Breaking Down How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car to Hawaii

Did you know that in 2023 alone, 58,539 people moved to Hawaii? The state remains popular, ranked as the 15th best U.S. state to move to in 2024. With such a high relocation rate that year, it's no surprise that many are looking to ship their cars to the islands. If you're among those planning car transportation to Hawaii, you might wonder how much it costs. Shipping a vehicle to Hawaii is a complex process, and understanding how auto transport costs are calculated can help you make informed decisions. Let’s break down everything you need to know about the costs involved so that you can be fully informed and prepared for the journey.

Table of Contents

• Factors that Impact the Price Formulation
• Average Cost to Ship a Car to Hawaii
• Shipping Methods and Their Costs
• How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car to Hawaii?
• Sum Up

Factors that Impact the Price Formulation

Hawaii, the only U.S. state entirely made up of islands, faces unique vehicle transportation challenges. With no car manufacturing plants on the islands, nearly all vehicles are imported from the U.S. mainland. Many residents choose to buy used cars from the mainland, as it’s often more cost-effective to purchase and ship a vehicle than to buy one locally. 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.

• 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, 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.

• 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.

Average Cost to Ship a Car to Hawaii

The primary factor that impacts the average cost of shipping a car to Hawaii is the distance. The shipping cost can vary depending on which ports the vehicle is being shipped from and to. Shipping a car from a West Coast port to Hawaii tends to be more affordable than shipping from an East Coast port, as West Coast ports are much closer to Hawaii, reducing both the travel distance and cost. Here are some general price estimates: 

Car Shipping to Hawaii Methods & Costs

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the different shipping methods to Hawaii and their associated estimated costs:

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car to Hawaii?

Shipping a car to and from Hawaii typically takes between 1 to 6 weeks. However, the exact duration depends on several factors:

• Pickup location and destination. Shipping time is often shorter if you ship from cities along the West Coast, like Los Angeles or Seattle. However, it is usually longer when the pickup or delivery is from more remote locations.
• Weather. Severe weather conditions, especially during hurricane season, can cause shipping delays. Rough seas or storms may slow down the transit process or even temporarily close ports, which could lead to extended shipping times.
• Season and demand. Auto shipping demand is higher during summer months and holidays, leading to longer booking and shipping times. To ensure faster service, it’s advisable to ship during off-peak periods when demand is lower.
• Port congestion. Busy ports, especially in California, may experience congestion, causing delays in loading or unloading vehicles. This is common in major ports where a large volume of vehicles are being shipped overseas, further extending the shipping timeline.

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. To get an exact price, you can use our online calculator. Choose BAH Logistics for Hawaii car shipping and benefit from our years of experience, ensuring a smooth and reliable shipping process.