If you’re planning to ship your car to Hawai‘i, there are a few key things to know. The process involves multiple steps, costs, and logistics. This guide breaks down the entire process so you can make the best choice for your move.

What I’ll Cover

• Deciding whether to ship or sell your car
• Overview of the entire shipping process
• Cost estimates and timelines
• Preparation requirements

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Should You Ship Your Car to Hawai’i or Sell It?

Before diving into logistics, assess whether bringing your car is the best option:

• Age & Condition: Older vehicles may not justify the shipping cost.
• Market Value: Compare your car’s resale value on the mainland with what it would cost to replace it in Hawai‘i.
• Vehicle Type: Compact cars are more practical on the islands due to narrower roads and smaller parking spaces. If you own a large vehicle, consider downsizing after you arrive.
• Lifestyle and Needs: A single person may get by with public transportation (like TheBus), but a family of four likely needs a vehicle.
• Commute: Living and working in town (Honolulu)? TheBus might be enough. Commuting from farther out? A car is probably necessary.
• Sentimental Value: If your car holds personal or emotional significance, that might influence your decision.

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Shipping Your Car to Hawai’i: What to Know

Shipping a car to Hawai‘i typically involves several stages:

Stage 1: Your City to Mainland Port

Your car needs to reach a West Coast port. Options include:

• Driving: Personally drive your car to the port.
• Auto Transport Service: Hire a company to transport your car via truck.

Major ports servicing Hawai‘i include:

• Tacoma, WA
• Oakland, CA
• Long Beach, CA

Stage 2: Mainland Port to Hawai’i (Ocean Freight)

Once at the port, your car is loaded onto a ship bound for Hawai‘i. Major shipping companies like Matson and Pasha Hawaii operate these routes. Ships typically depart weekly, and transit times range from 5 to 10 days, depending on the origin and destination ports.

Stage 3. Inter-Island Transport (If Applicable)

If you’re moving to a neighboring island (e.g., Maui, Kaua‘i, Big Island), your car will need additional shipping from the main port in Honolulu. This step may involve coordination with inter-island shipping services.

Stage 4. Final Delivery or Pickup from Port to Home

Upon arrival, you have two options:

Home Delivery: You can pay extra for a “last-mile” delivery service that brings your car directly to your new home. This is convenient, but costs more.

Port Pickup: You also have the option to collect your car directly from the port (e.g., Sand Island on Oʻahu). Each shipping company has its own pickup location and holding policy—most allow 2–4 days of free storage before charging fees.

Personal note: When I picked up our car, I loaded my bike onto TheBus to cross the island, then biked the last stretch to Pier 51 on Sand Island. I tossed the bike in the back and drove home. You could also take an Uber or ask a friend for a ride.

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Cost Estimates for Shipping Your Car to Hawai’i

Shipping costs vary based on several factors:

• Mainland to Hawai‘i: Approximately $1,000 to $1,500.
• Inter-Island Shipping: Additional $300 to $500.
• Auto Transport to Port: Varies by distance; for example, shipping from New York to California can range from $1,000 to $1,500.
• Home Delivery in Hawai‘i: Additional $100 to $500, depending on distance from the port.
• Total range = $2,400 to $4,000 per vehicle

Note: Prices are estimates and can fluctuate based on fuel costs, demand, and specific service providers.

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Timeline Overview

• Booking & Preparation: 1–2 weeks.
• Auto Transport to Port: 3–7 days, depending on distance.
• Ocean Transit: 5–10 days.
• Inter-Island Shipping: 2–4 days.
• Final Delivery: 1–3 days.

Total estimated time from start to finish: 2–4 weeks. Again, this can vary a lot, be sure to ask for specific time frames when working with each company.

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Gather Quotes & Choose Your Shipping Services

Few companies handle the entire shipping process end-to-end. You may need to coordinate between multiple providers. Be sure to gather at least 2 quotes for each of these:

• Auto Transporters: For moving your car to the mainland port.
• Ocean Freight Companies: Such as Matson or Pasha Hawaii for the sea voyage.
• Inter-Island Shippers: If applicable.
• Local Delivery Services: For final delivery to your home.

Tip: Be sure to inquire about partnerships or bundled services to potentially reduce costs.

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Prepare Your Car For Shipment

To ensure a smooth shipping process:

• Clean Your Vehicle: Both inside and out; this facilitates inspection.
• Remove Personal Items: Shipping companies typically prohibit personal belongings inside the vehicle.
• Check Fuel Level: Keep it at 1/4 tank or less.
• Disable Alarms: Prevent unnecessary disruptions during transit.
• Document Condition: Take photos of your car’s current state for reference.

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Final Thoughts

Shipping your car to Hawai‘i requires careful planning and coordination. By understanding each step, associated costs, and timelines, you can make informed decisions and ensure a smooth transition to island life.

Need help planning your entire move? Check out the free checklist and timeline here.