Last Updated: 1/28/2025

Vehicle Shipping to Hawaii

Moving to Hawaii comes with a list of to-dos, and having a car will make most of these tasks easier. If you already own a car, you’ve probably thought about some questions regarding Hawaii auto transport. We’ve got the answers you need.

Question #1: Should I Ship My Car to Hawaii?

To help you make this important decision, ask yourself:

How old is my car?

If you plan to replace it soon, consider selling it before you move to save on costs.

What kind of car will I want on the island?

While most islands offer some 4-wheel driving adventures, the state’s road system is well maintained. A fuel-efficient vehicle may be better for your budget, as gas is generally more expensive on the islands.

What’s available on the island I’m moving to?

Research car prices on your chosen Hawaiian Island. Most have major dealerships selling new and used cars. For private sales, be cautious and have the car checked by a mechanic if possible.

Question #2: What’s the Cheapest Way to Ship my Car to Hawaii?

You have a couple of options:

Option 1: Drive It to the Port and Pick It Up Yourself in Hawaii

If you live near a West Coast port, you can drop your car off, and the shipping company will put it on a RORO (“roll-on, roll-off”) ship. Royal Hawaiian Movers can help set this option up as a part of your move to Hawaii.

Option 2: Hire Someone to Transport Your Car to a Port

If you don’t live near a port, it can sometimes be cheaper to hire someone to get your car there, especially if you live on the East Coast. Royal Hawaiian Movers offers this option through our sister company DeWitt Move Worldwide.

Question #3: Should I Put My Car in My Container?

Consider these factors before deciding:

  • It can change the price of your overall move due to special care and hazardous materials.
  • It reduces the amount of space for your household items.

As a rule of thumb:

If you’re east of the Rockies, it often makes financial sense to put your car in your container.

If you’re west of the Rockies, consider driving your car to the port or hiring someone to do so.

Question #4: What Kind of Documentation Do I Need?

You’ll need:

  • Vehicle title or lien holder authorization letter
  • Current vehicle registration
  • Picture ID that matches the name on the title and registration

Question #5: How Do I Prep My Car for Shipping?

Shipping companies require:

  • Gas tank no more than 1/4 full
  • Alarm system disconnected or battery disconnected

If loading directly onto a ship:

  • Remove all personal items and non-bolted accessories

If including in your container:

  • Leave enough room for movers to sit in the passenger seat and see out the windows

Have two sets of keys: One with the car and one with you.

Question #6: What If I Have a Special Car?

For unique, high-value cars, consider shipping in a container for maximum protection.

When it comes to shipping a car to Hawaii, there are a few key questions that come up time and again. Here at Royal Hawaiian Movers, we’ve been helping people with their Hawaii auto transport needs for over 40 years, and we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions. Whether you’re wondering about the difference between enclosed car shipping and open car shipping, or you’re curious about documentation requirements and sailing schedules, we’ve got you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Your Car to Hawaii

The cost of shipping a car to Hawaii can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of your vehicle, the port of origin, and whether you choose enclosed transport or open car shipping. The cost for shipping a car to Hawaii can vary by the type of car. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to request a free quote from a reputable auto transport company like Royal Hawaiian Movers.

The transit time for shipping a car to Hawaii can vary depending on the port of origin and the sailing schedules of the shipping company. In general, you can expect your car to arrive at the Hawaiian port within 7-10 days of departure from the mainland. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and delays can sometimes occur due to weather, port congestion, or other factors beyond the control of the car transport company.

When it comes to shipping a car to Hawaii, you have two main options: enclosed car shipping or open car shipping. Enclosed transport offers the highest level of protection for your vehicle, as it will be shipped in a fully enclosed trailer that protects it from the elements and potential damage during transit. Open car shipping, on the other hand, involves transporting your vehicle on an open trailer, which can be a more cost-effective option but does expose your car to the elements during transit.

In general, it’s best to remove all personal items from your vehicle before shipping it to Hawaii or vice versa. This includes things like jumper cables, spare tires, and any other loose items that could shift during transit and potentially cause damage to your vehicle. Some car shipping companies may allow you to include a small number of personal items in your vehicle, but it’s important to check with them beforehand to ensure that you’re following their guidelines.

When you’re shipping a car to Hawaii, you have the option of either port service or door service. Port service involves dropping off your vehicle at a designated port location, such as the port of Los Angeles or the port of San Diego, and then picking it up at the corresponding Hawaiian port once it arrives. Door service, on the other hand, involves having your vehicle picked up directly from your home or office on the mainland and then delivered to your door in Hawaii or surrounding areas.

If you have a question about shipping a car to Hawaii that we didn’t cover here, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of moving experts. We’re always happy to provide additional information and answer any questions you may have about our car shipping services, documentation requirements, sailing schedules, or anything else related to your Hawaii auto transport needs. Whether you prefer to contact us via phone or email we’re here to help you navigate the process of shipping your car to Hawaii with ease.
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