Hawaii Car Transport: Everything You Need to Know Before Shipping Your Vehicle
Hawaii car transport is a specialized service that allows you to ship your car, truck, or SUV to or from the Hawaiian Islands. Whether you're moving permanently, relocating for military duty, or simply planning an extended stay, transporting your vehicle to Hawaii can save you the hassle and cost of buying a new one on the islands.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Hawaii car transport, including how it works, how much it costs, and the best shipping methods.
How Does Hawaii Car Transport Work?
Shipping a car to Hawaii typically involves two main parts:
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Mainland Transport – Your vehicle is picked up from your location or a nearby terminal and taken to a West Coast port (often in California).
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Ocean Freight – Your vehicle is then loaded onto a cargo ship and transported to one of Hawaii’s ports (Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului, Nawiliwili, or Kawaihae).
The process is usually coordinated by a licensed auto transport company that handles all the logistics for you.
Reasons to Use Hawaii Car Transport Services
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Convenience: Avoid the stress of buying or renting a car on arrival.
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Cost-effective: Cheaper than purchasing a new or used car in Hawaii.
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Vehicle familiarity: Drive your own, well-maintained car.
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Military PCS orders: Many services offer military discounts and support.
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Relocation: Perfect for long-term moves or snowbirds escaping winter.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Hawaii?
The cost of Hawaii car transport depends on several factors, including the distance from your pickup location to the port, vehicle size, shipping method, and time of year.
| Route | Estimated Cost (One-Way) |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles to Honolulu | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| Seattle to Honolulu | $1,700 – $2,200 |
| Miami to Honolulu (coast-to-coast) | $2,200 – $2,800 |
| Honolulu to Oakland (return) | $1,400 – $1,900 |
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Size and weight of vehicle
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Delivery options (door-to-port vs port-to-port)
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Time of year and availability
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Expedited shipping or special requests
Shipping Methods: Which Is Best?
There are two main ways to ship a car to Hawaii:
1. Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping
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Most common and cost-effective method
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Vehicle is driven onto the ship and parked inside
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No personal items allowed inside the vehicle
2. Container Shipping
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More secure and ideal for luxury, exotic, or modified cars
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Vehicle is placed inside a sealed container
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Can include household goods with the car
| Method | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| RoRo Shipping | Standard vehicles | Lower |
| Container Shipping | Luxury, classic, or personal cargo | Higher |
Preparing Your Vehicle for Hawaii Transport
Before shipping your car to Hawaii, here’s what you need to do:
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Clean your car inside and out
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Remove all personal items (especially for RoRo)
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Check for leaks or mechanical issues
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Disable or deactivate alarm systems
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Provide a copy of your registration and ID
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Keep the gas tank only 1/4 full
Is Hawaii Car Shipping Safe?
Yes, car transport to Hawaii is generally very safe, especially when using reputable companies. Most vehicles are insured during transport, and container shipping adds extra protection.
Tips for safety:
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Use licensed, bonded, and insured shippers
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Read customer reviews and BBB ratings
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Take pre-shipping photos for insurance claims
Best Hawaii Car Transport Companies (2025 Picks)
Here are a few trusted names that specialize in Hawaii vehicle transport:
| Company Name | Services Offered | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Matson Navigation | Port-to-port, RoRo | Trusted carrier, Honolulu-based |
| Pasha Hawaii | RoRo & container, inter-island | Serves all major Hawaiian ports |
| Montway Auto Transport | Door-to-port, competitive rates | Excellent customer support |
| Ship A Car Direct | Enclosed & open carrier options | Damage-free guarantee |
| Hawaii Car Transport | Specializes in Hawaii routes | Offers military discounts |
FAQs About Hawaii Car Shipping
Q1: Can I ship personal items in my car?
A: Only with container shipping. RoRo does not allow personal belongings.
Q2: How long does it take to ship a car to Hawaii?
A: Typically 7–14 days from the West Coast, depending on the origin and schedule.
Q3: Do I need to be present at pickup/delivery?
A: Not always, but someone must sign off. Many companies offer flexible options.
Q4: Is it better to drive or ship my car to the port?
A: It depends on distance. Some prefer to drive, others opt for door-to-port pickup for convenience.
Final Thoughts
Hawaii car transport is a smart, practical solution for anyone relocating to or from the islands. Whether you're a military family, a student, a long-term traveler, or moving permanently, shipping your car can save time, money, and stress. With reliable service providers, flexible options, and insurance protection, you can get your vehicle where it needs to go — across the Pacific — with peace of mind.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/hawaii-car-transport-honolulu
https://www.matson.com/ocean-services/hawaii/ship-your-car-to-hawaii.html
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