Shipping a car to Hawaii is different from standard auto transport because your vehicle must travel by ocean freight. Whether you are relocating to the islands, buying a vehicle on the mainland, or heading back after a temporary stay, this guide covers everything you need to know.
How Car Shipping to Hawaii Works
Unlike mainland auto transport where your vehicle rides on a truck, shipping to Hawaii involves two stages:
1. Land transport to a port city (typically Long Beach, CA; Oakland, CA; Tacoma, WA; or Honolulu in reverse) 2. Ocean freight via container ship or roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel
Most shipments depart from the West Coast. If you are located on the East Coast or Midwest, your vehicle will first be trucked to a port city before being loaded onto a ship.
Cost to Ship a Car to Hawaii
Expect to pay between $1,200 and $2,500 for shipping a standard sedan to Hawaii. Here is a breakdown:
- • West Coast to Honolulu: $1,200 - $1,800
- • East Coast to Honolulu: $1,800 - $2,500 (includes land transport to port)
- • Midwest to Honolulu: $1,600 - $2,300
- • Honolulu to mainland: Similar pricing in reverse
Factors that affect the price:
- • Vehicle size: Larger vehicles (SUVs, trucks) cost $200 - $500 more
- • Shipping method: Container shipping costs more than RoRo but offers better protection
- • Port of origin: Shipping from Oakland or Long Beach is typically cheapest
- • Time of year: Peak moving season (summer) increases prices
RoRo vs Container Shipping
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo):
- • Vehicle is driven onto the ship and secured in the cargo hold
- • More affordable option
- • Vehicle must be running and drivable
- • Less protection from salt air and weather
- • More departure availability
Container shipping:
- • Vehicle is loaded into a shipping container
- • Better protection from elements
- • Can ship non-running vehicles
- • Can include some personal belongings in the container
- • More expensive but added peace of mind
For most standard vehicles, RoRo is the cost-effective choice. For luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles, container shipping is worth the premium.
Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
- • Land transport to port: 3-7 days (depending on your location)
- • Ocean transit: 5-10 days from West Coast ports
- • Port processing at destination: 2-5 days
- • Total door-to-door: 10-21 days typically
Plan ahead and book at least 2-3 weeks before your desired arrival date in Hawaii.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle
Standard vehicle preparation applies, plus a few Hawaii-specific requirements:
- • Wash your vehicle thoroughly inside and out. Hawaii has strict agricultural inspection requirements. Any soil, plant material, or insects can delay your vehicle at the port.
- • Remove all personal items unless using container shipping with prior arrangement
- • Keep fuel at 1/4 tank or less (port requirement for safety)
- • Disable your car alarm to prevent it from draining your battery during transit
- • Document existing damage with dated photos
- • Provide one set of keys to the shipping company
- • Ensure no fluid leaks as leaking vehicles may be refused at the port
Hawaii Agricultural Inspection
Hawaii takes biosecurity seriously. Your vehicle will be inspected upon arrival for:
- • Soil on the undercarriage
- • Insects or plant material
- • Snakes (a serious concern for Hawaii's ecosystem)
If your vehicle does not pass inspection, you will be charged for a mandatory wash, which can cost $100 - $300 and delay pickup by 1-2 days. Save yourself the hassle by washing your car thoroughly before shipping, paying special attention to wheel wells and the undercarriage.
Tips for Shipping to Hawaii
1. Book early during peak moving season (May-August) 2. Get an exact port address so you know where to drop off or pick up 3. Check your insurance coverage during ocean transit - confirm with both the shipping company and your personal auto insurer 4. Keep copies of all documents including the bill of lading, shipping receipt, and vehicle registration 5. Arrange local pickup at the Hawaii port or have a local transport service deliver to your address
Shipping Between Hawaiian Islands
If you need to move a vehicle between islands (Oahu to Maui, Big Island to Kauai, etc.), inter-island barge services are available. Costs range from $300 - $800 depending on the route and vehicle size.
Get a Quote
Shipping a car to Hawaii takes more planning than a standard mainland move, but the process is straightforward with the right partner. Call State Wide Auto Transport at (855) 469-8090 for a personalized quote on your Hawaii shipment, or [get a free quote online](/quote).