06-19-2015, 08:30 AM
Robguz is right! I had the same experience and saved a bunch by shipping one. I could have saved even more if I had been planning a mainland trip around that time. I know several people who payed a ton less than either Hilo or Oahu by buying in extremely competitive mainland markets such as LA, Dallas-Fort Worth, or Seattle. One guy bought a car in Dallas and hit three national parks for an amazing vacation driving his way to the west coast port. I think this only works, however, when you have some reason you need to be in LA or Dallas. With airfare figured in, I doubt the savings would be worth it, but who knows? I haven't done the math lately.