Shipping a car to Hawaii costs $1,500 to $2,100 from the West Coast and is one of the most common logistics questions for anyone moving to Hawaii. Public transportation outside of Oahu is essentially nonexistent, so unless you plan to live car-free in Honolulu, you will need a vehicle. This guide covers everything: costs by origin, the two main carriers, the shipping process step by step, timeline, what you can pack in the car, and how to decide whether shipping makes more sense than buying on-island.
Shipping Costs by Origin
| Origin | Sedan / Compact | SUV / Truck | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast (CA, OR, WA) | $1,500 – $2,100 | $1,800 – $2,500 | 2 – 3 weeks |
| Midwest (IL, TX, CO) | $2,000 – $2,800 | $2,300 – $3,200 | 3 – 4 weeks |
| East Coast (NY, FL, GA) | $2,500 – $3,200 | $2,800 – $3,600 | 3 – 5 weeks |
Costs include ocean freight only from the West Coast. East Coast and Midwest prices include overland transport to the departure port.
The Two Main Carriers
Only two companies operate regular vehicle shipping service between the mainland and Hawaii:
Matson Navigation
Matson is Hawaii's largest shipping company, operating since 1882. They handle the majority of vehicle shipments to Hawaii. Departure ports: Oakland, Long Beach, Tacoma (WA). Arrival ports: Honolulu (Oahu), Kahului (Maui), Hilo and Kawaihae (Big Island), Nawiliwili (Kauai). Matson offers online booking and vehicle tracking.
Pasha Hawaii
Pasha Hawaii is the second carrier, offering competitive pricing. Departure ports: San Diego, Oakland. Arrival ports: Honolulu, Kahului, Hilo, Kawaihae. Pasha tends to price slightly lower than Matson on some routes and is generally well-reviewed.
Both are reputable. Compare quotes from each for your specific route and vehicle size. Book 4 to 6 weeks in advance, especially during peak moving season (May through August).
The Shipping Process — Step by Step
- Get quotes from both Matson and Pasha for your vehicle size and route
- Book your shipment 4 to 6 weeks before your desired ship date
- Prepare your vehicle: Wash it (mandatory for agricultural inspection), remove aftermarket accessories (bike racks, roof boxes), reduce gas to one-quarter tank or less, disconnect car alarms, document existing damage with photos
- Drop off at the departure port during the scheduled window (typically 3 to 5 days before the vessel sails)
- Agricultural inspection: Hawaii's Department of Agriculture inspects every vehicle for insects and soil. Your car must be clean — especially the undercarriage and wheel wells. Vehicles that fail inspection are cleaned at your expense ($100 to $200)
- Ocean transit: 5 to 14 days depending on route and destination island
- Port processing in Hawaii: 2 to 5 business days after the ship docks
- Pick up your vehicle at the destination port with your ID, booking confirmation, and vehicle registration
Ship or Buy? How to Decide
Shipping makes sense if:
- Your car is paid off or nearly paid off
- It is in good mechanical condition and less than 10 years old
- You like your car and know its history
- The shipping cost is less than the price premium for buying equivalent on-island
Buying on-island makes sense if:
- Your car is older, high-mileage, or needs work
- Shipping cost exceeds the car's value
- You want a vehicle better suited to island conditions (4WD for Big Island, compact for city parking on Oahu)
Used car prices in Hawaii run 15% to 25% higher than mainland equivalents because of limited supply and the cost of shipping inventory. Salt air corrosion also means that older Hawaii cars may have more rust than their mileage suggests. If you have a reliable mainland car worth $15,000+, shipping is usually the better financial move.
Scam Warning
Hawaii vehicle shipping attracts scam operators. Red flags:
- Quotes significantly below $1,500 for West Coast shipping
- Companies that cannot name their vessel or departure port
- Requests for large upfront cash deposits
- No physical address or verifiable BBB/DOT registration
- "Broker" companies that subcontract to unknown carriers
Stick with Matson and Pasha for the ocean leg. If using a third-party transport company for overland delivery to the port, verify their USDOT number at FMCSA's SAFER System.
After Your Car Arrives
Once you pick up your vehicle in Hawaii, you have 30 days to:
- Get a Hawaii safety inspection at any certified inspection station ($20 to $30)
- Register the vehicle with your island's county DMV — bring the title, safety inspection certificate, proof of Hawaii insurance, and your Hawaii driver's license
- Switch to Hawaii auto insurance — your mainland policy will not cover you long-term. Get quotes from local carriers before your car arrives
For the full relocation process, see our Moving to Hawaii guide and Moving to Hawaii Checklist. Use our Moving Cost Calculator to estimate your total relocation budget including vehicle shipping.
