Car Shipping to Hawaii from the Mainland USA
There's no car ferry to Hawaii, so every vehicle arrives by ocean freight. The process is well established, but it has its own timeline, preparation rules, and cost structure, and the first question worth asking is whether shipping your car is actually worth it. Here's what to know.
Starting Prices
Estimated starting rates from California ports to Hawaii:
Long Beach, CA to Honolulu, HI
starting at $1,999
Long Beach, CA to Hilo, HI
starting at $2,449
Honolulu is on Oʻahu and Hilo is on the Island of Hawaii (the Big Island), so they're different ports with different pricing. These are estimated starting rates. The final price depends on the vehicle's size, make, model, and condition, your pickup and delivery locations, port and terminal requirements, carrier availability, seasonal demand, and open or enclosed transport where applicable. We provide a final quote after reviewing the complete vehicle and route details. If your car isn't near Long Beach, contact us for a quote based on your starting location.
How a Car Gets to Hawaii
Ocean carriers such as Matson and Pasha Hawaii move vehicles from West Coast ports, including Long Beach, Oakland, and San Diego, to Hawaiian ports, and Young Brothers handles vehicles moving between islands. For most cars, standard RoRo (roll-on, roll-off) shipping is the economical choice. Container shipping costs more but offers extra protection and, depending on the carrier, may let you pack personal items inside.
How Long It Takes
Door to door from California, expect roughly 2 to 4 weeks, and you'll be without the car for that stretch. The time breaks down like this:
Inland Transport
1 to 4 days to reach a California port.
Port Wait
2 to 7 days for the next scheduled weekly sailing.
At Sea
5 to 9 days. Honolulu is typically 5 to 7 days from a major West Coast port, and neighbor islands take slightly longer.
Unloading
1 to 3 days. A neighbor island reached by inter-island barge adds roughly 4 to 14 days.
Planning Around the Weekly Sailing
Because vessels depart on a weekly schedule, your timeline depends on catching a specific sailing, and a missed drop-off date can cost you a full week. Sailings fill up in peak season, so booking earlier gives you more choice of departure date. It also pays to have your documents complete before the car reaches the port, since an incomplete package can cause a vehicle to miss its sailing even when everything else is on schedule.
Because the weekly schedule drives the timeline, build a few extra days of buffer around your own move date rather than planning to the exact day.
What It Costs
All-in, shipping a car to Hawaii commonly runs roughly $1,500 to $3,500, including mainland ground transport to the port and the ocean freight. A few things move the number:
- •Distance to the departure port: Sailing from the West Coast is the cheapest path, and a car in the East or Midwest pays for cross-country trucking on top. If you're near a West Coast port, the inland trucking leg is shorter and cheaper.
- •Season: Summer, May through September, is the most expensive time, when military relocations and family moves drive up demand.
- •Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles cost more, and a non-running vehicle typically adds roughly $100 to $500 for the winch or forklift needed to load it. See our non-running vehicle guide
- •Open transport for the mainland leg: If you need a truck to reach the port, open transport costs less than enclosed. See our open transport guide
Is It Worth Shipping Your Car to Hawaii?
It usually is if you're relocating long term, or your vehicle is newer, paid off, or high-value. Hawaii's used-car market is commonly reported to run roughly 15 to 20% higher in price with limited inventory, which makes bringing a reliable car you already own attractive.
It's rarely worth it for an old, rusty, or high-mileage car, since the island's salt air accelerates rust, or if you're only visiting for a short trip. If you live far from a West Coast port, the added trucking cost shifts the math too.
Requirements and Documents
- •Proof of ownership: Title and current registration. A new vehicle needs a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin.
- •Lienholder authorization: If the car is financed or leased, a notarized letter of permission from the lienholder allowing it to ship to Hawaii.
- •Photo ID for whoever drops off or picks up the vehicle. If it's someone other than the registered owner, a notarized power of attorney or authorization letter is required.
- •Proof of insurance and current registration.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Hawaii's agricultural inspections exist to keep invasive species out, and they shape the preparation rules:
- •Thoroughly clean, inside and out, including the undercarriage.
- •Fuel at a quarter tank or less at drop-off.
- •Empty of personal belongings for RoRo. Child safety seats are usually permitted. With container shipping, check what the carrier allows.
- •Safe, operable condition with no fluid leaks and a charged battery, and alarms disconnected or disabled.
Military PCS Moves
If you're moving to Hawaii on official PCS orders, the military generally covers shipping one privately owned vehicle through its own dedicated program, delivered to a government Vehicle Processing Center, so that program is the place to start. Military-to-military couples may be authorized for two.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to Hawaii?
Our starting prices from Long Beach are $1,999 to Honolulu and $2,449 to Hilo, with the final quote based on your vehicle and route. All-in market costs commonly run roughly $1,500 to $3,500.
How long does it take to ship a car to Hawaii?
Roughly 2 to 4 weeks door to door from California, including inland transport, the weekly sailing schedule, 5 to 9 days at sea, and delivery. A neighbor island adds roughly 4 to 14 days.
What time of year is cheapest to ship to Hawaii?
Outside the summer peak. May through September is the most expensive stretch, when military relocations and family moves drive up demand.
Is there a car ferry to Hawaii?
No. There's no public vehicle ferry to or between the Hawaiian Islands, so cars ship by ocean freight on carriers like Matson and Pasha Hawaii, with Young Brothers handling inter-island moves.
Can I leave personal items in the car?
For RoRo shipping, generally no, apart from child safety seats. Container shipping may allow personal items depending on the carrier.
Can I ship a car that doesn't run to Hawaii?
Yes, with a winch, forklift, or flatbed depending on its condition, typically adding roughly $100 to $500. Disclose the exact condition so the right equipment is arranged.
Does the military pay to ship my car to Hawaii?
Generally yes, for one vehicle on PCS orders, through the government's own Vehicle Processing Center program.
Shipping a Car to Hawaii?
Get a quote with your vehicle and pickup location, and we'll confirm the route, timing, and final price.