Hawaii Car Shipping — Mainland to the Islands
We ship cars between the mainland and Hawaii every week, combining door-to-port trucking with ocean service from California and Washington to Honolulu, Kahului, Hilo, Kona and Nawiliwili.
- Best Price Guarantee
- $0 Deposit Required
- 100% Satisfaction or Money Back
- 24/7 In-Transit Updates
- Same-Day Pickup Available
- Guaranteed Delivery Date
How Hawaii car shipping works
- We pick up your car door-to-door anywhere on the mainland
- It's delivered to a West Coast port (Long Beach, Oakland or Tacoma)
- Ocean transit takes about 5–12 days depending on the island
- Pick up at the destination port, or we arrange delivery
Hawaii shipping requirements
- Fuel at 1/4 tank or less
- No personal items in the vehicle
- Registration and a lienholder authorization letter if financed
- Valid photo ID matching the booking
Hawaii car shipping cost
California to Honolulu usually costs about $1,400–$2,200; neighbor islands and East Coast origins cost more. Inter-island shipping is also available.
Hawaii Car Shipping Overview
Vehicles to Hawaii travel by ocean from West Coast ports, then are delivered or picked up at Honolulu, Kahului, Hilo, Kona or Nawiliwili. Gas tank must be at 1/4 or less and personal items are not allowed in the vehicle.
We ship cars, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles, EVs, classics and exotics to and from every Hawaii ZIP code, door to door. Main corridors include ocean service from Long Beach, Oakland and Tacoma, and the most frequent pickups are in Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, Kailua, Waipahu, Kaneohe.
Hawaii Car Shipping: Key Takeaways
What it costs
Shipping a car to or from Hawaii typically runs quoted per route (ocean + ground) depending on distance, vehicle and open or enclosed transport.
How long it takes
Ocean shipments usually take 2–3 weeks door to door from the Lower 48.
Who ships with us
Families relocating, students, service members, snowbirds, online car buyers, dealers and collectors.
Best way to save
Delivering your car to the West Coast port yourself, or choosing port-to-port service instead of door-to-door, can noticeably reduce the cost. Shipping to Honolulu is usually the most frequent and affordable route, while neighbor islands can add time and cost.
Our guarantees
Best Price Guarantee, $0 deposit, 100% satisfaction or money back, 24/7 updates, same-day pickup and a guaranteed delivery date option.
Coverage
Door to door in every Hawaii ZIP code, with 15+ cities served most often.
Every Shipment Comes With 8 Written Guarantees
Most car shipping companies list features. We put promises in writing — before your car ever leaves the driveway.
Best Price Guarantee
Show us a lower written quote for the same shipment and we will match or beat it. How it works →
$0 Deposit
Book for free. Nothing is charged until a licensed carrier is assigned to your vehicle.
100% Satisfaction or Money Back
If we don't deliver the service promised in your confirmation, you get your money back.
24/7 Updates
Pickup, in-transit and delivery updates around the clock by text and email.
Same-Day Pickup
Available in most metro areas when you book early in the day — plus same-day local delivery.
Guaranteed Delivery Date
Pick the day you need your vehicle and get it in writing.
Supercars & Exotics
Enclosed trailers, liftgates and soft tie-downs for high-value vehicles.
100,000+ Insured Carriers
Licensed, insured carriers with coverage up to $2 million available.
What Affects Hawaii Car Shipping Prices?
Distance
Longer trips cost more in total but less per mile. A 300-mile move may run $1.50–$2.00 per mile, while coast-to-coast often drops to $0.50–$0.70 per mile.
Route popularity
Busy interstate lanes in and out of Hawaii fill trucks quickly, which keeps prices lower. Rural pickups far from a highway may cost more.
Season
Summer moves, college move-in, holidays and snowbird season raise demand. Booking 1–2 weeks early locks a better rate.
Vehicle size & weight
SUVs, pickups, vans and EVs take more space or weight on the trailer and usually cost $100–$400 more than a sedan.
Open vs. enclosed
Open transport is the most affordable. Enclosed transport protects exotics and classics but typically costs 40–60% more.
Running condition
Inoperable vehicles need a winch or liftgate and usually add $100–$300.
Pickup timing
Same-day pickup and guaranteed delivery dates are premium services. A flexible 3–5 day window gets the best price.
Fuel & demand
Diesel prices and the balance of trucks entering vs. leaving Hawaii shift rates week to week — your quote reflects the current market.
Tips to Save on Hawaii Car Shipping
✓ Ship off-peak
Avoid the first and last weeks of the month and major holidays when demand peaks.
✓ Be flexible
A 3–5 day pickup window lets dispatch match you with a carrier already on your route.
✓ Use a hub city
Meeting the driver near a major city or interstate can trim the price and speed up pickup.
✓ Choose open transport
For everyday vehicles, open carriers are safe and the most affordable option.
✓ Local tip for Hawaii
Delivering your car to the West Coast port yourself, or choosing port-to-port service instead of door-to-door, can noticeably reduce the cost. Shipping to Honolulu is usually the most frequent and affordable route, while neighbor islands can add time and cost.
How Car Shipping to and from Hawaii Works
- Get your free quote. Enter your route and vehicle — your price is protected by our Best Price Guarantee.
- Book with $0 down. Pick same-day pickup or a future date, plus an optional guaranteed delivery date.
- Door-to-door pickup. A licensed, insured driver inspects and photographs your vehicle, then loads it.
- Track 24/7. Get updates by text and email the whole way.
- Inspect and receive. Compare the condition report, sign the bill of lading and drive away.
Hawaii Car Transport: State Insights & Regulations
Vehicle registration in Hawaii is handled by each county's motor vehicle office, such as the City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii County, Maui County and Kauai County. Vehicles shipped from the mainland are typically registered within 30 days of arrival. You will generally need a Hawaii safety inspection certificate before registering, along with your title or registration, the ocean bill of lading and proof of insurance. Hawaii does not require emissions testing. Ongoing periodic safety inspections are also required. Confirm current requirements with your county motor vehicle office.
Weather & seasonal timing
All vehicles reach Hawaii by ocean, usually from West Coast ports such as Long Beach, Oakland or Tacoma. Central Pacific hurricane season runs June through November and can delay sailings. Winter storms on the mainland can slow the inland leg to the port. Summer and the holiday season are the busiest booking periods.
Cities We Serve in Hawaii
- Honolulu
- Pearl City
- Hilo
- Kailua
- Waipahu
- Kaneohe
- Mililani
- Kahului
- Ewa Beach
- Kihei
- Kapolei
- Kailua-Kona
- Wahiawa
- Lihue
- Wailuku
Statewide auto transport coverage
Don't see your town? We pick up and deliver anywhere in Hawaii, including rural and small-town addresses. If a 75-foot carrier can't reach your street safely, the driver meets you at a nearby wide road or parking lot.
College Car Shipping in Hawaii
Students attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu or Brigham Young University-Hawaii in Laie often ship a car by ocean from the mainland. Allow several weeks for the inland leg and sailing, and book early for August arrival before classes start.
Military Car Shipping in Hawaii
PCS orders to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Schofield Barracks or Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay usually include one government-funded vehicle shipment. Private car shipping helps with a second vehicle or door-to-door service to the port. Book well ahead of the summer PCS season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to ship a car to Hawaii?
Typically 10–16 days total from the mainland, including trucking to the port and ocean transit.
Can I pack items in my car when shipping to Hawaii?
No. Ocean carriers require the vehicle to be empty except for standard items like a spare tire and jack.
Ready to Ship? Get Your Price in 60 Seconds
Best Price Guarantee · $0 deposit · 100% satisfaction or money back · same-day pickup · guaranteed delivery date · 24/7 updates.
Get My Free Quote →