As of 2023, there were approximately 1.2 million registered vehicles in Hawaii, the only U.S. state made entirely of islands. With no car manufacturing plants on the islands, nearly every vehicle must be shipped from the mainland. Many residents find it more cost-effective to buy used cars from the mainland rather than paying higher local dealership prices. Shipping a car to Hawaii is a complex process that involves both ground transportation to the port and ocean freight. Keep reading to learn how much it costs to ship a car to Hawaii, the best shipping methods, and expert tips to save money.
Factors that Impact the Price Formulation
- Distance. The distance between the pickup location on the mainland and the destination in Hawaii plays a significant role in determining the shipping cost. The farther the journey, the higher the price, especially depending on whether the car is being delivered to a major port or a more remote island.
- Type of vehicle. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, take up more space and require more resources to transport. As a result, they generally cost more to ship compared to compact cars. The greater the size and weight, the higher the shipping price due to the added logistics and space required on the carrier.
- Vehicle condition. It’s important to check whether your car is operable or inoperable. A car that cannot roll, steer, or brake on its own will require special handling. This often involves using a winch or other specialized equipment to load and unload the vehicle, which can add to the overall cost of transport.
- Carrier type. The shipping method you choose also impacts the cost. For standard vehicles, open carrier transport is typically more affordable, while enclosed auto transport is preferred for luxury and classic vehicles, offering added protection. The shipping method, port-to-port versus door-to-door, can also affect pricing, with door-to-door service usually being more expensive due to the convenience and extra logistics involved.
- Seasonal demand. Shipping to Hawaii during peak seasons, such as summer or holidays, can be more expensive due to higher consumer demand. Off-peak seasons, however, offer more flexibility in transport options and often come with more competitive pricing. Planning and booking during off-peak seasons can help you secure the best rates.
Shipping a car to Hawaii involves several factors, and the final cost can vary depending on key elements. Here are the main factors that influence car transport prices to the islands.
- Weather. The Pacific Ocean experiences seasonal variations that can impact shipping schedules and transit times. During the winter months, weather changes can occasionally lead to slight delays in shipping timelines. The summer months typically offer more stable ocean conditions, resulting in more predictable transit times.
- Fuel fluctuations. Fuel prices directly affect car shipping costs to Hawaii. When fuel prices rise, shipping companies face higher operational costs, which are often reflected in increased shipping rates. While fuel costs fluctuate based on market conditions, understanding this factor can help explain variations in quotes over time.
Hawaii Car Shipping Costs Explained
Shipping a vehicle to Hawaii involves unique logistics complexities that affect the overall cost. As an island state located 2,500 miles from the mainland, all vehicles must be transported via ocean freight, which adds significantly to the expense compared to domestic ground shipping.
Cost Breakdown by Vehicle Type
Before diving into specific routes, it's important to understand how your vehicle type impacts the final price. Larger vehicles require more space on carriers and shipping vessels, which directly affects shipping costs.
| Vehicle Type | Examples | West Coast → Hawaii | East Coast → Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact / Sedan | Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, Tesla Model 3 | $1,000 – $1,800 | $1,800 – $2,800 |
| Midsize SUV | Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Explorer | $1,300 – $2,000 | $2,000 – $2,900 |
| Full-Size SUV / Truck | Chevy Tahoe, Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra | $1,500 – $2,400 | $2,400 – $3,400 |
| Luxury / Exotic | BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Tesla Model X | $1,400 – $2,200 | $2,400 – $3,300 |
| Oversized Vehicles | Lifted trucks, RVs, and commercial vehicles | $2,000 – $5,500+ | $4,500 – $8,500+ |
Hawaii Car Shipping Cost Breakdown by Route and Island
The table below estimates costs for shipping vehicles between Hawaii's major ports and popular mainland cities. Prices vary based on the destination island, with Oahu (Honolulu) typically offering the most competitive rates due to higher shipping volume and frequency.
Route
Open Transport
Enclosed Transport
Estimated Transit Time
Distance
Honolulu (Oʻahu) ↔ Los Angeles, CA
$1,500
$2,300
10–16 days
~2,500 miles
Honolulu (Oʻahu) ↔ Phoenix, AZ
$2,000
$2,450
12–18 days
~2,900 miles
Honolulu (Oʻahu) ↔ New York, NY
$2,850
$3,900
16–18 days
~4,900 miles
Kahului (Maui) ↔ Los Angeles, CA
$1,600
$2,400
11–14 days
~2,500 miles
Kahului (Maui) ↔ Las Vegas, NV
$2,000
$2,700
12–16 days
~2,750 miles
Hilo (Big Island) ↔ Los Angeles, CA
$1,800
$2,800
12–14 days
~2,500 miles
Hilo (Big Island) ↔ Seattle, WA
$2,200
$3,200
13–22 days
~2,675 miles
Kailua-Kona (Big Island) ↔ San Diego, CA
$1,900
$2,800
12–14 days
~2,550 miles
Kailua-Kona (Big Island) ↔ Dallas, TX
$2,500
$3,800
14–18 days
~3,800 miles
Nawiliwili (Kauaʻi) ↔ San Francisco, CA
$2,100
$2,900
12–15 days
~2,400 miles
How to Reduce Hawaii Shipping Costs
Hawaii Car Shipping Cost Breakdown by Route and Island
The table below estimates costs for shipping vehicles between Hawaii's major ports and popular mainland cities. Prices vary based on the destination island, with Oahu (Honolulu) typically offering the most competitive rates due to higher shipping volume and frequency.
| Route | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport | Estimated Transit Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu (Oʻahu) ↔ Los Angeles, CA | $1,500 | $2,300 | 10–16 days | ~2,500 miles |
| Honolulu (Oʻahu) ↔ Phoenix, AZ | $2,000 | $2,450 | 12–18 days | ~2,900 miles |
| Honolulu (Oʻahu) ↔ New York, NY | $2,850 | $3,900 | 16–18 days | ~4,900 miles |
| Kahului (Maui) ↔ Los Angeles, CA | $1,600 | $2,400 | 11–14 days | ~2,500 miles |
| Kahului (Maui) ↔ Las Vegas, NV | $2,000 | $2,700 | 12–16 days | ~2,750 miles |
| Hilo (Big Island) ↔ Los Angeles, CA | $1,800 | $2,800 | 12–14 days | ~2,500 miles |
| Hilo (Big Island) ↔ Seattle, WA | $2,200 | $3,200 | 13–22 days | ~2,675 miles |
| Kailua-Kona (Big Island) ↔ San Diego, CA | $1,900 | $2,800 | 12–14 days | ~2,550 miles |
| Kailua-Kona (Big Island) ↔ Dallas, TX | $2,500 | $3,800 | 14–18 days | ~3,800 miles |
| Nawiliwili (Kauaʻi) ↔ San Francisco, CA | $2,100 | $2,900 | 12–15 days | ~2,400 miles |
How to Reduce Hawaii Shipping Costs
While shipping a car to Hawaii involves ocean freight, several strategies are available to minimize expenses without compromising safety or reliability.
Choose Port-to-Port Service
Many BAH Logistics customers opt for port-to-port service to significantly reduce their costs. With this option, you're responsible for dropping your vehicle off at a West Coast port (such as Long Beach, CA; Oakland, CA; or Tacoma, WA) for ocean transport to Hawaii. Often called Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo), this means vehicles are driven or rolled onto the vessel at the origin port and rolled off at the destination port in Hawaii.
The chart below shows average port-to-port costs when shipping a vehicle to or from Hawaii:
| Shipping From | Shipping To | Average Distance | Transit Time | Price Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Beach, CA | Honolulu, HI | 2,467 miles | 5–8 days | $1,200 |
| Oakland, CA | Honolulu, HI | 2,387 miles | 5–8 days | $1,250 |
| Tacoma, WA | Honolulu, HI | 2,677 miles | 6–9 days | $1,900 |
| Honolulu, HI | Long Beach, CA | 2,467 miles | 5–8 days | $1,100 |
| Honolulu, HI | Oakland, CA | 2,387 miles | 5–8 days | $1,200 |
Select Open Transport Over Enclosed
Be Flexible with Your Shipping Dates
Hawaii Car Shipping Methods: Which is Right for You?
Shipping a car to Hawaii involves multiple options, each balancing cost, convenience, and vehicle protection. Check these methods out, and you choose the best solution for your auto transportation to Hawaii.
| Shipping Method | Service Level | Cost Estimate | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RoRo (Roll-On/Roll-Off) | Port-to-Port | $1,000–$2,400 | Most affordable, fast, frequent sailings | Exposed to ocean elements, no personal items, vehicle must run | Standard sedans, SUVs, trucks in good condition |
| RoRo | Door-to-Port | +$200–$500 to port-to-port | Mainland pickup convenience saves time | Still requires Hawaii port pickup | Those wanting some convenience but willing to pick up in Hawaii |
| RoRo | Door-to-Door | +$500–$800 to port-to-port | Maximum convenience, the carrier handles all logistics | Highest cost, limited delivery windows | Busy schedules, families relocating, professionals |
| Container Shipping | Port-to-Port | $2,500–$5,000+ | Full protection from weather/salt, can ship personal items, secure | 2–3x cost, less frequent sailings, longer processing | Luxury, classic, exotic vehicles, motorcycles, and shipping personal items |
| Container Shipping | Door-to-Port | +$200–$900 to port-to-port | Mainland pickup convenience, full protection | Still requires Hawaii port pickup, slightly more expensive | High-value vehicles needing partial convenience |
| Container Shipping | Door-to-Door | +$300–$900 to port-to-port | Maximum convenience + full protection | Most expensive, limited delivery windows | Luxury vehicles, classic/exotic cars, non-running vehicles, families with household items |
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car to Hawaii?
How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Following these steps ensures your vehicle is ready for inspection, safely loaded, and compliant with Hawaii’s shipping requirements.
Sum Up
Shipping a car to Hawaii involves several factors that can influence the cost, such as distance, type of vehicle, weather, season, and carrier type. On average, you can expect to pay between $1,800 and $2,500 for shipping your car. BAH Logistics offers transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden fees—simply use our online form to get an instant, exact quote for your specific vehicle and route. As one of the nation's top-rated car shipping companies, we bring years of Hawaii shipping expertise to ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on time. Trust us for a smooth, reliable, and stress-free car shipping experience to the islands.
FAQs about Hawaii Car Shipping Costs
Is shipping to Hawaii cheaper than selling & buying a car?
Shipping to Hawaii can be cheaper if your vehicle is relatively new or high-value, as buying a comparable car on the islands is often more expensive. For older or low-value cars, selling on the mainland and rebuying in Hawaii may be more cost-effective.
How far ahead should I book?
For Hawaii car shipping, it’s best to book 2–4 weeks in advance to secure the best rates and ensure carrier availability. Avoid peak seasons like June–August, mid-December to early January, and major Hawaii holidays for lower costs and smoother scheduling.
What ports does BAH Logistics ship cars to/from Hawaii?
BAH Logistics ships vehicles to and from major Hawaii and West Coast ports, including Honolulu (Oʻahu), Kahului (Maui), Hilo and Kailua‑Kona (Big Island), and Nawiliwili (Kauaʻi) on the Hawaii side. On the mainland, common departure and arrival ports include Long Beach, CA; Oakland, CA; and Tacoma, WA for ocean freight.
Are there additional fees associated with car shipping to Hawaii?
Yes, there can be additional fees when shipping a car to Hawaii, including excise taxes, port fees, and handling charges. These costs vary based on the vehicle’s value, size, and the specific ports used, so it’s important to confirm all fees with BAH Logistics before shipping.
