Back to Blog

Car Shipping Hawaii: 2025 Complete Guide

Learn everything about car shipping in Hawaii: average costs, timelines, process, tips to save money, and why FastCarShip is the best choice.

Car Shipping Hawaii: 2025 Complete Guide

Shipping a car to or from Hawaii is a unique process compared to mainland states. Since Hawaii is located in the Pacific Ocean, auto transport requires both land and sea shipping. Whether you’re relocating to Honolulu, sending a car to a student in Hilo, or moving a military vehicle to Pearl Harbor, understanding the Hawaii car shipping process is essential.

This comprehensive guide explains the costs, timelines, step-by-step process, money-saving tips, and the best Hawaiian cities for car transport.

πŸ“Š Average Car Shipping Costs in Hawaii

Shipping a car to or from Hawaii involves two parts:

1. Land Transport (Mainland U.S. pickup/delivery)

2. Ocean Freight (Mainland port ↔ Hawaii port)

πŸ’‘ Example: Shipping a Toyota Corolla from Atlanta, GA to Honolulu, HI typically costs around $1,600–$1,800 (door-to-port).

Additional factors:

  • Enclosed transport (to mainland port): +30–40% more for protection.
  • SUVs & trucks: Higher cost due to size/weight.
  • Seasonal demand: Prices rise in summer & year-end.

⏱️ How Long Does Car Shipping Take To/From Hawaii?

  • Mainland pickup β†’ port (e.g., LA): 2–5 days
  • Port-to-Port LA β†’ Honolulu: 7–10 days
  • Port-to-Port LA β†’ Neighboring islands: 10–14 days
  • Total Door-to-Door: 2–3 weeks

🌊 Note: Pacific Ocean weather may affect shipping times. Always plan ahead.

πŸš— Step-by-Step: How Car Shipping Works in Hawaii

1. Get a Quote β†’ Request your Hawaii quote here.

2. Book Your Transport β†’ Choose door-to-port, port-to-port, or port-to-door.

3. Prepare Vehicle β†’ No personal items; gas tank at 1/4 full (required for ocean shipping).

4. Delivery to Mainland Port β†’ Drop off at Los Angeles, Seattle, or Oakland port, or request carrier pickup.

5. Ocean Shipping β†’ Your vehicle is shipped securely on an auto vessel.

6. Arrival in Hawaii β†’ Pick up at port or arrange island delivery.

πŸ’° Tips for Saving Money on Car Shipping in Hawaii

  • Use Port-to-Port Shipping β†’ Driving your car to LA or Seattle saves the most money.
  • Book Early β†’ Lock in better rates and ensure space.
  • Be Flexible with Dates β†’ Lower rates when carriers optimize routes.
  • Avoid Heavy Items in Car β†’ Prevent extra fees/delays.
  • Compare Island Ports β†’ Sometimes shipping to Honolulu, then ferrying, is cheaper.

πŸ“ Popular Hawaiian Cities for Car Shipping

  • Honolulu (Oahu): Main hub for most shipments.
  • Hilo (Big Island): Popular among students/residents.
  • Kahului (Maui): Frequent relocation traffic.
  • Kona (Big Island): Smaller port with regular schedules.
  • Nawiliwili (Kauai): Used for Kauai residents.

πŸ”— Related Car Shipping Guides

Want to ship to other states? Check out our related guides:

⭐ Why Choose FastCarShip?

  • πŸš› Mainland + Ocean Network β†’ Full service from U.S. home to Hawaii home.
  • πŸ›‘ Fully Insured β†’ From pickup to island delivery.
  • πŸ‘¨β€βœˆοΈ Trusted Carriers β†’ Experienced in Hawaii shipping.
  • πŸ“ž 24/7 Support β†’ Updates every step of the way.

With FastCarShip, Hawaii auto transport is safe, affordable, and stress-free.

πŸ–Ό Images for This Article

!Cargo ship loaded with vehicles departing from Los Angeles to Honolulu, Hawaii, realistic, high-quality photo

!Cars lined up at Honolulu port awaiting pickup, Hawaii auto transport, realistic, professional

!Open carrier truck delivering cars to a California port for Hawaii shipping, realistic, clear photo

βœ… Conclusion

Car shipping to or from Hawaii requires extra planning because of ocean freight, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. By knowing the costs, timelines, and process, you can ensure a smooth move.

πŸ‘‰ Ready to ship your car? Get your free Hawaii quote today with FastCarShip.

Ready to Ship Your Car?

Get an instant quote and experience hassle-free car shipping.

Get Free Quote β†’