Are you looking forward to a magical tropical lifestyle in Hawaii? The Hawaiian Islands are stunningly beautiful and you’ll want a car to see the amazing sights, commute, and run errands. So you probably have a few questions: Should I ship my car to Hawaii or buy one when I get there? Which is the most cost-effective and less stressful option? After you answer some key questions and look at the pros and cons, you’ll have a better idea of which choice is best for you.
Questions to Consider Before Shipping Your Car to Hawaii
1. Is My Current Car in Good Condition?
If your current vehicle is in good shape, it may be more cost-effective to ship it. Selling your car on the mainland means you’ll have to deal with depreciation, and buying a car in Hawaii can be an expensive proposition. Whether you’d be eyeing a new or a used vehicle – you’ll pay more for it in Hawaii than you would on the mainland. However, if you’re continually paying for repairs on your current car, it may not be worthwhile to add the cost of shipping to your ongoing repair bills. So the bottom line is – assess the current condition of your car.
2. How Long Do I Plan to Stay in Hawaii?
If you’re planning to call Hawaii home for the long haul, it will be worth investigating the cost of shipping in addition to assessing your car’s current condition, as mentioned above. But if you’ll only be in Hawaii for a short amount of time, say less than a year, it may not be worthwhile to pay shipping costs, especially if you’ll be shipping your car round trip. But here are some options to consider:
- Some people who will only be staying in Hawaii for a short time opt to rent a car while there.
- Another option for a short stay is to research which vehicle makes and models are in high demand in Hawaii. If your car is rather rare or super popular and one that people in Hawaii would like to get their hands on, it may be worthwhile to ship it there and then sell it before you leave.
3. How Valuable is My Car to Me?
For a car aficionado, the value of one’s wheels is not only in the replacement cost but in nostalgic or sentimental value. If you have a sentimental connection to your beloved vehicle, by all means, consider the shipping price as a worthwhile investment, especially if there is just no way you can replace the vehicle.
4. Would it be Better to Buy a New Car Before Moving to Hawaii?
If your heart is set on a new car, the sticker price will be cheaper on the mainland. It’ll be a good idea to compare the shipping cost to the cost difference of purchasing in Hawaii or on the mainland.
5. Will I Be Using My Car for Different Purposes in Hawaii than on the Mainland?
Consider how you’ll be using your current car in Hawaii. If a significant commute is in your Hawaiian future, you may want to consider buying a car that gets great gas mileage. Gas is significantly more expensive in Hawaii than on the mainland. Maybe you’ll be living in a remote area with dirt road access to your home. Will you need to trade out your low-clearance vehicle for a four-wheel drive? If you think about how you’ll use your car in Hawaii compared to your use on the mainland, you’ll be able to save some stress and aggravation – maybe even some hard-earned bucks – before you ship a car that won’t meet your tropical lifestyle requirements.
6. Can I Ship My Leased Car to Hawaii?
You’ll have to read the fine print on your leasing contract to know the answer to this question. Some lien holders have no problem with you shipping your leased car to Hawaii, while others may not allow it. And shipping a leased car to another country is absolutely prohibited. If the leasing company gives you a verbal OK, then be sure to get a lienholder approval letter from them. You’ll need that letter for shipping documentation.
7. Is Shipping a Car to Hawaii a Hassle?
The shipping process is quite streamlined. No matter where you live in the U.S., your car can be transported on your choice of either an open or an enclosed carrier to a port on the West Coast. The car is then transferred onto a ship designed to safely transport cars. The ship will deliver your car to the Hawaiian port of your choice. The documents you need for shipping include:
- Current registration
- Current title
- Picture I.D. showing the same name as on registration and title
- A notarized letter of authorization from any non-present party who is listed on the title, such as a spouse or the lienholder.
Consider These Issues When Debating Between Shipping or Buying
Now that you’ve answered the above questions, you should have a clearer picture of what’s right for you – shipping or buying. But also consider the following to get a crystal clear picture of whether you’ll want to ship your car or buy a vehicle in Hawaii:
- Buying a New Car in Hawaii. If cost isn’t a consideration, and you’re no longer in love with your mainland car, buying a new car in Hawaii can be the easiest, fastest, maybe even most fun way to go. You fly to Hawaii, an Uber takes you to a dealership, and you drive away in a brand new car! That’s Aloha for you. However, if your heart is set on a new car but cost is a consideration, it will be worthwhile to compare the difference between buying on the mainland and shipping versus the cost of buying in Hawaii.
- Buying a Used Car in Hawaii. Because cars are more expensive in Hawaii, in general, people tend to hold on to them longer. So many of the available used cars are high mileage and have been exposed to salt air for as long as the car has been in the islands.
- Be a savvy buyer. If you’re considering a used car, try to find one that has been garaged and has lower mileage – but keep in mind that you’ll pay the price for those features.
- If you choose to go the used car route, don’t just look at what dealers are offering. Private party sales may offer more room for negotiation, especially if the person is selling because they’re heading back to the mainland. With the large military presence on Oahu, you may find a good deal if the car owner is being transferred off the island.
- The Safety of Ocean Shipping. Maybe you don’t want to consider shipping your car because you’re worried it may get damaged. Ocean shippers have honed vehicle transport to a science and take the safety of each vehicle very seriously. Damage is rare, and most companies can customize their service to accommodate your needs.
- Online Forums. If you’re still undecided about whether shipping or buying is best, take a look at online forums where other folks discuss the pros and cons of shipping their car to Hawaii versus buying once they arrive.
As you weigh the pros and cons of shipping versus buying, you’ll benefit from getting a free quote to see just how much shipping would cost.
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Don’t let worry or stress prevent you from shipping your vehicle to Hawaii. Caravan Auto Transport will connect you with the most reliable, trustworthy, and professional Hawaii car shippers. To find out how affordable Hawaii car shipping can be, get a fast free quote now!