Mainland-to-Island Auto Shipping
Shipping a car to Hawaii
Learn how shipping a car to Hawaii works, including port-to-port and door-to-door options, costs, timelines, documents, vehicle prep and whether shipping or buying locally makes more sense.
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?
Costs vary by carrier, port, island, vehicle size and service type. As a planning range, many shipments cost about $1,500 to $3,500, though direct carrier rates may start lower for standard port-to-port service.
How long does it take to ship a car to Hawaii?
Ocean transit from a West Coast port to Honolulu often takes about a week after departure, but total timing can take two to three weeks or longer if you include mainland pickup, scheduling and neighbor-island delivery.
Can I ship personal belongings inside my car?
Usually no. Most carriers require the vehicle to be empty except for standard equipment such as a spare tire, jack and factory-installed items.
What documents do I need to ship a car to Hawaii?
You typically need a government-issued photo ID, vehicle registration, booking confirmation, keys and ownership or authorization documents. Financed vehicles or vehicles dropped off by someone else may need extra authorization.
How should I prepare my vehicle for shipping?
Clean the car, remove personal items, disable the alarm, check for leaks, leave only about a quarter tank of fuel, make sure the vehicle runs properly and take photos before drop-off.
Is insurance included when shipping a car to Hawaii?
Most carriers provide some coverage, but limits and exclusions vary. Ask for coverage details in writing and consider additional cargo insurance if your vehicle is valuable.
Should I ship my car or buy one in Hawaii?
Ship your car if it is reliable, paid off and worth the transport cost. Consider buying locally if your car is older, needs repairs or is not worth the shipping expense.
Can I ship a car directly to Maui, Kauai or the Big Island?
Yes, some carriers offer neighbor-island service, but it may cost more or take longer than shipping to Honolulu. Confirm destination ports, pickup locations and timelines before booking.