Thinking about relocating your vehicle to Hawaii? Before you jump into the process, take a few minutes to watch our latest video featuring local experts from Oahu and the Big Island. They share personal experiences and real-life advice about registering your car in Hawaii — from DMV appointments and shipping logistics to which vehicles actually make sense on island roads.
Whether you’re moving your ride over from the mainland or deciding what kind of vehicle to buy after you land, this conversation is full of gems. We’ve got Misty Padilla hosting the talk alongside Mara and Linda, two women who know firsthand the challenges — and surprising insights — that come with registering and driving in Hawaii.
Real Talk from Real People
Misty, a local born and raised in Kona, kicks off the conversation with Linda from Oahu and Mara from the Big Island. All three dive into what it’s really like shipping a car to Hawaii, navigating outdated DMV systems, and dealing with local realities like vehicle maintenance and inspection quirks.
Linda brings insight from nearly three decades of living on Oahu, including what it cost to ship her car in the ‘90s versus now. Mara shares useful advice from living in multiple parts of the Big Island, especially around choosing the right car for Hawaii’s rugged conditions.
What the Video Covers
In the video, you’ll hear straight-up advice about:
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How to register your car in Hawaii after a move
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Which documents you need for DMV and safety inspections
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Shipping tips — Matson, Young Brothers, and things you didn’t think about (like keeping your car empty and tank half-full)
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Why safety inspections matter — and how a failed one might actually be part of the process
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Differences between islands — Oahu vs. Big Island vs. Maui
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Electric cars vs. gas-powered — surprising pitfalls and local infrastructure issues
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Choosing the right vehicle for island living — trucks, compact SUVs, and why some mainland favorites just don’t work
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Local DMV hacks — from AlohaQ appointments on Oahu to walk-in surprises on the Big Island
Island-Specific Considerations
You’ll get perspective on everything from shipping timeframes to what happens when your car finally arrives on the dock. Spoiler: if you think you can just drive it off and go — think again. There’s a whole dance between safety inspections, temporary registration, and final approval.
And yes, they talk about how to avoid rookie mistakes like illegal window tinting, how salt air impacts your car, and even why some people end up buying a cheap “island car” just to hold them over until their real ride arrives.
DMV Expectations: Keep It Real
Expect long lines, limited staff, and systems that haven’t quite caught up to 2025. But the women share real stories of how things are improving — like walking into the DMV for one thing and walking out fully registered. Sometimes.
Each island does things a bit differently. Oahu has AlohaQ. Kona and Hilo still rely on a bit of old-school grace. Either way, come prepared, bring original (clean) documents, and maybe pack a snack.
More Than Just Logistics
What makes this video standout isn’t just the helpful advice. It’s the blend of personality, local wisdom, and the kind of “talk story” style you only get from people who truly live aloha. It’s a friendly reminder that Hawaii operates differently — and that’s part of the charm. So drive with aloha, plan ahead, and treat this as more than just a to-do list. It’s your first big step toward living island life right.
Watch the video for the full breakdown — and get the local know-how you won’t find on a checklist. From road realities to sticker theft prevention (yes, really), Misty, Mara, and Linda break it all down so you can cruise island roads stress-free.
What do you think?