Shipping a Car to Hawaii: Cost to Moving to the Aloha State

Camilo Jaime • August 3, 2021

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Do you plan to go to Hawaii and bring your car with you? It does not matter if you are going on a vacation or relocating there. Continue reading to know everything about shipping a car to Hawaii . 

How To Ship A Car To Hawaii

Regardless of where your car will be picked up and delivered, using a freighter is the way to have it shipped from the mainland US. Here are your two shipping options. 

Open Car Hauling

When you use this car shipping option, cars are loaded on rows in a ship by using a trucker. All of the cars on the hauler are exposed. Elements such as rain, snow, wind, sleet, and hail can affect your car during shipping. 
The main advantage of open car hauling is that this service is easily available since it is the primary choice when shipping cars to Hawaii. When you opt for this, you have better chances of choosing the date and time you prefer. This option is recommended if you have a tight schedule and you need to have your car shipped ASAP. You can also choose this if you will not ship a luxury or new car.

Closed Car Hauling

Choosing closed car hauling ensures that your car is protected from external elements. This is the reason why this is better for shipping new and luxury cars. However, you will not be able to pick the specific shipping schedule that you want. A trucker loads many cars in an enclosed trailer for this car shipping option. 
When choosing the shipping option, you have to prioritize which is more important: getting your car at your preferred schedule or having it completely protected during transit.

Open Car Hauling vs Closed Car Hauling: Which Is Cheaper?

Open car hauling is the more affordable choice when you ship a car to Hawaii. That is because the shipping process is simpler. Nevertheless, it is highly recommended to spend more on new and expensive cars for added protection,
It does not matter which one you choose. What is important is that you have peace of mind with the car transport company of your choice. You should check if your car transport provider has full insurance for your car. Being dependable and trustworthy is also important so that when something happens to your car, you will not have a hard time getting your reimbursement from the insurance.

How Using Car Transport Companies Can Help You

Now, you understand how car shipping companies can load your car in a freighter and ship it. Aside from that, car shipping companies can take care of the shipping details of your car, so you do not have to worry about it. 
 Moving to Hawaii requires a lot of time and effort before you can relocate there. With the help of a car shipping company, you just need to show at the pickup point once your car arrives. You do not have to worry about the logistics of your car for it to get to Hawaii.

The Process of Car Shipping to Hawaii

Shipping your car to Hawaii is not possible do on your own. That's why you need to know every little detail when you make the move. You need to know the car shipping process of getting your car to Hawaii to avoid problems and delays.

Book a Shipping Schedule

First, you'll need to reach out to the car shipping company of your choice and request a quote. You will need to inform them of the distance your car is traveling, the type of shipping you want (open car hauling or closed car hauling), and how fast you want your service to be. After you receive the quote, you can decide whether you want to go with that company or not. If you decide to go with them, you can inform your agent of the date and time you want.

Picking Up of Your Car

The trucker will go to your chosen location to get your car. If it is not possible to go to a specific location, they can meet you at the nearest parking area. Wherever the location will be, an inspection needs to be done so that any pre-existing damages can be noted. 

Transporting

Once the driver has your car, it will be transported and dropped off at the port. When your car is loaded in a freighter, you should be able to track where it is online. It is also important that you can contact your car shipping company easily in case there will be issues while your car is in transit. 

Getting Your Car

When it reaches the port of destination, you or a representative can receive the car. You can also get it at the delivery location you designated. You and the car shipping service provider will check the vehicle once again for any damages while it was under their care. Then, you sign the bill of lading and ask for a copy. In general, it can take about 8 to 19 days to ship your car to Hawaii.

Shipping A Car From Hawaii

If you plan to ship your car from Hawaii, the process is a little different when you have it shipped from the mainland to Hawaii. When you ship your car to Hawaii, a car transport company picks up your car, loads it on a trailer, and ships it to ports on the West Coast such as in Long Beach in California or Seattle in Washington.
The process is reversed when you ship a car from Hawaii. You bring your car to a port in Hawaii such as Honolulu, Kahului on Maui, Kawaihae on Hawaiʻi Island, or Nāwiliili Harbor on Kauai. Then, your car is transported across the ocean, loaded on a hauler, and delivered to you.

How Much Does Shipping a Car to Hawaii Cost?

From the mainland US to Hawaii, the car shipping cost can start at around $1,400. From Hawaii to the mainland US, the car shipping cost can start at around $870. You have to keep in mind that there are many factors when it comes to the final car shipping costs. Some of these are the size of your car, destination, type of car transport, distance, and the season.

Cost Of Shipping A Car To Hawaii

Aside from the type, model, and year of your car, the distance your car will travel, how soon you need the delivery to be completed, and the ports where it will leave and enter are considered when you ship a car to Hawaii. Fuel costs and the shipping options available also play a big role. Normally, car shipping costs to Hawaii can range from $1,400 to $2,400. 
The location where the shipment will be coming from makes a pretty significant difference in the costs. It is more affordable to opt for port-to-port shipping compared to having your car shipped to a port then shipped to Hawaii. If the port nearest your location is in California, it will be less inexpensive to ship a car to Hawaii than in a port located in Nebraska. For instance, if you are shipping your car from Santa Barbara in California to Kauai, you can spend about $1,500. Nevertheless, if the same car is shipped from Boston to Honolulu, you can spend about $2,350. 

Should You Ship Your Car To Hawaii?

Having your car shipped to Hawaii is costly. Therefore, you should think carefully if all the expenses are worth it. It might be better to sell your car and purchase a new one once you are in Hawaii if you have an old car or a car that you are planning to replace soon. The car shipping expenses to Hawaii can be more expensive than the value of your car depending on its mileage and age. 
It is also best to learn about the public transportation available in the Hawaiian city where you plan to go or live. For instance, some of the good public busses in the US can be found in Oahu, so you do not need to have a car to get to your destination.

How to Prepare for Shipping a Car to Hawaii

Collecting all the Necessary Documents

You have to make sure that you have all the documents needed on the day of the shipping to avoid running into issues. You need to present documents showing that you own the car. Therefore, you need to have the original and photocopy of the following documents:
  • Registration details
  • Proof of car insurance
  • Your driver’s license and/or passport
  • The original title of your car
  • Any evidence that shows you are the owner of the car (your car’s bill of sale)
  • Other documents needed to pick up your car in Hawaii

Cleaning and Taking Out Personal Items

Before shipping your car, you need to take note of any pre-existing damages or scratches. Washing it can help you see these. It is best to clean your car inside and out before giving it to the car shipping company. Aside from helping you see existing damages, shipping is easier and you can receive your car clean in Hawaii.
You need to take out your belongings after cleaning. Remove things that are stored in your car such as insurance information, tool tags, and chargers among many others. If there are accessories outside your car, it is best to remove them so that they will not be damaged or cause damage during transit. Antennas, bicycles, skis, luggage racks, and other items should be removed as well during the shipping. 

Storing These Items Inside Your Car

Even though it was mentioned to remove personal items, there are things you need to keep in your cars such as a spare tire, license plate, emergency kit, and car jack. These would be helpful in case there will be a problem while your car is being transported. Having them in your car can help the shipping staff a lot if there are unforeseen events that happen in transit. 

Taking Note of Any Existing Damages

This is the next step after you wash your car and remove all the items there. Make sure you have photos of any existing damages in your car. Take clear photos of scratches, faded or chipped paint, or scratches. Then, you take a good photo of your entire car. You can also add the mileage of your car to your documentation before handing it over.
The pictures will help you check the condition of your car after it arrives in Hawaii. These photos will be helpful if there are any damages during the shipment. 
 Read More About:    How to Prepare for Shipping a Car to Hawaii

Making Sure Your Car Maintenance Is Up to Date

The shipping process will be smoother if your car functions well. That is why it is better to do maintenance and fix all the things needed to be repaired before your car transport service provider picks it up. You can check the fluids, batteries, and tire pressure and check for leaks. 
If your car is not functioning, you need to tell your car shipping company because shipped vehicles need to be driven for them to be transported. You might need to pay extra if your car shipping company will need to use special equipment to ship it. 

Checking the Tank of Your Car

You do not need to fill up your tank, but you should not empty it. A good recommendation is to leave your tank about a quarter full to make sure there is fuel when your car is transferred. It also ensures that it has enough fuel to be driven once it arrives in Hawaii.

Keeping Spare Car Keys

You can be asked for your car keys so that your car can be moved. If your car shipping company asks for them, you have to make sure that you have extra car keys for yourself. The process of getting your car in Hawaii will be smoother if you also have spare keys. You can also ask your car shipping company to lock your car or do it yourself for extra protection. 

 Completing the Legal Documents

You need to complete the required paperwork to ship your vehicle and sign the bill of lading . Your car shipping company will help you in this process. It is also very important to read the terms and conditions carefully. After signing all these documents, keep a copy of these as well.

Best Car Shipping Company in Hawaii

The quality of service and rate are what many people look for in a car shipping company in Hawaii. Not all car shipping companies can ship your car to Hawaii, but Car Shipping Hawaii can do that. It is best to book your schedule early to get the best rates.

FAQs

Conclusion

Finally, you understand that having your car shipped to Hawaii is not daunting. A trusted car shipping company can make the whole process easy. Keep in mind the recommendations you learned here when you ship your car to Hawaii.

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