Moving to Hawaii: Ship or Buy a Car?

Introduction to Moving to Hawaii and Transportation Needs

Moving to Hawaii is a dream for many, offering beautiful beaches, tropical weather, and a laid-back island lifestyle. But once you’ve planned your move, the question of transportation quickly becomes a priority. Since Hawaii is an island state with unique logistical challenges, you’ll need to decide whether to ship your car from the mainland or purchase one locally. Each option comes with its own set of pros and cons, and making the right decision can impact your finances, convenience, and overall experience.

This guide will break down everything you need to know about shipping your car to Hawaii versus buying a new one after you arrive. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which option makes the most sense for you.

2. Shipping a Car to Hawaii

Process and Costs of Shipping

Shipping a car to Hawaii is more common than many people realize, and several reputable companies specialize in this service. The process generally involves a few straightforward steps:

1. Choose a Shipping Company: First, you’ll need to find a reliable auto transport company that specializes in shipping cars to Hawaii.

2. Choose Your Shipping Method:

• Port-to-port: You drop off your vehicle at a designated port on the mainland, and it gets shipped to a port in Hawaii.

• Door-to-port: The shipping company picks up your car from your home and delivers it to the port, where it is then shipped to Hawaii.

3. Prepare Your Car: Clean your vehicle, remove personal items, and ensure it meets any local regulations.

4. Shipping and Delivery: The car is loaded onto a ship, and the process usually takes 2-3 weeks depending on the distance and location.

Average Costs:

• Shipping costs vary depending on your car’s size and the distance to Hawaii, but typically range from $1,000 to $2,500. Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks will be on the higher end, while smaller sedans will be cheaper.

Pros of Shipping Your Car

• Familiarity: One of the biggest advantages of shipping your own car is that you already know its history. There’s no need to worry about hidden issues that could come with buying a used vehicle locally.

• Convenience: If you have a car you love or one that’s tailored to your specific needs (e.g., a truck for outdoor activities), it may be easier to ship it rather than finding a similar model in Hawaii.

• Avoid Hassle of New Purchases: By shipping, you won’t have to spend time searching for a car, dealing with paperwork, or negotiating prices.

Cons of Shipping Your Car

• Cost: The upfront cost of shipping can be steep, especially when compared to buying a used car in Hawaii. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of transporting the vehicle to the shipping port if you live far from a coastal city.

• Shipping Delays: Depending on shipping schedules, weather, and other factors, you might have to wait 2-3 weeks for your car to arrive in Hawaii.

• Risk of Damage: While rare, there’s always a risk that your vehicle could be damaged during transport. Most shipping companies offer insurance, but it’s still a consideration.

• Maintenance Issues: If your car is older, finding parts and service for certain models might be more difficult in Hawaii. Some cars require specialty parts that could take longer to source on the islands.

3. Buying a Car in Hawaii

Availability and Types of Vehicles

Buying a car in Hawaii is an attractive option for many, but it comes with its own set of considerations. Hawaii has a decent selection of vehicles, particularly in larger markets like Honolulu. New car dealerships carry popular brands like Toyota, Honda, Ford, and Subaru. There’s also a thriving used car market, where many residents sell vehicles before leaving the islands.

However, the selection is more limited compared to mainland options, especially if you’re looking for specific models or luxury vehicles.

Costs and Considerations of Buying Locally

• Pricing: Cars tend to be more expensive in Hawaii due to shipping costs and limited availability. Expect to pay 10-20% more for the same model you might find on the mainland.

• Sales Tax: Hawaii’s General Excise Tax (GET) adds an additional 4-4.5% to your purchase. This tax can make new car purchases more expensive than expected.

• Depreciation Rates: Cars in Hawaii may experience more wear and tear due to the salt air and tropical climate. This means that used cars may have higher mileage and more maintenance issues than their mainland counterparts.

Pros of Buying in Hawaii

• Instant Access: The biggest advantage of buying locally is that you’ll have immediate access to a vehicle as soon as you arrive. No waiting for shipping delays.

• Avoid Shipping Fees: You won’t have to pay the often high cost of shipping a vehicle across the ocean.

• Simpler Paperwork: Local dealerships handle all Hawaii-specific paperwork, ensuring that you meet the island’s registration and inspection requirements.

Cons of Buying in Hawaii

• Higher Prices: Vehicles tend to be more expensive in Hawaii due to transportation and limited supply.

• Limited Options: The variety of vehicles may be restricted compared to what you would find on the mainland. This is especially true if you’re looking for a specific model or a niche car type (e.g., hybrid, luxury).

• Condition of Used Cars: The tropical climate in Hawaii means cars often deal with more rust and corrosion, especially used vehicles that have been driven extensively on the islands.

4. Factors to Consider: Personal and Financial

Cost Breakdown of Shipping vs. Buying

When it comes to cost, both options—shipping a car and buying one in Hawaii—come with their own financial implications. Here’s a breakdown of the average costs:

• Shipping Costs:

• Shipping a sedan: $1,000 - $1,500.

• Shipping a larger vehicle (SUV, truck): $1,500 - $2,500.

• Additional insurance (optional) can add another $100 - $500 depending on the vehicle's value.

• Buying Locally:

• New car: Expect to pay 10-20% more than mainland prices due to shipping and demand.

• Used car: A used car may cost $5,000 - $10,000 more than the same vehicle on the mainland.

• Sales tax: 4-4.5% on the total purchase price.

In many cases, buying a used car in Hawaii could save you money upfront, but the car’s condition and higher maintenance costs may eat into those savings.

Convenience and Vehicle Preference

• Personal Preferences: If you’re attached to your current car or need a specific make or model, shipping might be your best bet. On the other hand, if you’re open to different models and want to experience driving a new vehicle, buying in Hawaii might be easier.

• Type of Car: If you drive a specialty vehicle that’s hard to find in Hawaii (e.g., a luxury sedan, an electric vehicle), shipping your car could be the more logical option. However, for common models like sedans, trucks, or SUVs, you’ll likely find a wide range of options locally.

Vehicle Maintenance and Availability of Parts

Hawaii’s tropical climate can be tough on cars, particularly when it comes to rust and general wear. If you’re shipping an older vehicle, keep in mind that certain parts might be more difficult to find on the islands. However, if your car is a common make or model, this shouldn’t be an issue. Buying a new car locally ensures that dealerships and mechanics will have easy access to parts and maintenance services.

5. Final Recommendations

Situational Scenarios: Who Should Ship vs. Buy?

• Ship your car if:

• You have a car that’s in good condition and you know its history.

• Your car is a specialty model that might be hard to find in Hawaii.

• You prefer the convenience of keeping a vehicle you’re familiar with and want to avoid car shopping.

• Buy in Hawaii if:

• You’re looking for a fresh start with a new car and prefer to avoid the hassle of shipping.

• You’re moving for a shorter term and want to minimize costs.

• You’re flexible about the type of car you drive and want immediate access to a vehicle upon arrival.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to ship your car or buy one after moving to Hawaii is a major decision that depends on your budget, vehicle preferences, and how long you plan to stay on the islands. For those attached to their current vehicle, shipping may provide the comfort and reliability you’re looking for, despite the upfront costs. However, for others, buying locally can be a more cost-effective and convenient option.

No matter which option you choose, if you decide to ship your car, AmeriFreight is here to make the process as smooth as possible. As a trusted and reliable auto transport company, AmeriFreight offers competitive pricing and a hassle-free experience for getting your car to Hawaii safely. With options for door-to-port services and a commitment to high-quality customer service, AmeriFreight ensures that your vehicle arrives in Hawaii on time and in excellent condition.

For a free, no-obligation quote, visit our car shipping page and get started today. Whether you choose to ship or buy, we’re here to help you make the right decision for your move to Hawaii!