Ship Car to Hawaii - Trusted Hawaii Car Transport
Ship Car to Hawaii with Confidence. All-Inclusive Pricing.
We make it simple to ship your car to Hawaii with full-service coordination from your driveway to your island destination. One point of contact from Camilo's team, all-inclusive pricing locked at booking, and real people who answer when you call.
$1,530+
Port-to-Port
to Oahu
12-14
Day ocean
transit to Oahu
18 yrs
Camilo's
experience
4.9★
212 Google
reviews
INSTANT QUOTE
"Camilo walked us through the entire calendar - our car was waiting at the terminal the day after we landed. The only company we'd trust with a move like this."
Mike T. - Dallas, TX to Honolulu
4.9 / 5 Stars
212 Verified Google Reviews
Matson Specialist
Hawaii Route Specialist
USDOT Licensed
DOT #3505506 · MC #1158539
Island-Owned & Operated
Honolulu, HI Based
18 Years Experience
Thousands of Moves
The Mainland Connection
We handle the heavy lifting to the port.
We handle the heavy lifting when car shipping to Hawaii from the mainland. Your vehicle travels on a Matson RoRo (Roll-on, Roll-off) vessel, driven aboard and stored in an enclosed deck — protected from saltwater, weather, and open-air exposure for the entire Pacific crossing. Getting it there on time requires flawless coordination between overland carriers and Matson car shipping sailing schedules.
We dispatch fully vetted, licensed carriers to pick up your vehicle and deliver it to Long Beach or Oakland based on your origin. Every pickup is timed backward from the vessel departure — not a generic window. Miss the port cutoff by one day and your vehicle waits up to two weeks for the next sailing. We have coordinated thousands of these handoffs and know exactly how much lead time each origin city requires.
Simple. Transparent. Reliable.
How Hawaii Car Shipping Works
We manage every step of your car shipping Hawaii process—from pickup to safe delivery.
Get Your All-In Quote
Call or use our form. We calculate your exact door-to-port or port-to-port price based on your origin city, vehicle type, and destination island. The price we quote is the price you pay.
We Lock Your Sailing Date
We match your move to the right Matson car shipping departure and schedule your overland pickup to arrive at port before the cutoff — not after. Your deposit locks in your rate even if prices change
Your Vehicle Ships to Hawaii
Your car is driven aboard a Matson vessel at Long Beach or Oakland and shipped across the Pacific in an enclosed deck. You can track its progress online from departure to arrival.
Pick Up at the Terminal
Your vehicle clears Hawaii's USDA agricultural inspection and is released at the destination terminal. Most customers pick up at the port. Island delivery is available if you need it.
Our Services
Hawaii Auto Transport, Your Way
Flexible options for shipping car to Hawaii based on your needs.
MOST POPULAR
Door-to-Port Service
We send a licensed carrier to pick up your vehicle directly from your home or office and transport it to the Matson departure port. Available from any mainland location.
Convenient
Port-to-Door Service
The most cost-effective option. You drop your vehicle at the West Coast port, and collect it at the island terminal.
Best Value
Port-to-Port Service
The most cost-effective option for West Coast customers near Long Beach or Oakland. You drop off, we handle everything from there through island pickup
Military
Military PCS Shipping
PCS orders to or from Hawaii? We understand the timelines, paperwork, and reporting date pressure. We work around your schedule, not ours.
White Glove
Classic & Enclosed Transport
For classic cars, luxury vehicles, and collector automobiles. Fully enclosed transport with enhanced protection at every stage of the journey.
Return Shipping
Hawaii to Mainland Returns
Shipping your car back to the mainland? We manage all four islands. Return rates from $900 port-to-port.
MOST POPULAR
Door-to-Port Service
We pick up your vehicle and deliver it to the port—ideal for full-service car shipping to Hawaii.
Convenient
Port-to-Door Service
Budget-friendly shipping to Hawaii option with island delivery included.
Best Value
Port-to-Port Service
Best for West Coast customers looking for affordable Hawaii car shipping without overland costs.
Military
Military PCS Shipping
Specialized Hawaii car transport for PCS moves with strict timelines.
White Glove
Classic & Enclosed Transport
Secure car shipping to Hawaii for luxury and collector vehicles.
Return Shipping
Hawaii to Mainland Returns
Return shipping from Hawaii with competitive rates.
All-Inclusive Pricing
Hawaii Car Shipping Cost
Transparent pricing to ship your car to Hawaii with no surprises.
Last updated April 2026 - rates subject to peak season surcharges June–August.
Port-to-Port Ocean Freight
Customer-facing rates. Overland land transport additional.
| Route | Ocean Rate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| Mainland → Oahu (Port-to-Port) | $1,530 | 12–14 days |
| Mainland → Maui / Big Island / Kauai | $2,350+ | 25–30 days |
| Honolulu → Mainland (Return) | $1,122+ | 12–14 days |
| Neighbor Islands → Mainland (Return) | $2,140+ | 25–30 days |
Hawaii car shipping deposits secure your rate. A $600 deposit for door-to-port service (or $200 for port-to-port) is applied toward your total, not added on top.
Peak season: June – August. Surcharges apply during summer months. Book early - a deposit locks your quoted rate. We recommend 4–6 weeks advance booking during peak season.
Door-to-Port Starting Prices
Ocean freight plus typical overland. Call for your exact all-in total.
🌺 Oahu
$2,100+
Honolulu terminal
12–14 days ocean
🌿 Maui
$2,900+
Kahului terminal
25–30 days ocean
🌋 Big Island
$2,900+
Hilo terminal
25–30 days ocean
🌊 Kauai
$2,900+
Nawiliwili terminal
25–30 days ocean
Ready for your exact all-inclusive price?
Overland costs vary by origin city. We give you an all-inclusive price cost in minutes.
Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are not accepted on any route. Non-running vehicles are not accepted. Vehicles exceeding Long Beach clearance (84 inches height, 86 inches width) or Oakland clearance (76 inches total including roof racks) cannot be shipped through our service.
All-Inclusive Pricing
Departure Ports & Hawaii Terminals
We optimize routes for efficient shipping to Hawaii. What we quote is what you pay - no post-booking surprises, no mystery fees when you're already on a plane.
Last updated March 2026 - rates subject to peak season surcharges June–August.
Long Beach, CA
Southern & Eastern United States gateway
Height clearance
7 feet (84 inches)
Width clearance
7 feet 2 inches (86 inches)
Gate hours
Mon–Fri, 7 AM – 3 PM
Routes through Long Beach
Southern CA
Las Vegas
Phoenix
Denver
All Midwest
All South
All East Coast
Denver routes through Long Beach - not Oakland. Donner Pass is not reliable for large auto haulers.
Oakland, CA
Pacific Northwest & Northern California gateway
Height clearance
76 inches (6 ft 4 in)
Width clearance
76 inches including mirrors
Gate hours
Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 4 PM
Routes through Oakland
San Francisco
Sacramento
Northern CA
Portland
Seattle
The 76-inch limit applies to total vehicle height including any aftermarket roof racks, cargo carriers, or accessories. Measure before booking.
🏝️
Honolulu
Sand Island Terminal · Oahu
🌊
Kahului
Maui
🏝️
Hilo
Big Island
🏝️
Nawiliwili
Kauai
Transit Times
How Long Does It Take?
Total timeline for shipping car to Hawaii:
We always show total door-to-delivery time - not just ocean transit. Missing the port cutoff means waiting for the next sailing, potentially two or more weeks.
Overland pickup to port
East Coast: 7–14 days. Texas / Midwest: 3–7 days. West Coast: 1–3 days.
Varies by origin city
Port processing window
Allow 1–2 days between drop-off and vessel departure. Cutoff dates are firm - a missed cutoff waits for the next available sailing.
Don't cut this close
Ocean transit
Matson car shipping transit to Oahu:: approximately 12–14 days. To Maui, Big Island, or Kauai: approximately 25-30 days. Track your vehicle online during this leg.
Real-time tracking available
Island terminal release
1–2 business days after vessel arrival. Hawaii agricultural inspection is conducted at this stage - vehicle must be clean.
USDA biosecurity check
Booking Lead Times
Standard (Sep – May)
2–3 weeks minimum
Peak season (Jun – Aug)
4–6 weeks minimum
East Coast to Oahu (total)
~21–28 days
West Coast to Oahu (total)
~14–18 days
West Coast to Neighbor Islands
~25–30 days
⚠️ Missing the port cutoff means your vehicle waits for the next available departure - potentially 2 or more weeks. Unexpected car rentals, extended hotel stays, costs most people never plan for. We coordinate your calendar to prevent this.
View the current Matson car shipping sailing schedule: matson.com/sailing-schedules
Prepare Your Vehicle
How to Get Your Car Ready
Hawaii's agricultural inspection is strict. Vehicles that don't pass are held at the terminal - Before car shipping to Hawaii, follow these requirements:
Required: Shipping TO Hawaii
Quarter tank of fuel maximum - fire safety regulation at port
Vehicle completely empty - no personal items, luggage, or cargo
Fully operational - steering, braking, and rolling must work 100%
No windshield chips or cracks - inspect before drop-off
Exterior and interior clean - USDA biosecurity (no mud, dirt, seeds, or debris)
Photograph thoroughly before drop-off - protects you in any claim
Not Accepted - No Exceptions
Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids - not accepted on any route
Non-running vehicles - must be fully operational
Personal items inside the vehicle
More than a quarter tank of fuel
Vehicles exceeding port clearance dimensions
Vehicles with windshield damage or that are not road-worthy
USDA Hawaii biosecurity: hdoa.hawaii.gov ↗
Shipping FROM Hawaii? Documents Required - Email to Port 24 hrs Before Drop-Off
For return Hawaii car transport, provide:
Vehicle Title (front and back copies)
Current Hawaii registration
Hawaii Safety Inspection Certificate (yellow or blue paper)
Government-issued photo ID (bring original to gate)
Lien Holder Authorization - only if vehicle is financed
Insurance Coverage
Two Layers of Protection
Most brokers never explain insurance. We walk through both layers at booking so you know exactly what covers your vehicle at every stage.
Layer 1 - Overland Transport
Land Carrier Coverage
$100,000
The licensed land carrier carries up to $100,000 in cargo insurance. This covers your vehicle while it is on the truck during the entire overland portion - from pickup to the port terminal.
💡
Our recommendation: Verify with your personal auto insurance carrier whether your policy covers ocean transport. Photograph your vehicle thoroughly before drop-off and again at pickup - this protects you in any claim under either layer.
Layer 2 - Ocean Transport
Matson Vessel Coverage
Up to full value
During the Matson car shipping leg, default carrier liability covers actual damage sustained, up to approximately $8,000 for an average vehicle. Customers can declare a higher value on the Dock Receipt and pay an additional freight rate to increase coverage to the full vehicle value.
Neighbor Island Shipping
Two Vessels, Two Conditions. Know the Difference.
Shipping to Maui, Big Island, or Kauai is not the same as shipping to Oahu. Your vehicle travels on two separate vessels with very different conditions. Most brokers never mention this. We explain it at booking so you can prepare.
LEG 1: MAINLAND TO HONOLULU
Matson Navigation Company
Matson RoRo Vessel
Transit
12 to 14 days
Vehicle Protection
Fully enclosed
Loading
Driven aboard
Exposure
None
Your vehicle is driven aboard a Roll-on/Roll-off vessel and stored inside an enclosed deck. Protected from saltwater, weather, and open-air exposure for the entire Pacific crossing from Long Beach or Oakland to Honolulu.
Enclosed & Protected
LEG 2: HONOLULU TO NEIGHBOR ISLAND
Young Brothers, LLC
Young Brothers Barge
Transit
Additional days
Vehicle Protection
Open / Exposed
Loading
Barge deck
Exposure
Salt, wind, rain
From Honolulu, your vehicle transfers to a Young Brothers barge for the inter-island leg to Kahului, Hilo, or Nawiliwili. This barge is open and exposed. Your vehicle is not enclosed or shielded from salt spray, wind, or rain during this portion.
Open & Exposed
❗
Why this matters before you book
The insurance terms on the Young Brothers barge leg are different from the enclosed Matson crossing. Verify with your personal auto insurance carrier that your policy covers both legs. We walk through this at booking, not after. Photograph your vehicle before drop-off at the mainland port and again at pickup on the neighbor island. This protects you under either coverage layer.
Confirm your personal auto insurance covers ocean transport on both vessels
Photograph your vehicle thoroughly before mainland drop-off
Photograph again at neighbor island pickup before driving away
Remove antennas, loose accessories, and aftermarket additions before shipping
Remove antennas, loose accessories, and aftermarket additions before shipping
Ask about declaring higher vehicle value on the Dock Receipt for the Matson leg
Military PCS Moves
We Know Military Timelines
PCS orders don't give you flexibility. Our team understands the reporting date pressure, JTR requirements, and paperwork of every military vehicle move.
📋
Reporting date first
We build the shipping calendar backward from your reporting date - not from our schedule.
🤝
Hundreds of PCS moves coordinated
We have worked with service members at every major Hawaii installation.
💰
Military pricing available
Ask about dedicated military pricing. We work to keep costs within JTR reimbursement ranges where possible.
Hawaii Military Installations
We regularly coordinate PCS moves to and from all major Hawaii bases - including during high-tempo rotation periods.
4
Installations
served
100s
Military PCS
moves completed
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Schofield Barracks, Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay), Wheeler Army Airfield, and all tenant commands.
Camilo Jaime - Lead Shipping Coordinator
Car Shipping Hawaii · Honolulu, HI · 18 Years Industry Experience
Camilo has coordinated thousands of Hawaii vehicle shipments over 18 years, including through the 2019 West Coast port slowdowns, peak-season backlogs that delayed sailings by weeks, and last-minute PCS rebook situations where reporting dates changed mid-transit. He leads a coordination team that manages every shipment personally from booking to delivery. You are never handed off to a call center or rotating dispatcher. We go through the calendar with you, time your overland pickup to your exact sailing window, and stay reachable by phone throughout the entire move.
Why Car Shipping Hawaii
What Sets Us Apart
Here is how our Hawaii car transport service compares to typical auto transport brokers on the things that actually matter.
| Feature | Car Shipping Hawaii | Typical Broker |
|---|---|---|
| All Inclusive Pricing | ✓ Locked at booking | ✗ Last-minute surcharges common |
| Single named point of contact throughout | ✓ Direct, consistent | ✗ Call center, different agent each time |
| Matson route specialist | ✓ Hawaii route experts | ✗ General auto transport broker |
| Calendar coordination at booking | ✓ Pickup timed to your sailing | ✗ Generic window, you figure it out |
| Overland and ocean managed together | ✓ One shipment, one contact | ✗ Two vendors, two contacts |
| Insurance explained at booking | ✓ Both layers explained clearly | ✗ Rarely discussed |
| Military PCS experience | ✓ Hundreds of PCS moves | ✗ Varies widely |
| Published pricing online | ✓ Full rates on this page | ✗ "Call for pricing" |
How much does it cost to ship a car to Hawaii?
Port-to-port ocean freight to Oahu starts at $1,530 (12–14 day ocean transit). Neighbor islands; Maui, Big Island, and Kauai - start at $2,350 (25–30 days). Door-to-port service adds overland transport from your origin city, which varies by distance. Call us or use the calculator above for your exact all-inclusive price.
How long does it take to ship a car to Hawaii?
Ocean transit to Oahu is approximately 12–14 days from Long Beach or Oakland. Neighbor islands take approximately 22–24 days. Total door-to-delivery adds overland transit, typically 3–14 additional days. East Coast customers should plan for 21–28 days total. We always show the full timeline at booking, not just the ocean leg.
What is the deposit and does it add to my cost?
A $600 deposit is required for door-to-port or port-to-door service. A $200 deposit applies to port-to-port service. Both are applied toward your total - not an additional fee. The deposit secures your vessel space and locks your quoted rate regardless of what the market does between booking and sailing.
Can I put personal items in my car?
No. The vehicle must be completely empty. Personal items are not permitted under Matson's shipping terms and are enforced at both the mainland terminal and at Hawaii agricultural inspection. The vehicle must also have no more than a quarter tank of fuel due to fire safety regulations at the port.
Can I ship an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid?
No. Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are not accepted on any route. This is a firm policy with no exceptions regardless of model, battery size, or other factors.
What documents do I need?
Shipping TO Hawaii: no documents required at the port. Shipping FROM Hawaii: vehicle title (front and back), current Hawaii registration, Hawaii Safety Inspection Certificate (yellow or blue paper), government-issued photo ID (bring original to gate), and a lien holder authorization letter only if the vehicle is financed. Email to port 24 hours before drop-off.
Which port do I use?
Long Beach handles all shipments from Southern California, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, the entire Midwest, the South, and the East Coast. Oakland handles San Francisco, Sacramento, Northern California, Portland, and Seattle. Oakland has a 76-inch height clearance including roof racks and mirrors - measure your vehicle before booking if it is modified or tall.
When is peak season and how does it affect booking?
Peak season runs June through August. Surcharges apply and vessel space fills quickly. We recommend booking 4–6 weeks in advance. A deposit locks your quoted rate regardless of what happens to pricing after you book - especially important during summer months.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Hawaii to the mainland?
Return shipping from Honolulu (Oahu) starts at $1,122+ port-to-port with 12–14 days ocean transit. Neighbor island returns (Maui, Big Island, Kauai) start at $1,990–$2,200 with 25–30days ocean transit. Call for a door-to-door quote with pickup from your home and mainland delivery.
Is my car insured during the ocean crossing?
Yes. Two independent layers apply. During overland transport, the licensed land carrier holds up to $100,000 in cargo insurance. During the Matson ocean crossing, Matson's carrier liability covers up to approximately $8,000 by default. You can declare a higher vehicle value on your Dock Receipt to increase coverage to the full vehicle value, we recommend this for any vehicle worth more than $8,000.
Can I track my car during shipping?
Yes. Once loaded on the Matson vessel you can track it in real time at https://www.matson.com/auto-tracking.html. We also maintain direct contact with you during ocean transit and notify you when your vehicle sets sail and also when it arrives at the island or mainland terminal and is ready for pick up.
Do you ship to all four Hawaiian islands?
Yes. We ship to and from Oahu (Honolulu/Sand Island terminal), Maui (Kahului terminal), Big Island (Hilo terminal), and Kauai (Nawiliwili terminal). Neighbor island rates start at $2,350+ port-to-port with approximately 25–30 days ocean transit.
Questions Answered
Common Questions
How much to ship a car to Hawaii? How long does it take? We answer these every day. If yours isn't here, call us directly. We pick up during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM HST.
Ready to Ship?
Get Your All-In Hawaii
Car Shipping Quote Today
Trusted by thousands of customers for Hawaii car transport to Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Call us or submit your details - we'll give you a clear, All-Inclusive Pricing, no hidden fees.
4.9 / 5 Stars - 212 Reviews
Island-Owned & Operated
Matson Route Specialist
USDOT 3505506 · MC 1158539
All Inclusive Pricing
1110 Nuuanu Ave #305, Honolulu, HI 96817
Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM HST
carshippinghawaii.com
Island-owned and operated from Honolulu. We coordinate vehicle shipping between all 48 contiguous states and Hawaii via Matson vessels.
1110 Nuuanu Ave #305, Honolulu, HI 96817
Mon through Fri, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM HST
Services
Door-to-Port Shipping
Port-to-Door Shipping
Port-to-Port Shipping
Military PCS Shipping
Classic & Enclosed Transport
Hawaii to Mainland Returns
Popular Routes
California to Hawaii
Texas to Hawaii
Florida to Hawaii
Washington to Hawaii
New York to Hawaii
Virginia to Hawaii
Georgia to Hawaii
Resources
Shipping Checklist
Vehicle Eligibility
Transit Times
Required Documents
FAQ
Blog
Company
About Us
Our Story
Island-Owned & Operated
Matson Route Specialist
USDOT 3505506
MC 1158539
4.9/5 Google Rated
© 2026 Car Shipping Hawaii. All rights reserved. Island-Owned & Operated.
Car Shipping Hawaii is an independent licensed freight broker (USDOT 3505506, MC 1158539) and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or certified by Matson Navigation Company. Matson is referenced solely as the ocean carrier used for vehicle transport between the US Mainland and Hawaii.
