Need advice for Hawaii

Shipping your car is not a good idea, and getting an island car from another traveler or maybe military would be a better idea. Public transportation is good there, and I do know that others have done ok with using it, and maybe renting a car when need to see the sights.

Good Luck and enjoy!

I am also going to hawaii, why not ship your car?, how much is it to rent a car? will the travel companies pay for a rental

I lasted about 3 weeks without personal transportation. I purchased a motorcycle and it worked well for me. I had never relied on public transportation before and didn't like the fact that I had little control over my route and arrival times. I knew of a couple people who shipped their cars (at their own expense) and another who purchased a car while there and then shipped it back to the mainland. Renting a car to visit the sights is ok for a few times but it quickly gets expensive. Have fun while you are there.

Rod

It totally depends on which island. You will most definately need a car if you are going to Big Island (Hawai'i) or Kaua'i, but you may be able to manage Oahu or Maui with public transportation.
I can only imagine it being cost effective to ship your car for less than a year if you are upside down on a loan and can't sell it...otherwise, there are always good deals on cars on Oahu due to 4 major military bases and their frequent ship outs.
I lived there for 9 years, and loved my moped. They are great for Honolulu/Waikiki (town)etc...but not so much for the west side (Ewa) or windward side (Kaneohe/Kailua)...Motorcycles are also great for any side if you can manage it.
Good luck to you. PM me if you think I can help. I was on Oahu and only visited the other islands.

Which Island Are You Going To?