Some individuals opt to minimize their possessions when moving, selling or donating many of them in order to save both time and money in the long run – especially when they’re headed to Hawaii.

Heavy items can be shipped across an ocean via container, crate or pod shipping; alternatively air travel (checked luggage) may also be an option; freight shipping typically offers the best value, but what can you do to send your things to this beautiful state?

Cars

When shipping your car to Hawaii, there are several different options available to you. Flying is ideal for luxury or vintage vehicles that require fast transport times; cargo shipping is more economical; most people opt for this latter method due to lower costs. Before sending off your car though, be sure to have all necessary documentation ready including title registration proof of insurance certificate as well as paperwork regarding quarantine inspections – Hawaii has strict rules against invasive species so make sure it’s clean inside and out to avoid any hassle.

Most car shippers will inform you in advance which documentation they require from you before collecting your car, typically including copies of both vehicle titles and valid driver’s licenses matching up with those listed on registration documents (https://www.quora.com/What-documents-do-I-need-to-ship-my-car-to-Hawaii). They may also require an authorization letter from lenders in case the owner still owes on or leases it from them.

Keep in mind that most car shipping companies can only accommodate vehicles small enough to fit on one of their vessels; thus if you own an SUV or trailer you must find alternative means of transporting it to the islands.

Based on your planned return frequency to the mainland, selling your current car before shipping it may be worthwhile. Many island cities provide excellent public transit systems and may meet all your daily needs without it.

Large Items

Hawaii is located far from the mainland United States, so shipping items there requires additional time. Therefore, its costs tend to be more costly than for shipping in other parts of the country and businesses should carefully consider their options when planning their supply chains.

There are various options available to individuals, as well. Based on the size and nature of their shipment, businesses may opt for either parcel or freight services to ship items or shipping car to Hawaii (especially the Big Island). Parcel carriers such as USPS and UPS often represent cheaper solutions when shipping smaller shipments that do not need fast delivery.

Ocean freight services provide reasonable rates and secure, reliable shipping to Hawaii for larger shipments. Please keep in mind that there are restrictions on some items being sent into Hawaii such as food, animals and plants, while any hazardous or flammable materials must be declared to the relevant authorities before being sent there.

When shipping large items to Hawaii, it is important that everything be packed tight and securely to prevent breakage or damage during transit. Crates or old mattresses are an effective way of keeping items from shifting around inside a container; using lots of packing tape helps secure them so they won’t fall down during transport.

Fill large appliances and furniture first against the wall near the opening before stacking lighter boxes and goods on top of them. Make sure the weight distribution is even, without gaps – fill any such spaces with pillows to smooth over any irregularities in weight distribution.

Other Things

Your destination of Hawaii for work or recreation likely means bringing some of your most treasured items with you, whether work-related or vacation related. Air freight may be the ideal solution, and costs can depend on item size and whether or not priority or insurance delivery services are needed.

Items of less substantial size may be suitable for packing in your checked or carry-on luggage or shipping them via UPS or USPS; please bear in mind, however, this link states that Hawaii’s hot temperatures could damage packages during shipping so be sure to select a service with tropical climate expertise when choosing their provider.

Collapsible cooler bags make an essential addition to any beach packing list, enabling easier and faster food and beverage transport after long days at the beach, without ice getting in your hotel room or having to make multiple trips back out for delivery. They’re also great to bring along when kayaking or sailing so your belongings stay secure when out in the water!

Sand-resistant beach towels are another handy item to have when traveling to Hawaii, and come in all sorts of designs and colors. Not only do these towels prevent water absorption or spray sand onto passersby, they’re much more practical than traditional towels! Many travelers bring their own when visiting, though you can often find these at most resorts or hotels as well.

Consider packing some light reading material for both the plane ride and your time on the islands. Nothing beats a good book, but don’t over pack as this will take up valuable luggage space. Rent a Kindle instead or support local bookstores by buying them locally.

Photo by Liza Summer
Whether you own a business or are thinking of making a personal donation, there are so many reasons why you should give to charity.

Discover six reasons why you should start donating to charity, from more altruistic reasons, such as to help those less fortunate than yourself, to more selfish ones like lowering your tax bill.

• Based on personal experience

If you have had direct personal experience with a particular charity, why not make this the year you decide to give something back?

Maybe someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer or has needed an urgent blood transfusion. Whatever it is, when a charitable organization directly impacts your life, many realize that they want to support you in one way or another.

• To make a difference

When you choose to support a charity, whether that be one that is helping people in your local community or a national charity such as the American Red Cross, you have the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.

 Even a small monthly donation allows charities to continue carrying out crucial work that can mean the difference between life and death for some people.

• To give a sense of belonging

Sometimes, life can be hard, even for those who are fortunate enough to have a roof over their heads and a stable income. However, when you get involved with a charitable cause, there is a sense of belonging and a feeling that you are all in this together.

Some charities even offer memberships and regular events that enable you to connect with other like-minded individuals to organize events and to effect real change for the future.

• To feel good

On a purely selfish level, when you give to charity, you feel good about yourself and your choices when you think that you are making a difference to those who are in need.

In fact, research suggests that people who regularly support charitable organizations experience better life satisfaction and are less likely to experience feelings of depression than people who don’t.

• To save on your taxes

Did you know that charitable donations are tax deductible? In fact, they are the most of the best tax-saving methods available.  

If you are self-employed or run your own business and have donated to charity over the course of the tax year, then make sure you itemize it on your tax returns to make sure it is deducted from your total.

• To set a good example

If you have children, giving to charity or getting involved in a local community project can help instill good values in them. Furthermore, when other people, such as family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues, see you making a difference, they may be inspired to act, too.

Although you may not think that your actions will greatly impact the world around you, you may be surprised how many people you can motivate when you decide to support a local charity.