Shipping a car to Hawaii costs between $1,500 and $3,500 and takes 2 to 4 weeks from start to finish. The exact price depends on where you're shipping from, the size of your vehicle, and which service option you choose.
If you're planning a move to Hawaii or purchasing a vehicle from the mainland, understanding the shipping process can save you money and prevent major headaches. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting your car safely to the islands.
Let's start with the question everyone asks first: what will this actually cost?
RORO Shipping (Roll-On/Roll-Off) is the most common and affordable method. Your car is driven onto the ship and secured in the cargo hold. Ocean crossing costs run $1,200 to $1,500 for this service.
Container Shipping offers premium protection by placing your vehicle inside a secure container. This costs $2,000 to $2,500 but is worth considering for luxury vehicles, classics, or cars that need extra weather protection.
Here's what you'll pay based on your starting location:
West Coast to Hawaii: $1,500 to $1,800 total
Midwest to Hawaii: $2,200 to $2,800 total
East Coast to Hawaii: $2,500 to $3,500 total
These prices include the ocean crossing plus ground transport to the departure port. If you're already near a major port like Oakland or Long Beach, you'll pay on the lower end.
The base shipping price isn't the only expense. Here are the additional fees most people don't know about:
Port handling fees: $150 to $300
Documentation fees: $50 to $100
Invasive species inspection: $0.75 per 1,000 pounds of vehicle weight
Storage fees if pickup is delayed: $50 to $200 per day
That last one catches people off guard. If you don't pick up your car promptly after it arrives, storage fees add up fast. Some customers have reported paying $700 in unexpected storage charges because they didn't realize their vehicle had arrived.
You can reduce your costs with these strategies:
Ship during off-peak months. October through March sees the lowest rates. Avoid summer months and January when demand spikes.
Use West Coast ports when possible. Shipping from California costs significantly less than from the East Coast or Midwest.
Book 4 to 6 weeks in advance. Last-minute bookings often come with rush fees.
Choose terminal-to-terminal service. Dropping off and picking up at the port yourself saves $500 to $1,000 compared to door-to-door service.
Ask about military discounts. Active duty military members can save around $100 with most major carriers.
The ocean crossing itself takes 6 to 10 days from the West Coast, 11 to 16 days from the East Coast, and 8 to 14 days from the Midwest.
But the complete door-to-door timeline is longer. Plan on 2 to 4 weeks minimum, or up to 7 weeks during peak season or if complications arise.
Here's the detailed breakdown:
Booking to pickup: 1 to 5 business days
Ground transport to port (if not local): 5 to 7 days
Port processing and waiting for vessel: 1 to 7 days
Ocean transit: 8 to 17 days depending on route
Port arrival to pickup availability: 1 to 3 days
Neighbor island transfer (if needed): Add 3 to 7 days
Weather delays, port congestion, and peak season volume can extend these timelines. Always add a 1 to 2 week buffer beyond the estimated delivery date, especially if you need your car for a job start or housing move.
RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) works for most vehicles. Your car is driven onto the ship and secured in the cargo hold alongside other vehicles. This is the most economical option and what 90% of people use.
Choose RORO if you have a standard passenger vehicle in good condition and want to save money.
Container Shipping places your vehicle inside a weather-protected container, either alone or with another vehicle. This costs more but provides better protection from salt air and ocean spray.
Choose container shipping if you're transporting a luxury vehicle, classic car, show car, or any vehicle that needs extra protection from the elements.
One important note: some shipping companies suspended electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle transport in 2024 due to battery fire concerns. If you have an EV or PHEV, call ahead to confirm they'll accept your vehicle and ask about container requirements.
Hawaii has unique regulations you won't deal with when shipping between mainland states. Missing these requirements causes delays and extra costs.
You must register your vehicle within 30 days of its arrival at the port, not 30 days from when you pick it up. The clock starts ticking the moment the ship docks.
This creates stress for many people because they often don't know the exact arrival date. Storage fees start accruing immediately, so you want to stay in close contact with your shipper about arrival times.
Gather these items before your car arrives:
This confuses a lot of newcomers. Here's what actually happens:
First, get Hawaii no-fault insurance before the inspection. You can't get inspected without it.
Take your vehicle to an authorized inspection station. The cost is $19.19.
Your vehicle will initially "fail" for "Registration" status. This is completely normal and expected for out-of-state vehicles. Don't panic.
If they find other defects, get those corrected. Then bring the failed inspection certificate to the DMV along with all your registration documents.
After you register the vehicle, return to the inspection station for a passing certificate.
Good news: Hawaii has no emissions testing. Unlike California and many mainland states, Hawaii only checks safety components. If your car runs but wouldn't pass a smog test elsewhere, it's fine in Hawaii.
Hawaii's ecosystem protection is serious business. Your vehicle must be thoroughly cleaned before shipping, paying special attention to the undercarriage.
USDA inspectors at the port will check for soil, plant material, insects, snails, and any organic matter. If they find issues, your vehicle could be rejected, require expensive cleaning at your expense, face quarantine, or generate fines.
Before shipping, complete a thorough wash including the undercarriage, use high-pressure cleaning on wheel wells, vacuum the interior completely, remove all plant material, and inspect for hitchhiking insects. Take photos to document the cleanliness.
Some vehicles face a 120-hour agricultural quarantine period if inspectors find concerns.
Here's exactly what happens when you ship your car to Hawaii:
Step 1: Get Quotes and Book Your Shipment
Contact shippers 4 to 6 weeks before your planned move. Compare prices and services. Ask about all fees upfront.
Step 2: Prepare Your Vehicle
Clean it thoroughly inside and out. Remove all personal belongings (they're not allowed and may be stolen). Take detailed photos and videos of your car's condition for insurance purposes.
Step 3: Review Your Insurance Coverage
Your auto insurance likely doesn't cover ocean transport. Ask your shipper about their insurance and consider purchasing additional coverage for valuable vehicles.
Step 4: Deliver to Port or Schedule Pickup
If you chose terminal-to-terminal service, drop off at the departure port. For door-to-door, the carrier picks up at your location.
Step 5: Complete Documentation
Sign the bill of lading carefully. Note any existing damage. Keep all receipts.
Step 6: Track Your Shipment
Stay in contact with your shipper. Ask for updates about vessel departure and estimated arrival.
Step 7: Receive Arrival Notification
You'll get notice when your car arrives in Hawaii. Pick it up quickly to avoid storage fees.
Step 8: Inspect Upon Delivery
Check your vehicle thoroughly before signing the delivery receipt. Document any new damage immediately.
Step 9: Register in Hawaii
Complete registration within 30 days of port arrival using the process outlined above.
After reviewing hundreds of customer experiences, these issues come up repeatedly:
Poor communication ranks as the number one complaint. Choose a shipper who provides real-time tracking, proactive updates about delays, and direct contact access. Don't accept "we'll call you when it arrives" as an answer.
Delivery delays happen frequently. Weather, port congestion, and peak season volume all cause problems. Never plan critical activities around exact delivery dates. Build in extra time.
Damage claims create major stress. Protect yourself by taking detailed photos and video before shipping, documenting every scratch and dent, and inspecting carefully upon delivery before signing anything. If you find damage, note it on the delivery receipt immediately and photograph it.
Hidden fees destroy trust. Get all costs in writing upfront, including storage policies, early drop-off or late pickup fees, and any potential surcharges. If a company won't provide transparent pricing, walk away.
This depends on your vehicle's value and your needs. Here's a simple framework:
Ship your car if:
Consider buying in Hawaii if:
Used car prices in Hawaii run about 10% to 20% higher than mainland prices, but you avoid shipping hassles and can start driving immediately.
Shipping your vehicle to Hawaii doesn't have to be stressful. With proper planning, clear understanding of costs, and the right shipping partner, you can get your car safely to the islands without surprises.
Start by gathering quotes from multiple shippers, comparing not just price but communication quality and service reviews. Ask about their damage claim process, insurance coverage, and how they handle delays.
Clean your vehicle thoroughly, document its condition, and prepare all necessary paperwork in advance. Budget for the total cost including extra fees, and build extra time into your moving schedule for potential delays.
Most importantly, choose a shipping company that prioritizes customer communication and transparency. The peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly where your vehicle is and when it will arrive is worth far more than saving a few hundred dollars with a budget shipper who leaves you in the dark.
Ready to get your car to Hawaii? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote. We'll walk you through the entire process and answer all your questions honestly and completely.
