Table of contents
Quick answer
Most cars go to Hawaii on an ocean carrier such as Matson, which accepts cars at Long Beach and Oakland in California and delivers to Honolulu, Kahului, Hilo and Nawiliwili. You either drive the car to the port or have a truck take it there. Remove your belongings, run the fuel down to no more than a quarter tank, and bring the original title and registration. Matson doesn't accept electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. On Oahu, you then have 30 days to get an out-of-state permit or Hawaii registration.
How shipping a car to Hawaii works
Shipping to Hawaii has two parts: getting the car to a West Coast port, and the ocean voyage. If you live near a port, you can drop the car off yourself. If you don't, a car carrier can truck it to the port, and some companies book both legs for you.
- Book the ocean legReserve space with the ocean carrier or through a company that arranges it.
- Get the car to the portDrive it there, or book a truck from your home to the port.
- Port drop-offThe carrier inspects the car and checks your documents.
- Ocean transitThe car sails to your island; neighbor islands may add a barge leg.
- Pickup in HawaiiCollect the car at the port and inspect it before you leave.
Preparing your car for the ocean carrier
Ocean carriers inspect cars at the port and turn away ones that don't meet their rules, so prepare carefully. These are Matson's published requirements; other carriers have similar rules, so check the one you book.
- Remove all personal belongings
- Bring the fuel down to between 1/8 and 1/4 of a tank
- Wash the outside so the car can be inspected
- Make sure the car runs and the emergency brake works
- Leave keys for the ignition, trunk and any locked compartments
- Empty and certify any auxiliary propane tanks
- Bring the original title and registration
- If the car has a loan, get a letter from the lienholder when required
Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles
Because of these restrictions, check with every carrier before you plan to take an electric or plug-in hybrid car to Hawaii. Some owners sell the car on the mainland and buy one on the islands instead.
How long it takes
Allow for three stages: getting the car to the port, the sailing itself, and port handling at both ends. Matson's own timing includes 5 to 8 sailing days plus loading and unloading, and neighbor-island barges take longer. If a truck brings your car to the port, add that trip too.
What affects the cost
Haulwide doesn't publish Hawaii prices, because the industry studies we cite don't price the ocean leg. Ask carriers for a quote for your exact car and ports.
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Vehicle size | Ocean carriers price by the car's dimensions |
| Mainland port | Where you drop off changes the sailing and your trip to the port |
| Destination island | Neighbor islands can add a barge leg |
| Getting to the port | A truck from inland adds a separate charge |
| Season | Busy moving months fill sailings sooner |
Vehicle size
- Why it matters
- Ocean carriers price by the car's dimensions
Mainland port
- Why it matters
- Where you drop off changes the sailing and your trip to the port
Destination island
- Why it matters
- Neighbor islands can add a barge leg
Getting to the port
- Why it matters
- A truck from inland adds a separate charge
Season
- Why it matters
- Busy moving months fill sailings sooner
When your car arrives in Hawaii
- Bring ID and your shipping paperwork to the port
- Inspect the car before you drive away and note any damage
- Get Hawaii insurance and a Hawaii safety inspection
- Register the car or get an out-of-state permit on time
| Island | Deadline | First step |
|---|---|---|
| Oahu | 30 days after the car arrives | Hawaii safety inspection |
Oahu
- Deadline
- 30 days after the car arrives
- First step
- Hawaii safety inspection
Sources: City and County of Honolulu
Other counties set their own procedures, so check with the county where you'll live.
Shipping a car from Hawaii to the mainland
The process runs in reverse: drop the car at a Hawaii port, then collect it on the West Coast or have a truck take it on to your new home. Matson asks for the current title and registration and, if there's a loan, a letter from the lienholder authorizing shipment from Hawaii.
Port drop-off day checklist
- Your booking confirmation and photo ID
- The original title and registration, front and back
- A lienholder letter if your carrier requires one
- Keys for the ignition, trunk, fuel door and locked compartments
- A clean, empty car with no more than a quarter tank
- Your own dated photos of every side of the car
- Time to wait for the port inspection
Frequently asked questions
How do you ship a car to Hawaii?
Book an ocean carrier, get the car to a West Coast port such as Long Beach or Oakland, prepare it to the carrier's rules, and collect it at a Hawaii port.
Which ports ship cars to Hawaii?
Matson accepts cars at Long Beach and Oakland and delivers to Honolulu, Kahului, Hilo and Nawiliwili.
Can I pack things in my car when shipping to Hawaii?
Generally no. Ocean carriers such as Matson ask you to remove all personal belongings before drop-off.
Can I ship an electric car to Hawaii?
Matson has suspended acceptance of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Check with any carrier before planning to ship one.
How much gas can be in the car?
Matson requires between 1/8 and 1/4 of a tank, and no more than a quarter.
How long does it take to ship a car to Hawaii?
Allow time to reach the port, 5 to 8 sailing days on Matson's schedule, plus port handling, and longer for neighbor islands.
Do I need to register my car in Hawaii?
On Oahu, a car from out of state needs an out-of-state permit or Hawaii registration within 30 days of arrival, starting with a safety inspection.
How much does it cost to ship a car to Hawaii?
It depends on the car's size, ports and whether you need a truck to reach the port. Haulwide doesn't publish Hawaii prices, so request quotes.
Get a quote
Sources
- Matson: Ship your car to Hawaii
- Matson: Prepare your car
- Matson car shipping FAQ
- City and County of Honolulu
Written and reviewed by the Haulwide editorial team. Editorial policy
