“Is there a car ferry to Hawaii?”

A ferry would make it a lot easier to get your car, truck, or SUV to Hawaii, but we’re sorry to tell you that there’s technically no car ferry to Hawaii. However, it is entirely possible to ship your vehicle to Hawaii on a boat.

“How hard is it to ship a car to Hawaii?”

It’s not a difficult process, but it does come with a number of little details that you’ll need to get right. There’s just one thing you’ll need to decide: Is it worth it?

If you’re considering moving your car to Hawaii, we’ll answer all your questions so you can navigate the process confidently.

In This Article:

Question #1: “Should I Ship My Car, Truck, or SUV to Hawaii?”

Question #2: “Who Ships Cars from the Mainland to Hawaii?”

Question #3: “How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Hawaii?”

Question #4: “Can You Put a Car into a Shipping Container to Hawaii?”

Question #5: “What Paperwork Do I Need to Ship a Car to Hawaii?”

Question #6: “How Clean Does My Car Need to Be to Ship to Hawaii?”

Question #7: “How Do I Prepare My Car for Shipping to Hawaii?”

Question #8: “What If I Have a Sports Car, a Vintage Car, or a Specialty Car?”

Question #1: “Should I Ship My Car, Truck, or SUV to Hawaii?“

There’s no question in our minds that you’ll want a vehicle of your own to get around Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island. Public transportation is limited in Hawaii, so you’ll need a car to explore all of the awesome aspects of your new Hawaii home.

So the real question becomes: “Is it worth it to ship my car to Hawaii?” Or, should you sell your car at your current location and buy a car once you arrive?

Ask yourself three questions.

1

How Old Is My Car?

Is your car relatively new? Is it a vehicle you’d want to drive for years to come? If so, it probably makes sense to ship it to Hawaii.

However, if you were thinking of replacing your car, truck, or SUV in the next few years for something newer or more reliable, consider selling it. Then, use the proceeds toward a new or used vehicle in Hawaii.

2

Is My Car Suited for Island Life?

The car that worked for mainland life may not be right for Hawaii life.

  • What are the roads like in Hawaii? By and large, the state road system in Hawaii is pretty well maintained—although we do have our share of potholes.
  • Do I need a 4WD vehicle in Hawaii? For your average trips to work and to the beach, you’d be completely fine with a 2WD vehicle. You’ll find some four-wheel driving adventures in Hawaii, such as visiting the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island or camping in Poli Poli Spring State Recreation Area on Maui. If that sounds like a lifestyle you’ll embrace, consider an AWD or 4WD vehicle.

However, consider this: Gas is generally more expensive on the island, often at least $1 more per gallon than the national average. A fuel efficient vehicle may be better for your budget. There’s also plenty of sun in Hawaii, so many people choose to drive electric vehicles charged by solar power.

If any of these points make you hesitate, you might want to sell your car before you make the move.

3

What’s Available on the Island I’m Moving To?

Before you make a final decision, research car prices on your chosen island. All islands have major dealerships selling both new and used cars, with prices available online or via phone call. 

If you’re considering a used car, websites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace can be a good resource. However, be cautious with private sales. These “as-is” sales can either be an awesome deal or a huge headache. 

Ideally, the seller will allow an independent mechanic to inspect the car before you buy. Additionally, ask for any maintenance logs the seller has and check the car’s history on a site like CarFax. 

Still uncertain whether to ship or sell? We’ve got more questions and answers!

Question #2: “Who Ships Cars from the Mainland to Hawaii?“

There are several ocean freight carriers that ship cars to Hawaii on what are called RORO vessels (roll-on/roll-off). Vehicles are driven straight onto the ship and secured for their voyage.

If you do an online search, you’ll also find several auto transportation companies. These organizations act as go-betweens with the ocean freight carriers, and they can provide additional services such as door pickup.

Finally, if you’re doing a household move to Hawaii, your moving company can help you ship your car as part of a larger relocation.

  • The advantage to using your household mover: Like an vehicle transportation company, they’ll handle all the details so you don’t have to. You won’t have to worry about paperwork, dropping off your car, etc.
  • The disadvantage to using your household mover: This option can be more cost-effective than using a third-party transportation company, since you’re bundling the car shipping with a larger move. Additionally, since once single company will handle your entire move, it offers a whole different level of convenience.

Question #3: “How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Hawaii?“

If you’re simply booking port-to-port service from a California port to Hawaii, you’re looking at prices starting at $1,600–$2,400. If you need additional services, like door pickup, your cost will be higher.

Is It Cheaper to Buy a Car in Hawaii or Ship a Car to Hawaii?

To answer this question, do the math. Search some Hawaii used car listings to find a car similar to the one you currently own. Consider the shipping cost we mention above. (Don’t forget to factor in any additional services you’d need!) It will quickly become clear whether it’s cheaper to buy a car in Hawaii or ship yours.

Question #4: “Can You Put a Car into a Shipping Container to Hawaii?”

If you’re doing a household move to Hawaii, you might wonder if you can just put your car inside your 40-foot container.

It’s not as simple as it seems. Here’s why:

  • Your car needs special treatment inside your container. Remember that containers travel on chassis, which means that your container will sit four feet off the ground. So, first, special accommodations have to be made to get your car into the container. Then, it needs to be blocked and braced to ensure it stays in place in transit. All of this can add to the cost of your move.
  • A car in your container changes the nature of your shipment. Hawaii ocean freight carriers price their shipments based on what’s inside your container. A car contains hazardous materials—oil, gas, and a battery. That means your container will require special handling, including placing it in a specific part of the ship where it won’t interact with other shipments around it. All of this can add even more to the cost of your move.
  • Finally, a car also significantly reduces the available space in your container. The average car is about 17 feet long, bumper to bumper. If you put your car in a 40-foot container, you only have another ~20 feet of container space left for the rest of your items.

You and your moving company will need to consider all of these items when making a final decision.

Question #5: “What Paperwork Do I Need to Ship a Car to Hawaii?”

There are a few pieces of documentation you’ll need for shipping your car to Hawaii:

  • A copy of the car’s current, valid registration or the title/bill of sale. If the car is financed, you may also need a lien authorization letter from the lien holder, authorizing shipment to Hawaii.
  • The registered owner must be present at the drop-off, with picture ID. If the registered owner cannot be present, you’ll need a notarized letter authorizing the person dropping off the car to release the vehicle.

If the title lists multiple owners, all parties must be present to authorize the movement of the car. Alternatively, you may be able to present a notarized letter from the other owners, giving permission for the move.

Do I Need a Title to Ship a Car Hawaii?

When your car is headed westbound (to Hawaii), your car’s current registration should be sufficient—no title needed. However, if you’re sending your car eastbound (from Hawaii to another destination), Hawaii state law requires you to present both your current registration and your title.

Question #6: “How Clean Does My Car Need to Be to Ship to Hawaii?“

You might be surprised to know that Hawaii ocean freight carriers ask you to clean your car before turning it over to them. Cars will undergo USDA inspection to make sure they’re free of dirt, mud, grass, plant seeds, and other invasive species that could damage Hawaii’s delicate ecosystem.

Before you ship your car:

  • Wash the exterior thoroughly.
  • Empty everything out of your car, including the glove compartment, trunk, door pockets, side pockets, etc.
  • Remove the mats and vacuum the interior, then vacuum the mats before replacing them.

If your vehicle fails USDA inspection, you may have to come to the port, clean it, and bring it back for re-inspection before it can be loaded on the ship or released to you in Hawaii—so don’t skip this step.

Question #7: “How Do I Prepare My Car for Shipping to Hawaii?“

Shipping companies have a couple of requirements to ensure the safe transport of your vehicle:

  1. Empty your gas tank to no more than 1/4 full at the time of shipment. Where electric vehicles are concerned, each carrier has its own specs for how full the battery should be, so make sure to ask.
  2. If you have an alarm system on your car, disconnect it—or disconnect the battery—before shipment. If the alarm goes off while the ship is underway, it may drain the battery.
  3. Clear your car of personal items.
  4. Remove accessories that aren’t bolted to the car, such as ski or bike racks, portable radios and stereos, tailgate nets, and steering wheel locks.
  5. Make sure you have two sets of keys: One to go with the car and one to stay with you. (Just in case!)

Tip: When you drop your car off at the port, take a quick video of your car’s interior and exterior. If you believe your car sustained any damage during the voyage, the video will tell you for sure.

Can You Pack Your Car When You Ship It To Hawaii?

Unfortunately, no. All of your personal belongings must be removed from the vehicle. This reduces the possibility of damage to your belongings and to the car, and it also ensures the safety of the carrier’s employees. Items that are permanently attached or manufacturer-installed can remain.

Question #8: “What If I Have a Sports Car, a Vintage Car, or a Specialty Car?“

Special items require special handling. If you’ve got a unique, high-value car, consider shipping it in a container for maximum protection.

RORO ships headed to Hawaii are specifically designed with cars in mind. They won’t, for example, subject your car to a constant stream of Pacific sea spray. However, a container will offer peace of mind for specialty cars.

Additionally, if you’ve got a restoration project that doesn’t drive—or has a testy starter motor—a container will be your best choice.

What If I Have a Question You Didn’t Answer Here?

After doing thousands of moves every year, we know that everyone’s Hawaii move is unique. If you have more questions, it’s only natural.

Feel free to reach out to one of our Hawaii moving experts. We’d be happy to talk to you about your specific situation and connect you with the moving solution that’s right for you. (And we offer complimentary quotes for Hawaii moves!)

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