Hawaii is one of the most stunning places in the United States, but its island geography can create some unique challenges when it comes to moving a vehicle. Since Hawaii isn’t connected to the mainland by road, many assume the process of shipping a car might be complicated. Fortunately, that’s not the case.
Shipping a vehicle from Hawaii to the mainland or shipping a car from the mainland to Hawaii is a smooth and straightforward process when you have the right partner. Because Hawaii is part of the United States, many of the typical hurdles involved with international shipping like customs complications or language barriers simply don’t apply.
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With A1 Auto’s trusted service, shipping a car from Hawaii to the mainland or from the mainland to Hawaii is handled with care and efficiency. We offer departures from multiple ports in Hawaii and ensure that your vehicle is delivered safely and on time to its final destination. Thanks to our deep experience with this route, you can feel confident that your vehicle is in good hands from start to finish.
Car Import Recommendations
Although the route crosses international waterways, you will not incur any additional expenditures due to tariffs or other international shipping fees because it is a part of the United States. Nevertheless, you'll need to meet a few more conditions if you're coming from Hawaii, and the procedure can take longer than usual because of the distance.
Shipping a car from Aloha State to the mainland should only be attempted by maritime freight. Knowing the locations of the ports in the state is essential for making preparations.
Shipping Requirements
To import your automobile from Aloha State to the Mainland, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Copy of Valid Driver's License.
- Certificate of Ownership.
- Certificate of Registration.
- Notarized Letter from Registered Owner (if being shipped by someone else)
- Notarized Letter from Lienholder (if the lienholder is present on the Registration)
*Notarized Letters are only valid for up to 30 days.
To make sure that the process goes smoothly and that you don't experience delays, you should also make sure that you prepare your automobile for the shipping process. The following guidelines should be followed:
- Make sure the car's gas tank is no more than a quarter full
- Have the vehicle inspected to make sure that it meets all safety standards in the United States
- Clean the car of all of your personal belongings, including CDs, alarm systems, toys, trash, and so forth
- Ensure that it has at least half a foot of ground clearance
- Make sure that there's a key provided for the ignition and all other compartments of the vehicle, as per the Department of Agriculture's regulations
*A spare tire and car jack can be kept in the vehicle, as long as they are placed in its trunk.
(Source: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/
Shipping Methods
The two main ways to ship your car from Aloha State to the Mainland United States
Roll-On and Roll-Off Service
This service is the most common, as you'll find that some car shipping companies will only offer this one. Even though it's the cheapest method, it is still reliable and secure since it's chained to a car deck on a freight ship. Your car will arrive safely at the mainland port, and shipping companies will take many preventive measures to ensure that your vehicle isn't damaged. You can also get door-to-door shipping service for your convenience at an extra cost.
Container Service
The more expensive of the two methods, the more secure this one is since your vehicle will be placed in its own special container. The delivery time can even be faster than the Roll-On and Roll-Off Service. If you have a particularly valuable vehicle, then this method should be seriously considered for its added safety and security. Be sure to specify the type of vehicle you're shipping to ensure that the container will be big enough to hold it adequately.
*Expect the shipping process to take between 1 to 3 weeks.
Relevant Statistics
- Around 12,000 cars are shipped from Hawaii to the mainland each year.
- Approximately 95% of vehicles shipped from Hawaii to the mainland arrive without damage or issues.
- Shipping a car from Hawaii to the mainland ranges between $1,500 and $2,500.
- A car is transported by ship from Hawaii to the mainland, taking approximately 10-14 days.
- More than 80% of people shipping their cars from Hawaii to the mainland choose the port of Los Angeles as their destination.
General Facts
- Shipping a car from Hawaii to the mainland involves transportation across the Pacific Ocean.
- Most shipping companies offer both open and enclosed transport options for cars.
- The average transit time for shipping a car from Hawaii to the mainland is around 2-4 weeks.
- Before shipping, cars must be thoroughly cleaned and inspected for any pre-existing damages.
- It is essential to check and comply with the specific regulations and requirements of both the origin and destination ports for successful car shipment.
Main Ports of Departure / Arrival
Aloha State is composed of 8 main islands, though there are many other smaller ones, with the main islands being Hawaiʻi, Maui, Oʻahu, Kahoʻolawe, Lanaʻi, Molokaʻi, Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.
The ports from Hawaii that you can ship from are located in:
- Honolulu, O'ahu.
- Nawiliwili, Kaua'i.
- Kahului, Maui.
- Hilo, Hawai'i.
- Kawaihae, Hawai'i.
The ports that your vehicle can be shipped to in the United States will all be located on the West Coast for geographical reasons. The most common ports are:
- Tacoma, Washington
- Long Beach, California
- Oakland, California
After arriving at its port, you must pick up the vehicle once it is inspected and approved by the appropriate officials. You will have the option of arranging delivery service straight to your final destination for an extra fee.
A-1 Auto can help you with the entire process and get your automobile to the United States immediately!
Do you want peace of mind with your shipments when shipping from Aloha State to the Mainland or anywhere else in the country? Call A1 Auto Transport today at the phone number at the top of this page to get details on how to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from Hawaii to the Mainland?
As of September 16, 2026, standard port-to-port shipping from Honolulu to a California gateway is about $1,020-$1,200, while Hilo, Kahului, or Nawiliwili origins are about $1,990-$2,100 before mainland trucking. Final delivery beyond the California terminal costs more because it adds an inland transport leg. Oversize or modified vehicles may also price above standard vehicle rates. A1's car shipping rates guide explains the main quote inputs.
How long does it take to transport a car from Hawaii to the Mainland?
A Hawaii-to-mainland shipment from Honolulu to a California port commonly needs about 9-24 days from the vessel sail date. That window includes the ocean crossing plus loading and unloading on common Honolulu service. Hilo, Kahului, and Nawiliwili can take longer when the carrier uses a Honolulu connection; Matson publishes 33-45 days for its barge-connected routes. If you add inland delivery after port release, the trip continues until a truck reaches your final mainland address
What paperwork is required to ship a car from Hawaii to the Mainland?
Hawaii-to-mainland vehicle shipping requires proof of ownership and current registration, with written owner authorization when the shipper is not the legal owner. Hawaii law establishes those ownership requirements, while Matson and Pasha add carrier-specific documents for financed vehicles or third-party drop-offs. Bring the identification and booking documents required for your terminal, and submit any requested copies before drop-off. A1's car transport document guide covers the broader paperwork process.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Hawaii to the Mainland?
Standard port-to-port vehicle service from Honolulu to California is usually the lowest-cost setup because it avoids both a neighbor-island transfer and mainland door delivery. Matson's published Honolulu-to-Long Beach/Oakland rate is $1,020 for a standard vehicle, substantially below its neighbor-island rate. If you can handle terminal drop-off and pickup yourself, you also avoid paying for inland trucking. A1's roll-on/roll-off shipping guide explains how standard RoRo vehicle transport works.
Can I ship a car with personal items when moving it from Hawaii to the Mainland?
No. Standard Hawaii-to-mainland ocean vehicle service requires the vehicle to be empty of personal belongings before it is accepted at the terminal. Pasha requires storage compartments to be clean and empty, while Matson's personal-effects exception applies to certain Alaska-Tacoma shipments rather than Hawaii routes. A spare tire, jack, secured child seat, owner's manual, and permanently installed equipment may be allowed under the carrier's rules. Pack luggage, electronics, tools, and household goods separately.
How do I prepare a car for shipment from Hawaii to the Mainland?
Prepare a Hawaii-to-mainland shipment by delivering a clean, operable vehicle with one-eighth to one-quarter tank of fuel and no personal belongings. Matson and Pasha require accessible compartments, while Pasha also requires the car to roll, brake, steer, and remain free of leaking fluids. Remove loose accessories and toll tags, disable aftermarket alarms, and leave the required keys with the terminal. Photograph the vehicle before drop-off so you have a clear record of its pre-shipment condition.
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