Shipping a Car to Hawaii: Cost, Routes & Carriers (2026)

Shipping a car to Hawaii from the mainland US costs $1,400–$1,900 to Honolulu, Oahu and $1,500–$2,400 to neighbor islands (Maui, Big Island, Kauai). Transit time is 10–16 days door-to-door depending on mainland origin and final Hawaii destination. This guide covers exactly how Hawaii auto transport works — the two major ocean carriers (Matson and Pasha), the four mainland ports of departure, sailing schedules, and the prep your car needs before it ships.

How car shipping to Hawaii actually works

Hawaii is ocean-only. There is no road option. Every car moving between Hawaii and the mainland rolls onto a ship at one of four mainland ports: Long Beach (CA), Oakland (CA), Tacoma (WA), or San Diego (CA). It arrives at Honolulu Harbor on Oahu. If you’re headed to Maui, Big Island, or Kauai, it’s then barged from Honolulu to a neighbor island port.

Two carriers dominate the Hawaii vehicle trade: Matson (largest, Long Beach/Oakland/Tacoma origins) and Pasha Hawaii (San Diego/Oakland origins). Both run weekly vehicle sailings on fixed schedules. Missing a sailing means waiting 7 days for the next one — which is why booking 3–4 weeks ahead is the norm for Hawaii shipments.

Mainland departure ports: which one is right for your shipment?

Long Beach (CA) via Matson is the most common West Coast origin — most Southwest, Mountain West, and Southern-origin vehicles truck to Long Beach for consolidation. Oakland (CA) via Matson or Pasha serves Bay Area and Northern California origins. Tacoma (WA) via Matson serves Pacific Northwest origins. San Diego (CA) via Pasha is an alternative for Southern California origins.

If your origin is East Coast or Midwest, the vehicle will be trucked across the country to one of these four ports first. Total transit from, say, New York to Honolulu is 14–18 days door-to-door.

Cost breakdown for Hawaii shipments

A Hawaii shipment has three cost layers. The ocean leg (mainland port to Honolulu Harbor) is typically $1,000–$1,500 for a standard car. The mainland inland leg (your origin to the mainland port) ranges from $200 (if you’re in LA already) to $1,200 (East Coast origin). The Hawaii inland leg is $100–$300 if you’re delivering to Oahu, or $300–$600 if you’re on Maui, Big Island, or Kauai — the neighbor island barge adds 3–5 days and $200–$400.

Matson vs. Pasha: how to choose

Both carriers are well-established and reputable. Matson is the larger player with more sailings per week and more lane coverage from mainland ports. Pasha typically runs slightly cheaper rates on West Coast origin pairs but has fewer sailing options. Most brokers book both depending on schedule fit.

Neighbor island delivery: Maui, Big Island, Kauai

Honolulu Harbor (Oahu) is the only deep-water port in Hawaii that receives mainland vessels. If your final destination is on Maui, Big Island (Kona or Hilo), or Kauai (Lihue), your car is offloaded at Honolulu and then placed on a Young Brothers (now Pasha Hawaii Interisland) barge to the neighbor island. This adds 3–5 days and $200–$400 to your total.

Preparing your car for Hawaii shipment

Hawaii vessel procedures are strict. Specifically:

Fuel: 1/4 tank maximum. More fuel means the vessel cannot load your car safely.
Personal items: REMOVE EVERYTHING. Hawaii inspections are strict — any personal items found can cause the car to be rolled to the next sailing, a 7-day delay.
Clean car: Wash and clean the exterior. Hawaii agricultural inspectors check for invasive species (plant material, insects) and a dirty undercarriage can fail inspection.
No aftermarket alarms: Disable or disconnect. An alarm going off during a 5-day ocean crossing drains the battery.
Paperwork: Current registration, title, insurance card, and photo ID.

Hawaii DMV registration after your car arrives

Hawaii gives new residents 30 days to register their vehicle. You’ll need the out-of-state title, safety inspection certificate (Hawaii requires a state safety inspection for registration), and proof of insurance. Each county runs its own DMV — Honolulu (Oahu), Maui, Hawaii County (Big Island), and Kauai all have separate offices with slightly different processes.

Hawaii car shipping FAQ

How long does it take to ship a car to Hawaii?

10–16 days door-to-door from most mainland origins. 5–7 days on the ocean, 3–5 days mainland pickup, 2–4 days Hawaii inland delivery.

Can I ship personal items in my car to Hawaii?

No. Hawaii agricultural and safety inspections require the vehicle to be empty. Even items in a closed trunk will cause the carrier to pull the car from the sailing.

What’s the cheapest way to ship a car to Hawaii?

Choose the closest mainland port to your origin — usually Long Beach or Oakland — and book 3–4 weeks ahead to lock a sailing. Pasha sometimes prices below Matson on West Coast origin pairs; get both quotes.

Is my car insured during the ocean crossing?

Matson and Pasha both carry cargo insurance for damage during ocean transit. Your personal auto insurance may also apply. Get the carrier’s coverage summary in writing before booking — limits vary.

Get a quote for your Hawaii shipment

Shipping a car to Hawaii is a coordinated three-leg move: mainland pickup, ocean crossing, and Hawaii island delivery. Our Hawaii quote form matches you with carriers who book Matson and Pasha routes regularly and know the neighbor-island barge process.