Shipping a car to Hawaii isn’t like a mainland move — your vehicle has to cross the Pacific by ocean freight, which means choosing the right method, preparing the car correctly, and working with a carrier that knows island logistics. Hawaiian Movers ships vehicles to Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, Kauai, and beyond, with safe handling from pickup on the mainland to delivery on the island.
How Car Shipping to Hawaii Works
Your vehicle travels by ocean from a West Coast port — most commonly Long Beach, Oakland, or Tacoma — to Honolulu Harbor, with onward transport to neighbor islands as needed. The process starts with pickup or drop-off at the origin, a condition inspection and documentation, ocean transit of roughly one to two weeks, and final delivery or pickup at the Hawaii port. If you’re shipping from inland or the East Coast, we arrange overland transport to the departure port first.
Container vs. Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo)
There are two main ways to ship a car to Hawaii. Container shipping encloses your vehicle in a steel container, offering the most protection from weather and handling and letting you ship household goods alongside it — ideal for moves and higher-value cars. Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) drives the vehicle directly onto the vessel and is often the most economical option when you’re shipping the car on its own. Many customers ship a vehicle as part of a container shipment to Hawaii so belongings travel with it.
What Affects the Cost
Car shipping rates to Hawaii depend on the origin port, the destination island, the size and weight of the vehicle, the shipping method, and the time of year. Standard sedans cost less than trucks, vans, or oversized vehicles, and West Coast departures are typically the most affordable. We provide a clear, all-inclusive quote so you can see exactly what’s included before you book.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle
A little preparation keeps your shipment on schedule. Wash the car so existing damage is easy to document, remove personal belongings and aftermarket accessories, leave about a quarter tank of fuel, disable alarms, and photograph the vehicle’s condition before drop-off. Have your title, current registration, and a valid photo ID ready, and confirm that any lienholder permits out-of-state shipping.
Why Ship Your Car With Hawaiian Movers
- Experienced island vehicle logistics from West Coast ports to every major Hawaiian island
- Container and RoRo options to match your budget and protection needs
- Door-to-door coordination, condition documentation, and clear all-inclusive pricing
- Licensed and Matson-approved, with support from quote to delivery
Call +1 800 671-0924 or request a free quote to ship your vehicle to Hawaii.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to ship a car to Hawaii? From the West Coast, plan on about one to two weeks of ocean transit, plus time for pickup, processing, and island delivery. Neighbor islands add a short inter-island leg.
How much does it cost to ship a car to Hawaii? Cost depends on the origin port, destination island, vehicle size, and method (container or RoRo). Request a free quote for an exact, all-inclusive price.
Can I ship belongings inside the car? Carriers generally require the vehicle to be empty for both container and RoRo shipping. To ship belongings with the car, ask about a dedicated container so they can be loaded and declared together.
Is container or RoRo better for shipping a car to Hawaii? Container shipping offers the most protection and lets you include household goods; RoRo is usually cheaper for the vehicle alone. The right choice depends on your budget and the value of your car.
