Shipping a car to Hawaii requires special planning, as vehicles must be transported by ocean freight from the mainland United States. Whether you’re moving to Hawaii permanently, shipping a car for an extended stay, or buying a vehicle from the mainland, understanding the process ensures a smooth experience.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to ship a car to Hawaii, covering costs, transport options, required paperwork, and delivery times.
1. How Does Car Shipping to Hawaii Work?
Car shipping to Hawaii involves a two-step process:
- Transport from your location to the departure port (if not already near a port).
- Shipment by ocean freight to Hawaii, where it’s unloaded at a designated port.
Main Departure Ports from the Mainland USA:
Los Angeles, CA (Long Beach) – Most popular shipping route. Oakland, CA – Common departure port for Northern California. Seattle, WA – Best option for Pacific Northwest residents.
Arrival Ports in Hawaii:
Honolulu (Oahu) – Main port, serving most shipments. Hilo (Big Island) – For cars heading to the Big Island. Kahului (Maui) – For vehicles bound for Maui. Nawiliwili (Kauai) – For deliveries to Kauai.
Tip: Shipping to Honolulu is usually cheaper and faster than to other islands.
2. How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Hawaii?
The cost of shipping a car to Hawaii depends on the departure port, vehicle type, and transport method.
Estimated Shipping Costs (One-Way):
| Route | Open Transport + Ocean Freight | Enclosed Transport + Ocean Freight |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles to Honolulu | $1,500 – $2,000 | $2,200 – $2,800 |
| Seattle to Honolulu | $1,700 – $2,200 | $2,500 – $3,200 |
| Oakland to Maui | $1,800 – $2,400 | $2,600 – $3,300 |
| Los Angeles to Kauai | $2,000 – $2,500 | $2,800 – $3,500 |
| Seattle to Big Island (Hilo) | $2,100 – $2,600 | $2,900 – $3,600 |
Tip: Shipping during off-peak months (September–March) can reduce costs.
3. How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car to Hawaii?
The total shipping time depends on the distance from your location to the port and the ocean transit time.
Estimated Delivery Times:
| Shipping Route | Estimated Time (Days) |
|---|---|
| California to Honolulu | 7 to 10 days |
| Seattle to Honolulu | 10 to 14 days |
| Mainland to Maui/Kauai | 12 to 17 days |
| Mainland to Big Island | 14 to 20 days |
Tip: Enclosed transport can take longer since fewer carriers operate enclosed routes to ports.
4. What Documents Are Required to Ship a Car to Hawaii?
To ensure a smooth shipping process, you’ll need:
Vehicle Title & Registration – Proof of ownership. Valid Photo ID (Driver’s License or Passport) – Required for drop-off. Bill of Lading (BOL) – Shipping contract provided by the carrier. Hawaii Import Form (CS-L 50) – Required for vehicle registration in Hawaii. Lienholder Authorization (If Financed) – If you’re still making payments, the lender must approve the shipment.
Tip: Make copies of all documents before handing them over to the shipping company.
5. Transport Options: RoRo vs. Container Shipping
Option 1: Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping
Most affordable way to ship a car to Hawaii. Vehicle is driven onto the ship and secured in a cargo area. Ideal for standard vehicles and daily drivers.
Cost: $1,500 to $2,500 (depending on the route).
Tip: Your car must be operable for RoRo transport.
Option 2: Container Shipping
Car is placed inside a fully enclosed container for extra protection. Best for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles. Available as 20-ft (1 car) or 40-ft (2-3 cars) containers.
Cost: $2,200 to $3,500 (higher than RoRo).
Tip: Shared container shipping can reduce costs.
6. How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping to Hawaii
To avoid delays and extra fees, follow these preparation steps:
Wash the Car: Required for inspection. Remove Personal Items: Items inside are not covered by insurance. Check Tire Pressure & Battery: Must be fully functional for transport. Disable Alarms: Prevent unnecessary alerts. Keep Gas Tank at 1/4 Full: Standard safety requirement. Take Photos: Document your car’s condition before shipping.
Tip: Some shipping companies require removal of toll tags to avoid fees.
7. Is Insurance Included for Car Shipping to Hawaii?
Auto transport companies must carry basic cargo insurance, but coverage limits vary.
Typical Insurance Coverage:
| Transport Type | Coverage Limit | Additional Insurance Available? |
|---|---|---|
| RoRo Transport | $50,000 to $100,000 | Yes (via third-party insurers) |
| Container Shipping | $100,000 to $500,000 | Yes (gap insurance recommended) |
Tip: If your car’s value exceeds $50,000, consider gap insurance for full protection.
8. What to Do Upon Arrival in Hawaii
Once your car arrives, you’ll need to:
Inspect the Car: Check for damage and compare it with your pre-shipping photos.
Sign the Bill of Lading (BOL): Only sign after confirming the car’s condition.
Register the Vehicle in Hawaii: Complete the CS-L 50 form and visit the local DMV.
Pay Import Taxes (If Required): Hawaii charges 4.5% General Excise Tax (GET) on vehicle imports.
Tip: If damage occurs, file a claim immediately with the shipping company.
9. How to Save Money When Shipping a Car to Hawaii
Book Early: Last-minute shipping rates can be $200 to $500 higher. Choose RoRo Shipping: Most cost-effective option. Use a Mainland Port: Shipping from Los Angeles is cheaper than Seattle. Ship During Off-Peak Months: September–March is less expensive. Look for Military Discounts: Many carriers offer discounts for active-duty service members.
Tip: Some companies offer multi-car discounts if shipping more than one vehicle.
Conclusion: Ship Your Car to Hawaii with Confidence
Shipping a car to Hawaii is a straightforward process when you plan ahead and choose the right shipping method.
To recap: Choose RoRo for affordability or container shipping for extra protection. Gather all necessary documents before shipping. Prepare the vehicle by cleaning it and removing personal items. Inspect the car upon arrival and complete Hawaii registration.
With proper planning, your car will arrive safely, ready to explore the Hawaiian roads.
Learn more: https://infofatos.com/shipping-a-car-to-hawaii/
