deserts, rainforests, and a walk through a lava tube, or less adventurous activities such as visiting museums and petroglyphs.

Kilauea has been erupting since January 1983 and has had its last eruption as recent as May 3, 2018 after the island experienced a 5.0 magnitude earthquake. It is often known as “the world’s only drive- in volcano.” Each day the volcano produces 250,000- 650,000 cubic yards of lava, which is why it is so popular to visitors. Visitors pack together to witness to Kulauea’s lava flow that flows into the sea.

Maunaloa is considered the largest subaerial volcano both in mass and volume. It’s last eruption took place in 1984, which lasted for three weeks and injured 2,000 people . Many viewing routes have been built to give visitors an easier viewing access.

So while in Hawaii, be sure to visit these two famous sister volcanoes.

Looking into moving to Hawaii? Have you been talking to family and friends about the relocation and unsure of what decision you should make? Moving to Hawaii is a huge decision, and there are many myths about the relocation. Below are some common myths about moving to Hawaii. If moving to Hawaii is your dream, don’t let these myths stop you, after all, they are myths!

It’s Too Expensive

Living in Hawaii is expensive, but it depends what state you are relocating from. If you are moving from an already expensive state such as New York or California, then Hawaii isn’t too far off. One reason New York and California is so expensive is due to its high taxes. However, Hawaii doesn’t have high taxes. Living in Hawaii can be done on a budget that won’t break the bank. It is important that whether you are living in Hawaii or anywhere else to know your finances and to budget your money.

It’s Too Crowded

Once again, your answer here is dependent on where you are relocating from. If you are moving to Hawaii from a small rural town, then yes, Hawaii is going to have more crowds than you are used to. If you are moving from a major city, then the amount of people you expect to encounter is the same. Just as people are moving to Hawaii every day, people are also moving off of Hawaii every day. Of course, some months there are more than usual crowds thanks to tourists and vacationers.

It’s Too Hard

Relocating anywhere is a task. You need to pack up all of your belongings, hire a moving company, find employment as well as a place to live. However, this is the same process no matter where you are relocating to. Fortunately for you, you are not the first person to consider moving to Hawaii. Therefore, it has all been done before, and it is easy to move all of your stuff, especially your car. While this post is about myths in regards to moving to Hawaii, we can can easily transport your car to Hawaii hassle free! Back to it being too hard, the time frame you give yourself will determine how difficult it is for you to find a place to live. Finding a place to buy or rent is difficult, but it can be done. The best way to find a place to live is to contact a local realtor in the area you wish to move to. Also, almost everything is done online, so you can find houses, apartments, and condos with just a computer. You can have everything set up prior to beginning your move.

So, looking into moving to Hawaii? Contact us today to get started on relocating your car!

 Looking to relocate or go on vacation? Is Hawaii a state you are considering? There are six Hawaiian Islands for you to explore. Each of the Hawaiian Islands is unique. They offer different adventures, activities, and sights. Below is a brief summary of each so you can decide which of the Hawaiian Islands are on the top of your exploration list.

Kauai

Kauai, nicknamed the “Garden Isle” is home to beautiful scenery. It is the fourth largest island. Kauai is known for its tropical rainforests, cascading waterfalls, rivers, mountains, cliffs, and valleys. Some parts of Kauai are only accessible by sea or air, but the views are worth it and beyond breathtaking. Activities include kayaking on the Wailua River, snorkeling on Poipu Beach, zip lining above the valleys, or hiking the trails at Kokee State Park.

Oahu

Sometimes called “The Gathering Place” or “The Heart of Hawaii,” Oahu is the third largest of the Hawaiian islands. It has the most diverse population and has a combination of city life and surf life. Oahu is broken down into many differents regions which include Honolulu, Central Oahu, Leeward Coast, North Shore, and Windward Coast. Central Oahu is home to Pearl Harbor so you can gain a perspective of World War II when visiting here.

Molokai

At only 38 miles long and 10 miles across, Molokai is Hawaii’s fifth largest island. It is home to the highest sea cliffs and longest reefs. A high percent of the population that live here have long Native Hawaiian ancestry. You can explore the cliffs that lead to Kalaupapa National Historical Park or relax at Papohaku Beach, one of Hawaii’s largest white sand beaches.

Lanai

Lanai is the smallest of the Hawaiian Islands, but it is full of excitement. Lanai is home to luxurious resorts, high class amenities, and skilled golf courses. If you are into adventure, you can rent a 4-wheeler for the day and explore off the beaten path.

Maui

Known as “The Valley Isle,” Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands. It known for its famous beaches, humpback whale sightings, delicious cuisines, and beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

Island of Hawaii

The largest and youngest island is The Island of Hawaii. It is nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined. It has a vast range in climates ranging from Wet Tropical to Polar Tundra. It is also home to massive volcanoes such as Maunakea and Maunaloa. Activities include relaxing on the beach, volcano exploration, shopping at local shops and farmers’ markets, and swimming in heated tide pools.  

Celebrating Fourth of July in Hawaii is an experience you don’t want to miss. For the 27th consecutive year, the Ala Moana Center hosts Hawaii’s largest Fourth of July firework show and is a celebration that lasts for days. This Fourth of July in Hawaii celebration lasts four days from July 1st to the 4th. The Ala Moana Center, on Oahu, is set up with live entertainment and an enormous fireworks show that never disappoints. Residents and visitors can view the fireworks show for free.

The Turtle Bay Resort, also located in Oahu, is known for its stunning fireworks display. The West Lawn opens its gates at 2pm, and provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy an afternoon filled with food trucks, live entertainment, and more. At 8pm, the firework display begins and it is a show you don’t want to miss. Celebrating Fourth of July in Hawaii at Turtle Bay Resort will be a memorable, jammed packed day full of entertainment.

Kailua Beach Park is known for its fireworks and entertainment. The firework display at this beach is made possible through donations and scholarships made by local businesses and residents. This year, entertainment includes a pre- fireworks acrobatic show featuring the Flying Leathernecks, and a music performance by the Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band.

Waikoloa Beach Resort hosts several family- friendly celebrations at two of its shopping centers. The two shopping centers are Kings’ Shops and Queens’ Marketplace, each offering its own celebrations. Kings’ Shops will be celebrating Fourth of July with food booths, hula, children’s entertainment, and live music. It is also home to the 27th Annual Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race which is a fundraiser that donates profits to the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii. Queens’ MarketPlace has live entertainment all day and ends with a fireworks show. These events are free and open to the public.

Planning on visiting or relocating to Hawaii?

What should you know before visiting Hawaii? Below are things you should research and know about before visiting Hawaii.

Islands to Visit

Hawaii has six “main” islands that you can visit- Maui, Big Island, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, and Lanai. Each island is unique and is only separated by a few miles of ocean, which makes it extremely easy to island hop in just one vacation. Some older islands are packed with eroded emerald peaks, while others are landscaped with massive volcanoes. Which island is right for you and would you like to add to your itinerary?

Hawaiian Authenticity & Vibe: Molokai, Big Island, Kauai, Maui, Oahu

Hiking: Kauai, Big Island, Molokai, Oahu, Maui

Beaches: Kauai, Big Island, Maui, Oahu, Molokai

Beach Resorts and Families: Maui Big Island, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai

Water Adventures: Big Island, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai

When considering Lanai, people usually visit to stay specifically at its luxurious resorts.

Island Hopping

The best and most reasonable way to visit each of the islands above is by plane. Domestic inter- island flights offer their own line of airlines to all of the major islands. There are also two inter- island passenger ferries.  One ferry route, The Molokai Ferry, departs twice a day from Lahaina, Maui, and Molokai, which takes about 90 minutes. The second route, Maui- Lanai Expeditions Ferry, departs five times a day from Lahaina, which takes about 45 minutes to reach Manele Bay.  

Best Time to Visit

The drier seasons, making it the ideal time to visit, is usually from May to June and then again from September to October.  However, before visiting Hawaii, you should consider its winter months. Winter usually runs from November to March and you can expect wetter climates. If the summer months don’t work well for you, don’t worry. Hawaii is always booming with tourists. Hawaii’s busiest times to visit are usually when there is a school holiday. You can expect more tourists around summer and Christmas/ winter breaks. At these times, the beaches, restaurants, hiking trails, and water activities will be overcrowded.

You worry about which route you are going to take to island hop, and let us worry about the route of shipping your car.

Summertime car shipment is different than shipping in the winter.

If you’ve shopped around, or shipped multiple times and during various months, you have probably noticed that  summertime car shipment is more expensive. For the same type of car and destination route, you will more than likely receive a higher quote in the warmer months. There are many factors that play into why summertime car shipment is in more of a demand, which then results in higher prices. Understanding the factors that play into a summertime car shipment will help you understand the car shipment industry.

Summertime vs. Wintertime

Booking a summertime car shipment tends to be more expensive than if you were shipping in the wintertime. Many people choose to relocate during the summer months. One of the reasons is that the school year is over, and therefore; it is the more ideal time to move. Because of the increase in car shipments in the summer months, there are more trailers on the road.  An increase of customers in the summer months leads to higher prices. However, it also leads to quicker shipping time because trailers fill up quicker and therefore, are ready for shipment quicker. This is helpful for you, especially if your car shipment decision comes at the last minute. Winter months are often slower and it is often due to weather. When shipping a car in the winter, you need to consider weather. Extreme weather such as blizzards and heavy snow falls delay the car shipment process. This makes the car shipment process difficult. When shipping to a less common city or area, or a rural area, this makes shipping a car even more difficult because of the risk of the roads not being ready for travel.

So, if you are considering car shipment, contact us to setup the perfect time for you to begin your process.

After a week of driving, the weekend has come and your car is ready for a wash. It is a beautiful day outside, so why not give your car the bath it deserves? Bringing your car to the car wash on a sunny day means long lines and a wait. However, if you take car washing into your own hands, you will save time and money, while enjoying the warmth of the outside weather.  There is much more to car washing than a bucket, water, and some soap.  Taking care of your car is worth it, so check out the tips below for interior and exterior washing, so that you could do car washing like a pro.

Tips for Interior Car Washing

You should always start an interior cleaning with a vacuum. You should invest in a handheld vacuum, which will allow you to get in between the nooks and crannies of your car. Once vacuuming is taken care of, you can move on to the trim. Depending on your preference, there are products that will give you a clean and natural appearance or a shiny and slick look. Using a microfiber cloth or mitt will give you a smooth finish and not scratch any of the leather dashboard. When taking care of your car’s carpet, you can use any household carpet cleaning that you have in the house. For leather seats, it is important you keep your leather clean and conditioned. There are many different types of conditioners that will leave your leather looking new, even after daily use.

Tips for Exterior Car Washing

Keeping the exterior of your car cleaned can be really difficult because it gets the blunt of weather and road elements. Dirt, bird droppings, tree sap, flower pollen, road mud, construction debris all cling to the exterior of your car, making exterior car washing crucial in order to preserve your paint. Bringing your car to a car wash won’t take out the fine scratches. However, learning the proper techniques for doing car washing yourself, will help to remove tiny scratches. The best way to remove scratches is to set up two buckets of water: one with car soap mixed in, the other with clean water to clean off the dirt and gunk. A lambswool or microfiber mitt or soft sponge would work best and decrease the chance of creating more scuffs. It is important to buy car washing soap only and not other household cleaners such as dish detergents as they can take off the protective wax on the exterior paint. It is okay to use tar and bug removers for hard stains. When you are done washing your exterior with soap, always wipe it down with a clean soft cloth or drying towel.

So let us help ship your car to Hawaii, and use these tips to keep it sparkling clean!