Recent Hawaii Shipping News

Driving under the speed limit

People in Hawaii love to take things at a nice slow pace no matter what they do. This definitely includes driving. Don’t be surprised if you are driving on a road with a forty-five mile-per-hour speed limit and you end up behind someone who is only driving thirty or thirty-five miles-per-hour.

This is just the way that it is in Hawaii. People routinely drive under the speed limit here. Once you have a few days driving here, you will get used to it. One thing you shouldn’t do is honk at someone for driving too slowly. This is considered exceptionally rude whereas in a place like New York it’s the norm.
 

Yielding to too many people at once on a one lane road or bridge

This is something that’s very helpful to be aware of before you start driving in Hawaii. There are several areas where you will experience a road that is only one car width wide but two-way traffic is permitted. So, you might expect “the zipper” to occur, where one car from one side goes then one from the other and so on and so forth.

However, this is not the case in Hawaii. Some drivers will let five or six cars go from the other side before they decide to proceed on. This can be a little frustrating if you are stuck behind them. It’s just another one of those things that you will need to get used to when driving in Hawaii.

Keep this in mind, too, because letting several cars go from the other side is considered normal. So, if you are first in line and one car from the other side goes, you can expect a couple other cars to follow close behind. Don’t try and “gun it” to squeeze in because you might end up causing an accident.
 

Coming to a stop when merging onto a highway

This isn’t necessarily exclusive to Hawaii. You will occasionally see less experienced drivers slow down or come to a stop on an entrance ramp anywhere in the country.

Obviously, in a perfect world, everyone on the road would understand that on-ramps are meant for drivers to accelerate and match the speed of the drivers on the highway that they are attempting to merge onto. However, this isn’t the case. Sometimes, it’s not even possible because there are people on highways who use the right lane for traveling long distances rather than just for exiting the highway as the right lane is intended for.

However, you will see this much more frequently in Hawaii. It’s good to be aware of because you don’t want to be accelerating behind someone who is coming to a stop or actively slowing down on an entrance ramp.

Always keep your focus on the driver in front of you until they have merged successfully onto the highway. Then, you can focus on merging yourself.
 

Conclusion

If you are used to driving in a place like New York or Los Angeles and you end up driving in Hawaii, try and take a deep breath and take it easy. It can be exceptionally frustrating at times but that’s just how it goes here, everybody moves at a slower pace.

Driving in Hawaii is a completely different experience than anywhere else in the continental US. In fact, it’s quite nice once you actually get used to it.

The Rules of the Road

Fortunately, the local driving laws in Hawaii are pretty much identical to the laws in any other US state. One notable exception being that it’s required for everyone in the car to wear a seatbelt including those in the back seat. Another notable exception is that a person can get their driver’s permit at only fifteen and a half years old. Other than that, it’s pretty much the same old stuff that you’re used to such as not using a cell phone while driving, no driving under the influence, make a complete and full stop at a stop sign.

Parking is, however, a little bit different than anywhere else in Hawaii. As with most heavily populated places/cities, parking can be pretty scarce most of the time, especially during the day and during rush hour. If you know you won’t be using your car for a longer period, placing it in storage at a local facility might be a better option

However, where parking differs from most places is that the ability to park in Hawaii is usually demarcated by painted curbs rather than traditional signs. If you see a curb that’s painted red, that means you can’t park there. A curb painted green means you can park there but not long term. If the curb is painted yellow or white, it means that you’re allowed to stop there to unload passengers. The authorities are even more vigilant about parking violations in Hawaii than they normally are elsewhere. So be sure to park only where you’re allowed to.

There are also a bunch of common un-written rules of the road in Hawaii as there are in many other places. Keeping honking to an absolute minimum is one of these rules. It’s considered extremely rude and obnoxious. So, as a rule of thumb, only honk if doing so could prevent an accident. In fact, honking is primarily used to say “Hello!” in Hawaii.

When opposite sides of traffic are crossing a one-lane bridge in Hawaii, it’s generally accepted that cars will cross in groups of five or so rather than one by one. Keep this in mind to help avoid a potential accident.

In general, driving in Hawaii tends to be much less aggressive than the rest of the world. People move at a much more friendly and relaxed pace in Hawaii. There’s a reason that people in places like New York will angrily accuse you of being “on island time” if you’re driving too slowly.
 

Popular Routes

When you’re in Hawaii you will want to make sure that you get around to all of the best sights and points of interest. In order to do this, you’ll want to make sure that you choose the best travel routes so you can minimize the amount of time you spend traveling to these different places.

• Route 560

  – Full of lush green tropical mountainsides and gorgeous fields, Route 560 to Kee Beach from Princeville is one of the most well-known scenic routes in all of the Hawaiian Islands. This includes a great view of Hanalei Bay which is one the most eye-catching and aesthetically pleasing beaches on the planet.
  

  

• Hana Highway

  – Easily the most famous scenic route in the state of Hawaii, the drive on Hana Highway to Hana from Kahului almost seems as though it’s made up. You’ll get the perfect view of Maui’s northeast coastline. Along the way you’ll pass beaches worthy of being in movies and you’ll have a gorgeous view of the Hawaiian horizon.
  

  

• Honoapiilani Highway

  – Definitely one of the best highways to take for breathtaking views such as sunsets, Honoapiilani Highway has a special distinction that has a lot of powerful draw. Along the highway you will have a great ocean view. During the winter and spring months, you’ll have a great chance of seeing some whales splashing around. It’s quite a sight.
  

  

• Kamehameha V Highway

  – A great scenic way to explore the eastern part of Molokai, Kamehameha V Highway is a well-established way to grab a scenic view in Hawaii. Be advised, it can pretty windy on this road.
  

  

• Chain of Craters Road

  – Another widely popular route in Hawaii, Chain of Craters road is a journey with fantastic views of Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park. That’s right, it’s essentially an un-guided volcano tour!
  

  

• Waimea Canyon Drive

  – With views of Hawaii’s biggest and most breathtaking cayon, Waimea Canyon drive is truly a great sight seeing adventure with all of the places to pull over for a great view. The canyon is an amazing sight with incredible lush green and red forest as far as the eye can see.
  

  

General Tips

As with anywhere else in the world, there are a few quirky things that you should be aware of before you start driving around in Hawaii. These tips can help save you a bunch of time, energy and money. Here’s a quick list of tips to be aware of when you’re driving in Hawaii:

• Be on the look out for drunk drivers. Even though drunk driving is strictly against the law and dealt with sternly, some tourists and locals choose to risk it anyway. This isn’t as much of a Hawaiian issue as much as it is a “vacation spot near the beach” problem. Immediately report anyone you see swerving or driving erratically to the police.

• Be careful driving after heavy rains. In rural areas, smaller roads can easily flood or wash out. You don’t want to get stuck out in the countryside during a storm.

• Be careful where you drive your car. It’s easier than you think to get stuck on some of the dirt roads in Hawaii. Towing is extremely expensive there, so do everything in your power to avoid situations where you need to be towed.

• Locals may take advantage of a low amount of traffic and choose to drive in the middle of any smaller roads if there isn’t any oncoming traffic. This is because some roads in Hawaii can tend to be a little narrow, especially rural ones.
 

Conclusion

The main thing to remember when you’re driving in Hawaii is that you should take your time. Not just because that’s the custom for driving most people share there but because there are so many amazing sights that you won’t want to miss as well.

With those two things in mind, make sure you give yourself enough time to see all these sights at a nice slow pace. Some of the routes mentioned are about fifty miles long, give or take ten or so miles. Travelling these routes, in Hawaii, takes about three hours. This isn’t because of a lot of traffic congestion either. It’s because traffic moves at a much slower pace and there’s a considerable amount of two-way one lane roads on some of these routes.

Relax, enjoy your stay in one of the most beautiful places in the world and, most of all, drive safely.
If you need a vehicle shipped to Hawaii, Hawaii Car Transport ships to the ports at Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului, Kona and Nawiliwili. Call us today at (808) 445-6695.

How to Weatherproof Your Car for a Hawaiian Climate

Jump to:
Car care is always important!
Prepare your car for sunny and warm weather
Beware of salt air!
Conclusion
 

Car care is always important!

You should always worry about caring for your car properly. Taking the time to keep it clean and running properly is well worth it in the long run. However, when you move from one climate type to another, you’ll need to do several things differently in order to keep your car safe and sound from the new environment you find yourself in.

Hawaii, for the most part, has what many would describe as “perfect weather.” So, why worry about weather proofing your car in a place that has such beautiful weather? The truth is that Hawaii’s weather isn’t actually perfect and even when it is, your car could be damaged by things like the high level of salt in the air due to the surrounding ocean or a higher-than-normal potential for sun damage.
 

Prepare your car for sunny and warm weather

The sun alone in Hawaii poses a great risk for your car. It’s so strong that the interior of your car could possibly fade and crack. The paint job could also be affected by the sun. The sun can cause the paint job to fade as well.

You should consider getting a cover for your car when it’s at home and not being driven. Not only could this help save the interior and paint-job but it will also help keep the temperature low in the vehicle as an added bonus. Obviously, if you have a garage this won’t be necessary.
 

Beware of salt air!

There’s something that’s interesting that occurs when you have an island surrounded by ocean water. The salt in the ocean water gets into the air and then that in combination with the powerful Hawaiian sun can ruin a car’s finish.

The two actually work hand-in-hand. The strong and extremely hot sun opens the pores in the paint wider and, as a result, allows for higher absorption of the air which has a much higher level of salt in it than normal. This ultimately causes more corrosion.

As mentioned earlier, a cover for your car will go a long way when you aren’t driving it. You should also wash and wax the vehicle as often as you can. Also, if you can, avoid driving through any sand or ocean water that made it onto land. If you can’t avoid it, be sure to get your car washed as soon as possible.

If corrosion has already occurred, then you should replace the parts that are corroded. You don’t want these nuts, bolts etc rusting or corroding to the point that they fail. That could cause an accident, a lot more damage to the vehicle and/or end up rendering the vehicle totaled.
 

Conclusion

Hawaii is a much bigger place than you think regardless of which island you are going to be visiting or moving to. If you’re there for at least an extended stay, you’ll need a car of your own. Renting a car isn’t really a viable option for longer periods of time.
Hawaii has some of the best vacation weather in the world. However, this weather isn’t great for your car. The following will help prevent damage from the sun and ocean air:

• Cover your car when you have the opportunity to do so.
• Make sure that you wax and wash the car often.
• Avoid driving through any sand or ocean water.
• Replace any parts that have already rusted or corroded.

Turn your dream of moving to paradise a reality.  Make sure to do some research before you take the big step.  Here are some tips on moving to Hawaii to help you out along the way.

Slow Down

Hawaii has its own style and culture.  Life is more laid back and slow paced. In general things will take longer to get done since business runs slowly. Keep this in mind when planning your move. It’s a big cultural change for many people so be prepared to slow down.

Start Saving

Moving to Hawaii requires spending high costs on shipping. It’s usually more affordable to ship over your household goods, as opposed to buying new. Shipping your car will save you money as well since car costs are much higher on the island. Aside from moving costs, Hawaii has one of the highest costs of living in the United States. Make sure to plan out and budget your finances correctly. Make sure to have fund set aside for an emergency.

Start Job Hunting

Finding a job may take longer in Hawaii keep this in consideration. Make sure to tart your job search in advance. Start your job search after you have arrived, it’s easier to secure a job when you are in Hawaii.  There is a high turnover rate of people that move here and miss home. This sometimes makes companies hesitant of hiring people that have just moved here. Make it known that you here to stay.

Enjoy Yourself!

Take advantage of the weather and experience the beauty of Hawaii.  Keep active outdoors, eat fresh organic foods and take a dip in the ocean whenever you want. If you start to miss home on the mainland think of why you moved there in the first place and embrace your new life on the island.

Are you in the military and interested in military car shipment because you are being relocated to one of Hawaii’s military bases? Hawaii is the largest home to United States Military bases and compounds. There are five armed forces that fall under the military. The military includes the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. The Marine Corps is actually its own branch in the Department of the Navy. The National Guard is a department of the Navy, and not an actual branch. The Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force all fall under the Department of Defense.

Each island in Hawaii has military bases.

Oahu- Home to each Armed Force

Marine Corps: Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay, Camp H.M. Smith , Pu’uloa Range Training Facility

Army: Fort Shafter, Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield, and Tripler Medical Center

Navy: Joint Base Pearl Harbor- Hickam, NCTAMS PAC, Naval Magazine Lualualei

Air Force: Joint Base Pearl Harbor- Hickam, Bellows Air Force Station

Coast Guard- USCG ISC Honolulu, USCG Air Station Barbers Point

Kauai- Home to the Navy: Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands

Mau- Home to the Coast Guard: USCG Station Maui

Big Island- Home to the Army: Pohakuloa Training Area and Bradshaw Army Airfield as well as Joint Services: Kilauea Military Camp

Beginning Your Military Car Shipment:

If you are relocating to a military base at one of the Hawaiian islands, you may want to take your car with you. Once you receive permanent change of station orders, you are entitled to ship your car privately overseas. In order to start the process, you will need to have appropriate documentation. Documentation includes proof of entitlement, proof of identity, proof of ownership, and a completed IAL Shipping Instruction form. Once you get a relocation date, your military car shipment process can begin. By contacting our office, we will secure you a shipment date.

Contact us today to ship your car from your current location to your relocation at one of Hawaii’s military bases.

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.