Shipping a car to Hawaii
Planning a move to Hawaii? If so you are maybe wondering what to ship and what to leave behind. While shipping your car to Hawaii is not necessary (there are many new as well as used car dealers in Hawaii), it is an option. Quite a few people ship their car from the mainland USA to Hawaii because they are attached to their car or they think it is cheaper than selling their old car and then buying a new one in Hawaii. However, while there is a relatively easy and affordable way to ship personal belongings (for example via USPS, UPS or FedEx), shipping a car is a bit more pricey and requires more planning. Here is what you should know:
- There are two options when it comes to shipping your car to Hawaii: The first one requires driving your car to a West Coast port (usually to San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle) and picking up your car from your local port in Hawaii. The second option is door-to-door shipping. In other words your shipping company will arrange the transportation to a U.S. port and then deliver your car to your new home in Hawaii.
- Determine the size of your vehicle. Larger cars may fall into the Oversized Cargo category and therefore have a higher shipping cost. The standard size dimensions are 21 feet 8 inches in length, 8 feet in width and 7 feet in height.
- Prepare your vehicle for shipping and make sure everything is functioning correctly and the alarm system is disabled. The vehicle should be clean, have no leaks (oil, etc.) and run smoothly. Don't leave personal belongings and valuables in the car. Also don't put other items that you want to transport to Hawaii into your car. Don't fill up your tank either. It is recommended to leave your tank about 1/4 full.
- Make sure you have all vehicle paperwork ready. Standard required documents prior to shipping are the following: your auto keys, vehicle registration, photo ID and shipping authorization from the owner.
- Shipping a car to Hawaii generally takes about 8 days from West Coast ports and around 3 weeks from the East Coast, so keep this in mind when you are planning your move.
- It is recommended to get shipping insurance in case of any damages that may occur to your vehicle. Ask your shipping provider for the cost, terms and how to purchase it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to Hawaii?
The cost to ship a standard vehicle from the continental U.S. to Hawaii is between $1,500 and $3,500, with the typical cost of around $2,500. The longer the distance from your mainland location to the departure port and then to Hawaii, the higher the cost. Vehicle size is also a determining factor. Larger vehicles, like SUVs and trucks, require more space and thus cost more to ship compared to smaller cars and sedans.
How long does it take to ship a car to Hawaii?
Most car shipments from the U.S. West Coast to Honolulu take about 8 days once the vessel departs. Shipping from the East Coast or to islands other than Oahu can extend the process to around 3 weeks, depending on the origin port and shipping provider.
Can I ship personal items in my car?
No, personal items are not allowed inside the vehicle during shipment. Shipping companies require the car to be empty (except for standard tools and a spare tire) for safety and inspection reasons.
What condition must my car be in before shipping?
Your car should be clean, in good working condition and free of leaks. The gas tank should be about 1/4 full, and all alarms should be disabled.
What documents are needed to ship a car to Hawaii?
You will need a government-issued photo ID, vehicle registration, title (or authorization from lienholder if financed), and a notarized power of attorney if the car owner is not present.
Is insurance included when shipping a vehicle to Hawaii?
Most shipping companies offer basic liability coverage, but you may want to purchase additional cargo insurance for better protection against damage. Be sure to ask for coverage details in writing.
Should I ship my car or buy one in Hawaii?
If your car is in good condition and paid off, shipping it might be cheaper than buying one locally. However, if your car is older or near the end of its lifespan, selling it and purchasing a car in Hawaii could be more cost-effective.