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I'll be moving to HI next week. I have 1.5 years til my CA drivers license expires. I'm debating if I should just get a HI ID or drivers license. I'll still be going back to the Bay Area at least 4x a year for work. I still own my home in CA but it will be rented out. I have 1.5 years to study for my driving test. LMK your thoughts. TIA!
If you are going to go thru all the trouble to get all the documents together for an ID or License, you might as well get the license, it is an easy test.
Having a Hawaiian Driver's License opens up the world of kama'aina discounts which some businesses offer to residents with local ID. Depending on your personal lifestyle that might not be important, or it could be a nice perk.
These discounts are offered by a lot of tourist attractions as a way of attracting repeat business from locals. So attractions like whale watch cruises often have them. And some shops do too, such as Hilo Hatties, where kama'aina get 20% off on Aloha shirts. Also some hotels, car rentals, tours.
Besides, there's the coolness factor. They are really cool looking, with a big rainbow, and little see-through windows in the shape of the islands. No matter where I travel, if I have to show an ID my Hawai'i drivers license always evokes a smile and usually a friendly comment.
If you are going to go thru all the trouble to get all the documents together for an ID or License, you might as well get the license, it is an easy test.
Having a Hawaiian Driver's License opens up the world of kama'aina discounts which some businesses offer to residents with local ID. Depending on your personal lifestyle that might not be important, or it could be a nice perk.
These discounts are offered by a lot of tourist attractions as a way of attracting repeat business from locals. So attractions like whale watch cruises often have them. And some shops do too, such as Hilo Hatties, where kama'aina get 20% off on Aloha shirts. Also some hotels, car rentals, tours.
Besides, there's the coolness factor. They are really cool looking, with a big rainbow, and little see-through windows in the shape of the islands. No matter where I travel, if I have to show an ID my Hawai'i drivers license always evokes a smile and usually a friendly comment.
Dunno. Never tried it. Just went straight for the license when I moved.
One thing to check carefully is that you have ALL the required documents. See the website. Lots of people seem to be getting tripped up by the new Legal Presence law and don't bring proof that they are citizens or have current legal visas, so they get declined.
Yes, you get the same local discounts with a Hawaii ID card versus a Hawaii Drivers License. Assuming you pass the test, the license is somewhat easier to get as you don't have to prove Hawaii residency like you do with only the ID card.
Just might want to work on your pidgen a little before you take the driving test....
'Okeydokes. Now, at the next light, turn makai'
'Excuse me. What did you say?'
"At da nex light, turn makai'
'I'm sorry... I didn't quite understand just exactly what you said. Could you repeat it?'
'AT DA NEX LIGHT,,, HULI MAKAI!!!! WAATTTTT??? YOU DEF EAH!!!!!!!!!!?"
Hope this helps
Good point! Get the ID it's cheaper, easier & gets you all the same discounts, wait & get the drivers lic when you have to or when you just feel like donating $50 (last I checked) to the great state of HI.
The ID has the see thru cut out islands but no rainbow just the state flag so it's, let's see, about 92.3% as 'cool' as the lic.
Last edited by tdr22; 09-17-2013 at 06:11 PM..
Reason: to add more snark
Location: not sure, but there's a hell of a lot of water around here!
2,682 posts, read 7,582,014 times
Reputation: 3882
Quote:
Originally Posted by tdr22
Good point! Get the ID it's cheaper, easier & gets you all the same discounts, wait & get the drivers lic when you have to or when you just feel like donating $50 (last I checked) to the great state of HI.
The ID has the see thru cut out islands but no rainbow just the state flag so it's, let's see, about 92.3% as 'cool' as the lic.
Actually, what I posted was meant as a joke. Must be losing my touch. No one working for the DMV would converse in pidgen, unless, of course, they knew you personally.
Did like the 'to add more snark' though
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LMK your thoughts. 
