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!

Hawaii is iconic for its picturesque views. The beaches, mountains, volcanoes, and waterfalls are breathtakingly beautiful. But where to start and what to do? There are some definitely must dos in Hawaii that you want to be sure to not miss. The best part of sightseeing in Hawaii is that you can do it by land, sea, or air.

The Island of Kauai

Did you know that the filming of Jurassic Park took place on Kauai? Nicknamed “the Garden Isle” because of the many tropical rainforests, Kauai is the oldest of the main Hawaiian islands. You can explore this island by foot, helicopter or boat. If you are traveling by foot, you can hike the 22 mile trail that is considered to be the state’s best backpacking route. If you are traveling by air, you will get an appreciation for the waterfalls and landscape. If you are traveling by sea, take advantage of the aquatic wonders by snorkeling and diving into sea caves. Wildlife includes dolphins and green sea turtles.

Haleakala Sunrise and Sunset

Of course on the list of Must Dos for Hawaii is experiencing the sunrise and sunsets. Why not experience the breathtaking and memorable views from a dormant volcano? Haleakala is almost 10,000 feet above sea level and located on the island of Maui. It is important to keep in mind that it more popular to view the sunset rather than the sunset. If you are considering to check off the Haleakala Sunrise and Sunset off Must Dos in Hawaii list, then you need to know that reservations are required. You can make your reservations up to 60 days in advanced with the Haleakala National Park.

Waikiki

Next up on the Must Dos for Hawaii is Waikiki, located on the south shore of Honolulu. Waikiki is known for its beaches, world- class shopping, dining, entertainment, and resorts. Beaches stretch out for blocks, and you will be provided with multiple opportunities for water activities such as surfing and canoeing. If you’re not into the water activities, you can visit the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium, which is fun for the whole family. Best of all, Waikiki is only about a half hour away from Pearl Harbor.

So, let us worry about shipping your car to Hawaii, and you worry about which Must Dos in Hawaii activity  you are going to cross off your list first.

You are in the process of selecting a company to ship your car. There a variety of companies out there, so how do you select the best company for you and your needs? While your on the phone with potential companies, and information is being spleud at your, you may forget to ask the important car shipment questions. Check out our compiled list of car shipment questions that you should have an answer to before shipping your car.

1. Do you offer free non- obligation quotes?
2. What services do you offer?
3. Do you offer both enclosed and open car transport services?
4. Do you offer door to door service?
5. Is the company registered with the Department of Transportation? If so, what is their “DOT” number?
6. How much will it cost and what are the factors that are contributing to the cost?
7. Can you give me a break down of what each factor costs?
8. Will there be any hidden fees that arise at either drop off or pick up?
9. What types of insurance do you offer? What does the insurance cover in relationship to my car?
10. What documents do I need prior to car shipment and upon receiving my car shipment?
11. How do I prepare my car for shipment?
12. How long will it take to receive my car? What factors will impact receiving my car?
13. What are the payment arrangement?
14. Will my car always be in the driver’s possession?
15. Can someone else other than myself drop off and pick up my car? If so, what type of documentation do I need?
16. Can I take pictures of my car prior to drop off and before I sign drive off with my car after pick up?
17. Can I track my car? If so, how accurate is the tracking information?
18. Why are you the best company to go with?
19. Do I need a spare set of keys? What if I don’t have or can’t find my spare set?
20. How much gas should I have in my car?

There are many factors that set us apart from other car shipping companies. So call us today or click here and let us answer all your car shipment questions!

Looking to ship your car to Hawaii? Want to fit in with the locals? Then check out Hawaii’s summer sizzling cars.

It goes without say that the convertible is on the top of the list for this year’s summer sizzling cars. The convertible is without a doubt associated with summer time. A convertible allows you to cruise down the highway, while taking in both the sunshine and summer air breeze. There are a variety of convertible models to fit your style. You can choose from a hard top or soft top, luxurious or sport, 2 door compact or 4 door economy class car. The choices and possibilities for convertibles are endless, making it a sizzling car to add to your summer bucket list.

If you are into the beaches, off roading, or mountain driving, then the summer sizzling car that would fit your lifestyle is a jeep. There are a variety of jeeps to choose from. If you like the convertible style, but want a “rougher and tougher” vehicle, then the Jeep Wrangler would be a suitable fit for you. With a removable hard or soft top, you can enjoy the summer time weather and feel, while taking your car on the beach or through the mountains.

Not into convertible or jeeps? Then a SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) is next up on Hawaii’s summer sizzling cars. A SUV will provide you with spacious seating, storage, and off- road capabilities. You can strap large materials, fishing poles, and surfboards right to the hood of your car. It can accomodate a larger family or group, as well as be there for all of the summer’s necessities.  

Which summer sizzling car is desirable to you and fits your lifestyle? Let us help you ship your convertible, jeep, or SUV down to Hawaii so you can enjoy the Hawaiian lifestyle.

Hawaii is known for its beauty, culture, and adventures. Having your car in Hawaii can make enjoying all of what the island has to offer quick and easy. While every day transportation is not a problem, sometimes finding a parking spot can become stressful.  If you follow these stress free parking tips, it could make parking just as easy as the Hawaiian lifestyle. While the lifestyle is considered easy living, it isn’t always the same for parking. 

3 tips to stress free parking in Hawaii:

Take Advantage of Free Parking

Having trouble finding a parking spot depends where you are. The closer you are to downtown areas and attractions, the more stressful parking becomes. Take advantage of free parking whenever you can. Street parking is free, even on Saturdays, Sundays, and weekends. This also includes metered stalls. Going out to dinner? Not a problem. Restaurants offer “Restaurant Row” parking as long as you have merchant validation. Knowing where to park can make for stress free parking.

Parking Garages

Going shopping, for a walk down the main avenue, or running some errands? You may want to take advantage of the private parking lots and garages. Private parking lots and garages offer stress free parking because your car will be secured while you stroll about. You don’t have to worry about leaving lunch to feed the meter. There are many affordable parking garages that won’t break the bank. Many garages offer flat rates for before and after 4pm and on the weekends. For day parking, you can look to pay anywhere from 1.50$ an hour to $3.00 an hour. However, if parking garages are not for you, you can always look for metered parking. Metered parking will cost you about $1.50 per hour.

Reserve Parking

You can now reserve parking before even leaving your home, making parking stress free and convenient. Visit www.bestparking.com to reserve your parking space or download the Best Parking app right on your Smartphone. Best Parking allows you to fill out an online form consisting of the city, location/ town, dates, and times needed. Not sure where to park? You can view maps of attractions and streets to ensure you get the best parking spot close to your destination.  Once your information is plugged in, a list of available parking spots, with rates and special pricing, if applicable, will become available to you. This makes for stress free parking right at your fingertips.

So, let us help you ship your car down to Hawaii, because with these 3 simple tips, you will have a stress free parking experience.