PCS to Hawaii (Lift Question) - lifted vehicle registered in Hawaii ?

[HokieRubi]

Hey all, as you see in the title, I’m moving to Hawaii next year in orders. I’ve been doing research and Hawaii is putting me in a bind with my lift plans. Everything I’ve read indicates that getting a lifted vehicle registered in Hawaii is very difficult.

Anyone have any first hand knowledge or experience with this? I’m really not wanting to spend thousands only to be told I can’t register my jeep there due to the modifications. Thanks I’m advance!

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[DarkAardvark]

If it's a PCS on orders, can't you keep your home state and keep it registered under wherever you live now?

 

[HokieRubi]

If it's a PCS on orders, can't you keep your home state and keep it registered under wherever you live now?

I researched but couldn’t find any definitive answers. I’ll keep looking, at least I have some time to figure this out

 

[multicam]

I’ve been stationed in HI. I’ve heard that recently they made it easier to recon (the term for getting a “reconstructed” vehicle registered). But I wouldn’t bank on that; they take pictures with iPads that get sent to city hall with your registration.

You can definitely keep your current state’s registration. There’s almost always a way. Don’t let this derail your plans for a lift. Worst case scenario, you install mud flaps and super glue some garden edging to your fenders and your jeep will temporarily look like a Bronco or an extreme recon... then tear it off when you’re done getting it registered- but like I said, try to keep your current state.

 

[SoCal]

I've been going going to Hawaii for the last 20 years and have seen plenty of lifted trucks....the locals seem to love the lifted Tacoma's especially over there.

They even have their own "Hawaiian Style" trucks over there

https://www.modifind.com/offroad/style/hawaiian-truck-style-808/

unless you've got some extreme lift you will probably be fine.

 

[HokieRubi]

Thank you guys I’ll try to get in touch with the dmv out there and also definitely try to keep my current registration! Great info, thank you!

 

[CDRMidnight]

I've been going going to Hawaii for the last 20 years and have seen plenty of lifted trucks....the locals seem to love the lifted Tacoma's especially over there.

They even have their own "Hawaiian Style" trucks over there

https://www.modifind.com/offroad/style/hawaiian-truck-style-808/

unless you've got some extreme lift you will probably be fine.

Had to post this, although it’s a bit NSFW with language…



Cheers,
-CM-

 

[HokieRubi]

Had to post this, although it’s a bit NSFW with language…



Cheers,
-CM-

Wow, those trucks are hideous! I see what I get to look forward to.........

 

[FLjeeper]

Agree with all above. PCS to Hawaii doesn't change your home of record. The 10 years I was in the Army, didn't matter where I was stationed, I had FL plates.

 

[CDRMidnight]

Wow, those trucks are hideous! I see what I get to look forward to.........

Those are mild examples. You haven't seen anything yet... What base are you being assigned to, out of curiosity?

Cheers,
-CM-

 

[HokieRubi]

Those are mild examples. You haven't seen anything yet... What base are you being assigned to, out of curiosity?

Cheers,
-CM-

I’ll be at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickman. I’m pretty excited about it overall!

 

[CDRMidnight]

^ Excellent! That’s where I work as well.

Feel free to DM me with any questions, etc. Happy to oblige and to share the Aloha!

Cheers,
-CM-

 

[15 Pieces of Rick Flair]

Do you have a hard top? Soft tops get cut. Hawaii is overall a really safe place, but property crime (mostly small theft) is out of control.

If you're active duty, you'll be fine with keeping your home state registration. If you're a civilian get ready for some hurt: Hawaii bases yearly taxes on vehicle weight.

 

[Moosebear]

It's not a matter of registration. Hawaii requires you to get a safety inspection for any and all vehicles. You can't say you're just 'passing through' with your out of state plates. They know you live there and are going to be there awhile, and will make you get a safety inspection.

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