Should I Bring My Car With Me When I Move to Hawaii?

After making the exciting decision to move to Hawaii, the practical details of moving to an island have to be sorted out. Moving to the Big Island is different from anymore you have made on the mainland for many reasons; one of these is moving with a vehicle. 

Because everything you move with to Hawaii has to be shipped, you may or may not want to bring your current vehicle with you. 

To learn more about moving to the Big Island or finding homes for sale in Hawaii that will meet your needs and budget, contact us any time. For some of the pros and cons of moving to the Big Island with your car, keep reading. 

Benefits of Moving to Hawaii with Your Car

There are some clear benefits of shipping your vehicle to the island. 

Convenience and Familiarity

Bringing your car allows you to maintain the convenience and familiarity of having your own vehicle. If you are a creature of habit, or simply love your car, the familiarity and convenience of keeping it may be reason enough to ship it to the Big Island.

Sentimental Value

As with anything you are considering bringing with you to Hawaii, if you are sentimentally attached to it you may find that it is worth whatever cost, waiting period, or inconvenience is required to bring it with you. If your vehicle has special memories attached to it, like belonging to a family member before you or being your dream car, simply budget for the shipping so you can anticipate the expense and have a plan to keep the car in good condition once on the island. 

Cost Savings

Depending on your car, the car you would consider replacing it with, and other factors unique to you, it may actually cost you less to keep your car and ship it. If you already own a reliable vehicle, bringing it with you to Hawaii can potentially save you money in the long run.

Purchasing a new car in Hawaii can be more expensive due to transportation costs and the higher prices associated with being on an island. By bringing your car, you avoid the need to make a new purchase or lease agreement. In other words, keeping the car you have is more predictable and allows you to know what your expenses will be.

Drawbacks of Moving to Hawaii with Your Car

There are also some cons to moving with your car that you should keep in mind. 

Shipping Costs

Shipping your car to Hawaii can be costly, and the price varies depending on the size and weight of your vehicle, shipping method, and distance. Additionally, there may be additional fees and taxes associated with importing a vehicle to Hawaii. These costs should be factored into your overall budget when considering whether to bring your car.

Unpredictable Timeline

Shipping your vehicle to Hawaii can come with an unpredictable timeline. While your moving company will give you an estimated date of arrival, it is an estimate and not a guarantee. If you decide to ship your vehicle, be prepared financially and mentally to go without a vehicle and rely on public transportation and ride sharing, or to rent a vehicle, for an indefinite period of time.

Climate Damage

Hawaii's tropical climate can be harsh on vehicles due to the salt air, high humidity, and intense sunlight. Constant exposure to these elements may accelerate wear and tear, potentially resulting in more frequent maintenance and repair costs. Because of this, some new Hawaii residents prefer to purchase a car that is already on the island rather than subjecting their current vehicle to this wear and tear.

Ready to learn more about moving to the Big Island? Contact us any time.