Big Island to Mainland
Car Shipping.
Return from Big Island from $2,340+.
We arrange the inter-island barge from Hilo or Kawaihae to Honolulu, then your car loads on a Matson vessel to the mainland.
From Big Island
$2,340+
Barge to Honolulu
1–3 days
Ocean to mainland
9–24 days · ~14 avg
Drop-off port
Hilo / Kawaihae
How Shipping from Big Island Works
Shipping FROM Hawaii is the documented direction — five documents are required at the port, and missing one can push you past your sailing. From Big Island there’s one extra leg: we arrange the inter-island barge from Hilo / Kawaihae to Honolulu, then your Matson crossing to the mainland, all under a single booking.
Email your documents (24h before drop-off)
Five documents: vehicle title (front and back), current Hawaii registration, Hawaii Safety Inspection Certificate, photo ID, and a lien holder letter if financed. We confirm the checklist is complete before you drive to the harbor.
Drop off at Hilo / Kawaihae
Quarter tank of fuel or less, no personal items. Neighbor-island auto lots operate on select days — we confirm your exact drop-off day with your booking.
Barge to Honolulu, then the Matson crossing
We arrange the inter-island barge to Honolulu and your Matson sailing to Long Beach or Oakland as one coordinated booking — 14–17 days ocean transit.
Mainland pickup or door delivery
Pick up at the Long Beach or Oakland terminal, or we dispatch an overland carrier to deliver straight to your mainland address.
Common Questions — Shipping from Big Island
How much does it cost to ship a car from Big Island to the mainland?
Return shipping from Big Island starts at $2,340+ — including the inter-island barge from Hilo / Kawaihae to Honolulu and the Matson crossing to Long Beach or Oakland. Door delivery on the mainland is available as an add-on.
What documents do I need to ship a car from Big Island?
Five documents: vehicle title (front and back), current Hawaii registration, Hawaii Safety Inspection Certificate, government-issued photo ID, and a lien holder authorization letter if the vehicle is financed. Copies must reach the port at least 24 hours before drop-off — we manage that checklist with you.
How long does shipping from Big Island to the mainland take?
Expect 1–3 days on the inter-island barge to Honolulu, then 14–17 days of ocean transit to the West Coast. Add overland delivery time if you choose door delivery to your mainland address.
Where do I drop off my car on Big Island?
Drop off at Hilo / Kawaihae with a quarter tank of fuel or less and no personal items in the vehicle. Neighbor-island auto lots operate on select days — we confirm your exact drop-off day and time with your booking.