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:
1️⃣ Inspect the Car: Check for damage and compare it with your pre-shipping photos.
2️⃣ Sign the Bill of Lading (BOL): Only sign after confirming the car’s condition.
3️⃣ Register the Vehicle in Hawaii: Complete the CS-L 50 form and visit the local DMV.
4️⃣ 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/
