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Car Shipping Hawaii: 2025 Complete Guide
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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.

Updated 1/15/2025
14 min read

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, shipping times, step-by-step process, money-saving tips, and the best Hawaiian cities for car transport.

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)

Here’s a breakdown of average costs:

  • Mainland port (Los Angeles/Seattle) → Honolulu: $1,100 – $1,500
  • Mainland port → Hilo, Kahului, Kona, or Nawiliwili: $1,300 – $1,700
  • Door-to-Port Shipping: $1,400 – $1,900 (includes pickup from your home on the mainland)
  • Port-to-Door Shipping (Hawaii delivery): +$200–$400 depending on distance from port

    • Additional factors:

  • Enclosed transport (to mainland port): Adds 30–40% more for extra protection.
  • SUVs, trucks, and oversized vehicles: Cost more than sedans due to space and weight.
  • Seasonal demand: Summer months and year-end relocations may see higher prices.

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

    How Long Does Car Shipping Take To/From Hawaii?

    Shipping times depend on your location and shipping method:

  • Mainland pickup to port (e.g., LA): 2–5 days
  • Port-to-Port shipping (LA → Honolulu): 7–10 days on average
  • Port-to-Port shipping (LA → Neighboring islands): 10–14 days
  • Total Door-to-Door timeline: 2–3 weeks

    • Important note: Shipping times may vary based on weather conditions in the Pacific Ocean. Planning ahead is recommended.

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

    1. Get a Quote

    Request a Hawaii car shipping quote from FastCarShip with all-inclusive pricing.

    2. Book Your Transport

    Choose between door-to-port, port-to-port, or port-to-door shipping.

    3. Vehicle Prep

    Remove personal belongings and ensure your gas tank is only 1/4 full (required for ocean shipping).

    4. Delivery to Mainland Port

    Either drive your car to the port (Los Angeles, Seattle, Oakland) or use FastCarShip’s carrier pickup.

    5. Ocean Transport

    Your vehicle is loaded onto a specialized vessel designed for auto shipping.

    6. Arrival in Hawaii

    Pick up your car at the port or arrange for local delivery within Hawaii.

    Tips for Saving Money on Car Shipping in Hawaii

  • Use Port-to-Port Shipping: Driving your car to the mainland port and picking it up in Hawaii saves the most money.
  • Book Early: Ocean shipping schedules fill quickly, so reserving in advance locks in better rates.
  • Flexible Pickup Dates: If you can wait a few extra days, carriers can optimize routes for cheaper prices.
  • Avoid Shipping Heavy Items: Personal belongings inside the car may increase fees or cause delays.
  • Compare Island Ports: Sometimes shipping to Honolulu and then ferrying to another island is cheaper.

    • Popular Hawaiian Cities for Car Shipping

    Most car shipments in Hawaii go through major ports:

  • Honolulu (Oahu): The busiest port, handling most of Hawaii’s auto shipments.
  • Hilo (Big Island): Popular for residents and students.
  • Kahului (Maui): Common for relocations and tourism-related vehicle needs.
  • Kona (Big Island): Smaller port with regular schedules.
  • Nawiliwili (Kauai): Used for car deliveries to Kauai residents.

    • Why Choose FastCarShip?

    FastCarShip specializes in Hawaii car shipping and provides a stress-free experience:

  • 🚛 Mainland + Ocean Network: Full service from your home in the U.S. to your home in Hawaii.
  • 🛡 Fully Insured: Every vehicle is protected from pickup to delivery.
  • 👨‍✈️ Trusted Drivers & Carriers: Experienced with Hawaii’s unique shipping process.
  • 📞 24/7 Support: Updates at every step, from the mainland to island delivery.

    • With FastCarShip, your Hawaii car shipping is seamless, affordable, and worry-free.

    Images for This Article

    ![Cargo ship loaded with vehicles departing from Los Angeles to Honolulu, Hawaii, realistic, high-quality photo](image-link-or-prompt)

    ![Cars lined up at Honolulu port awaiting pickup, Hawaii auto transport, realistic, professional](image-link-or-prompt)

    ![Open carrier truck delivering cars to a California port for Hawaii shipping, realistic, clear photo](image-link-or-prompt)

    Conclusion

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

    👉 Get your free Hawaii car shipping quote today with FastCarShip and let us handle the journey from mainland to island.

    Professional car shipping truck transporting vehicles on highway

    Professional auto transport carriers ensure safe delivery nationwide with experienced drivers and modern equipment

    Luxury cars being carefully loaded onto enclosed transport trailer

    Enclosed transport provides maximum protection for luxury, classic, and high-value vehicles during shipping

    Ready to Get Your Car Shipping Quote?

    Get an instant, accurate quote for your vehicle transport with no hidden fees.

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