Moving to Hawaii, What do you wish you Brought with you from the Mainland? What are You Glad You Took with You? :) (luxury, prices)

[Flkeys_Marsha]

Thank you for more information on the leather furniture. We are planning on moving to Maui in June/July. We have a leather couch that we were planning on bringing and I'd read before not to bring leather. But here in south Florida, the leather survives just fine. We have very similar weather patterns, so I was wondering why everyone was saying not to bring leather.

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by Flkeys_Marsha

Thank you for more information on the leather furniture. We are planning on moving to Maui in June/July. We have a leather couch that we were planning on bringing and I'd read before not to bring leather. But here in south Florida, the leather survives just fine. We have very similar weather patterns, so I was wondering why everyone was saying not to bring leather.

Very similar weather to South Florida? I don't think so - that some nasty humidity there. In South Florida - one can keep the air conditioning on 24/7 and that helps the leather. In Maui that isn't feasible due to the electric rates or isn't even necessary.

There are plenty of leather couches in Hawaii - they just don't tend to last as long as they do on the mainland.

[Flkeys_Marsha]

Yes - very humid at times. But we aren't typical Floridians. We keep air off as long as possible and only turn it on when the dogs look completely pathetic. lol Also, we're on a canal and a block from the beach so we get decent breezes - which is why we don't use the AC much. In any case, at least you're not saying leather won't last at all there, which is pretty much what I had been reading before this thread. Thanks!!

[kathrynkanani]

Originally Posted by kaileio

Thank You Everyone for these thoughtful replies!!

I would love more if anyone has any other ideas!

Someone asked how I was going to get my car there, I don't know yet, I just assumed a transport company out of California, I am in Utah. I drive a 2 seat convertible, so there is not much room in it, but would I be allowed to pack the trunk and the seats with treasures while it is being transported, or do I have to ship it empty?

MAHALO!!!

I am moving to Hawaii in a little over a month! I am planning on shipping my car through Matson out of the port of Oakland. Its costing $1072 but totally worth it since I have a 2011 and its completely paid off!

[CyberCity]

I have retired an old leather couch that is now moved into the family room (finally worn out by kids and usage), over 10 years old, and it has held up just fine in Hawaii. Matter of fact, I just replaced it with a new one, leather. Leather that is left out in the open with frequent use (such as furniture, leather purses, leather shoes, car upholstery) does not mildew. But put something leather in the back of your closet, watch out.

All items need to be removed from an auto prior to shipping, except for things like the spare tire and jack. Yes, things can go missing. We've shipped many cars, and had a few things stolen, and the paperwork is burdensome if you want to make a claim. It is way easier to just not leave anything in the car to be stolen. [We've actually had seat belts stolen!!]

[alex7777]

Originally Posted by Spammasubi

WhtViper1 Wrote:
"If one is in the market for a new car - the luxury brands (Lexus, BMW, Mercedes) are definitely cheaper to purchase in the LA area. Servco Lexus wouldn't budge on the sticker price on the car I wanted and I picked up the same exact car in LA for $9K under sticker. So even with shipping it was a much better deal."

I think it is true for less expesnive models too. One of the kids found a used 2011 Toyota Tacoma for sale in California that was cheaper by about $3200 than what he could buy on Oahu. He flew to LA; inspected and purchased the truck and shipped it back to Hono for less than he could purchased on the island. He even
worked a side trip to visit the second love of his life-----Vegas. However I never did learn how much she
might have took from him. It could very possibly been better if he stayed on island and purchased locally,
however that is a story I will likely never hear.......

Does this mean one could have a successful luxury car lot on Oahu if desired? Sounds like you could net $5K on every sale.

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by alex7777

Does this mean one could have a successful luxury car lot on Oahu if desired? Sounds like you could net $5K on every sale.

Oahu doesn't lack for luxury car lots. Ferrari, Bentley, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, independent dealers - we have them all - most people don't want to take the time to fly to LA and ship the car over to save money so people put up with the prices.

[HiloDiver]

If you can afford a car with one of those badges, you can afford to overpay.

[HKT]

True, but why overpay if you don't have to? Personally I'd rather have that 3-4K in my pocket instead of the car lot's coffers.

[HiloDiver]

Well, HKT, while I personally agree with you, evidently others don't share your view, how else would those car lots survive?