The beauty of Hawaii's islands can't be beaten by a car, even with Hawaii's excellent public bus service. Renting a car can be a good option for short-term stays, but it's not really feasible for those who plan to stay long-term or for good. In this case, shipping your car to Hawaii can be a great idea since it will allow you the freedom to explore the islands at your own pace. Before you begin, however, there are a few things you should know.
We'll explain the top things you need to know before shipping a car to Hawaii, a process that differs from shipping a car from Hawaii to the mainland. This article will cover the top things you need to know before shipping your car to Hawaii, which is a completely different process than shipping a car from Hawaii to the mainland.
As a result, shipping a car to Hawaii is different from shipping a car from Hawaii to the mainland. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know before shipping a car to Hawaii.
1. You can only ship your car to Hawaii
When it comes to shipping your car to Hawaii, you have no other choice. This is due to the fact that there are no roads connecting Hawaii to the US mainland, making driving a car there impossible. The vast ocean between Hawaii and the nearest states on the US mainland – Alaska and California – is the primary reason for the lack of physical roads or bridges to and from Hawaii.
Many car shipping companies, fortunately, offer competitive rates for their services, so shipping your car to the islands won't deplete your savings. You can even find good deals that will allow you to find the most cost-effective way to ship a car to Hawaii.
2. Car shipping involves four steps
Although the process varies by company, shipping your vehicle to Hawaii usually consists of four main steps: booking, preparation, handover, and delivery. To begin, locate a car shipping company of your choice and make a reservation for your preferred shipping date with them.
You can begin preparing your car for shipment once you have a date set. This includes cleaning it, removing any personal items, double-checking that everything is in working order, and double-checking that you have all of the necessary paperwork, among other things. Once the shipping date arrives, you can hand over your car to the representatives of the car shipping company. They can meet you at the dock for port-to-port services or come to your house for door-to-door services.
Lastly, on the other side, the car shipping company delivers your car to your doorstep in Hawaii or at the nearest port.
Your car shipping company of choice matters
While there are many companies to choose from these days, it's important to remember that who you choose has a significant impact on your car's safe arrival in Hawaii. After all, a reputable car shipping company will ensure that your vehicle is safe throughout the entire process, from loading it onto the ship to its arrival at the port or your front door. This means they'll go to great lengths to ensure you get your car back in the same condition you left it when you handed it over.
A trustworthy company can also guarantee transparency in all of your transactions, ensuring that there are no hidden fees or gaps in your contract.
3. Shipping personal items with your car are NOT allowed
The majority of car shipping companies will not allow you to ship your personal items with your car, despite how convenient it may be. It can potentially lead to safety issues for you and those handling your vehicle.
Moreover, it presents more liability for the car shipping company, especially if something gets lost while in transit. Because of this, many companies refuse to ship a car with personal belongings inside, so make sure to clear your car before handing it over at the port.
The shipping times are only estimates
It's also worth noting that the shipping times provided by your car shipping company are only estimates. This means that your car should arrive in Hawaii within that time frame, but it is not guaranteed.
For example, shipping a car from Florida to Hawaii can take anywhere from 13 to 20 days. This, however, may change, especially if your car must travel a long distance. As a result, it's possible that your car will arrive sooner or later than expected.
4. Some seasons are incredibly busy for car shipping companies
July and December are usually the busiest months for Hawaii, with more tourists flocking to the islands during these times. Moreover, summer is exceptionally hectic for many car shipping companies because this is when most people tend to relocate.
So, suppose you’re shipping your car to Hawaii. In that case, it’s best to do so during the slow months, which are typically from September to November, as well as February. However, if shipping your car during peak seasons is inevitable, it’s best if you book your shipment date as early as one month before your preferred date. This ensures that the company has enough time to find a spot for your vehicle on the cargo ship.
5. Registering your vehicle within 30 days after its arrival is a must
Within 30 days of receiving your vehicle in Hawaii, you must register it with your new home state. You can either get an in-state registration with new Hawaiian plates or get an out-of-state permit for this. The latter allows you to keep your current registration and plates, but only for a year after they've been issued. You must also pass an inspection, purchase Hawaii car insurance, and present your car shipment receipt to qualify for either option.
Final Thoughts
Hawaii is a beautiful island state that has plenty to offer both its visitors and residents alike. In fact, its stunning beauty and friendly residents have convinced many to move to the islands permanently, with as many as 12,500 people relocating to Hawaii annually.
If you are one of them, a car will make traveling more convenient and will let you explore the islands at a more leisurely pace. But you need to know a few things before shipping your car, including the ones mentioned above.