Ship Your Car from California to Hawaii | From $1,530
Ship Your Car from California to Hawaii - Fully Managed, All-In Price
California is the only state with two active Matson departure ports - Long Beach for Southern California and Oakland for Northern California. Most customers are within an hour of whichever port serves them, making this the lowest starting price and shortest total timeline of any state in the country. One coordinator, one All-Inclusive price, port confirmed before you book.
$1,580+
Port-to-port starting price
13–17Days
door-to-port (Oahu)
2 ports
Long Beach & Oakland
4.9★
Google rating
INSTANT QUOTE
"Camilo walked us through the entire calendar — our car was waiting at the terminal the day after we landed. The only company we'd trust with a move like this."
Mike T. — Dallas, TX to Honolulu
"Dropped off at Oakland on a Tuesday morning. Car was at Sand Island sixteen days later. Easiest part of the whole move."
Yuki M. - Alameda CA to Honolulu
4.9 / 5 Stars
212 Verified Google Reviews
Matson Exclusive
Hawaii Route Specialist
USDOT Licensed
DOT #3505506 · MC #1158539
Island-Owned & Operated
Honolulu, HI Based
18 Years Experience
Thousands of Moves
The Mainland Connection
We handle everything from pickup to port delivery.
Shipping requires precise coordination between inland transport and ocean freight schedules. We dispatch fully vetted, licensed carriers to collect your vehicle from any location and ensure it arrives at the port on time for the assigned sailing window.
The Mainland Connection
We handle everything from pickup to port delivery.
Shipping requires precise coordination between inland transport and ocean freight schedules. We dispatch fully vetted, licensed carriers to collect your vehicle from any location and ensure it arrives at the port on time for the assigned sailing window.
Simple. Transparent. Reliable.
How California to Hawaii Car Shipping Works
California is unique: it is the only state with two active Matson departure ports for Hawaii. Southern California customers ship from Long Beach. Northern California customers ship from Oakland. Both ports connect to the same Hawaii terminals on the same Matson vessels, and both carry the same ocean freight rate - the port you use only determines overland cost and which clearance limits apply to your vehicle.
For many California customers, port-to-port is not just an option - it is the smart financial choice. Bay Area residents can reach Oakland in under 30 minutes. LA Metro and OC customers are 20 to 40 minutes from Long Beach. At $1,580 to Oahu ocean-only, California is the most cost-effective Hawaii car shipping origin in the country.
Get your quote and confirm your port
Call (808) 378-7540 or fill out the online form. We confirm which port serves your California location, verify your vehicle fits that port's clearance limits, and give you a All-Inclusive price locked at booking.
We coordinate your sailing window
We go through the calendar with you personally - your move-out date, flight, and housing situation - and time the drop-off or carrier pickup so your vehicle arrives at the port in the right window for the next available Matson sailing.
Door-to-port carrier pickup or self drop-off
For door-to-port, a licensed carrier picks up at your California address and transports to the port - typically same day for Bay Area and LA Metro. For port-to-port, you drive to the terminal yourself with your ID during business hours.
Matson sails to Hawaii - you pick up at the terminal
Ocean transit from Long Beach or Oakland to Honolulu takes approximately 12 to 14 days. We notify you when your vehicle reaches Grounded/Available status at the Hawaii terminal and walk you through the pickup process.
Long Beach vs Oakland - Which Port Is Yours?
Your California region determines your port. This is not a preference - it is a routing assignment. Arriving at the wrong port means your vehicle will not be processed that day. We confirm port assignment at booking so this cannot happen. The more critical detail: Oakland has stricter vehicle clearance limits than Long Beach, and vehicles that exceed Oakland's 76-inch limit are turned away at the gate with no same-day alternative.
Southern California
Long Beach, CA
Height clearance
7 ft 0 in (84 inches)
Width clearance
7 ft 2 in (86 inches)
Hours
Mon–Fri, 7AM–3:30PM
Lunch closure
11:30AM–1:00PM
California regions served
LA, OC, San Diego, IE, Bakersfield, Fresno (south route)
Other states
AZ, NV, CO, all Midwest, all South, all East Coast
Northern California
Oakland, CA
Height clearance
76 in (6 ft 4 in) total
Width clearance
76 in total (incl. mirrors)
Hours
Mon–Fri, 7AM–3:30PM
Lunch closure
11:30AM–1:00PM
California regions served
SF Bay Area, Sacramento, Fresno (north route), NorCal
Other states
Oregon, Washington
Oakland's 76-inch limit - measure before you drive
Oakland's 76-inch height and width clearance applies to your vehicle's total assembled dimensions - including every roof rack, cargo carrier, bike mount, rooftop tent, aftermarket lift kit, and mirrors at full extension. This is 8 inches more restrictive on height than Long Beach's 84-inch limit. If you are using Oakland and your vehicle has any additions, measure it fully assembled before you leave home. Vehicles over the limit are turned away at the port gate - there is no exception or same-day alternative. Call us before booking if you are unsure.
Oakland's 76-inch limit - measure before you drive
Fresno-area customers can route to either port. Oakland is approximately 170 miles north; Long Beach is approximately 230 miles south. Oakland is the shorter drive and typically carries lower overland cost from the Central Valley. Call us and we will route you to the more cost-effective option for your specific city.
California to Hawaii Car Shipping Costs by Region
California's proximity to both ports produces the lowest door-to-port pricing of any state. Bay Area and LA Metro customers add as little as $65 to $200 in overland cost on top of the $1,580 ocean freight. Customers further from the ports see that number climb - but California still beats all other states on total cost for most regions.
Southern California - Routes through Long Beach
| Origin Region | Overland to Long Beach | Door-to-Port Total (Oahu) |
|---|---|---|
| LA Metro / Orange County / Inland Empire (local) | $75 – $200 | $1,655 – $1,780 |
| San Diego / Chula Vista / Carlsbad | $100 – $200 | $1,680 – $1,780 |
| Bakersfield | $150 – $285 | $1,730 – $1,865 |
| Fresno / Clovis (via Long Beach) | $215 – $350 | $1,795 – $1,930 |
| Sacramento area (via Long Beach) | $260 – $460 | $1,840 – $2,040 |
| Far NorCal - Chico, Redding (via Long Beach) | $500 – $650 | $2,080 – $2,230 |
| Port-to-Port - Oahu (drive to Long Beach yourself) | No overland fee | $1,580 |
| Port-to-Port - neighbor islands (drive to Long Beach) | No overland fee | $2,400 |
Northern California - Routes through Oakland
| Origin Region | Overland to Oakland | Door-to-Port Total (Oahu) |
|---|---|---|
| SF Bay Area (Alameda, Hayward, Fremont, San Jose area) | $65 – $150 | $1,645 – $1,730 |
| Sacramento / Fair Oaks / Citrus Heights | $95 – $225 | $1,675 – $1,805 |
| Fresno / Central Valley (via Oakland) | $150 – $225 | $1,730 – $1,805 |
| Santa Barbara / Goleta | $325 – $450 | $1,905 – $2,030 |
| LA Metro / Gardena / Glendale (via Oakland) | $275 – $500 | $1,855 – $2,080 |
| San Diego / El Cajon / Escondido (via Oakland) | $285 – $500 | $1,865 – $2,080 |
| Port-to-Port - Oahu (drive to Oakland yourself) | No overland fee | $1,580 |
| Port-to-Port - neighbor islands (drive to Oakland) | No overland fee | $2,400 |
Overland ranges based on current carrier market from California cities. Call for your exact all-in quote: (808) 378-7540
Pricing
Starting Rates by Destination Island
Pricing Tip: Shipping to Oahu rather than a neighbor island saves roughly $820 on ocean freight alone. Virginia to neighbor island shipments can take 32 to 40 days total - plan well ahead if Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island is your destination.
Peak season pricing: Peak season surcharges apply June through August - California generates more Hawaii-bound shipments than any other state, and vessels fill up quickly during summer. Book and deposit early to lock your quoted rate regardless of what the market does after you book.
About deposits: Door-to-Port deposit: $600 applied toward your total. Port-to-Port deposit: $200 applied toward your total. Neither is added on top of the quoted price - both are applied against it. What we quote is what you pay, guaranteed.
🌺 Oahu (Honolulu)
$1,580+
Port-to-port from CA
13 to 17 days total
🌿 Maui (Kahului)
$2,400+
Port-to-port from CA
26 to 32 days total
🌋 Big Island (Hilo)
$2,400+
Port-to-port from CA
26 to 32 days total
🌊 Kauai (Nawiliwili)
$2,400+
Port-to-port from CA
26 to 32 days total
Ready to get your exact all-in price from California?
Get a transparent, all-in quote - no hidden fees, no obligations.
Transparent Pricing
Door-to-Port vs. Port-to-Port from California
For almost every other state, we recommend door-to-port without much discussion. California is different. The ports are close enough that port-to-port is a genuine financial decision worth thinking through before you book.
Door-to-Port
Most flexible option
What you do
Nothing - carrier picks up at your door
Overland managed by us
Yes, from your CA address
Deposit
$600 applied toward total
Bay Area / LA starting total
$1,645 – $1,780+
Best for
Anyone who wants full end-to-end management
Port-to-Port
Lowest cost option
What you do
Drive your car to Oakland or Long Beach
Overland managed by us
No - you drive to the terminal
Deposit
$200 applied toward total
Total to Oahu (ocean only)
$1,580
Best for
Bay Area, LA Metro, SD customers near the port
Port-to-Port makes sense only if you are already planning a California road trip before your Hawaii move. For virtually all Virginia customers the door-to-door economics favor letting a carrier handle the cross-country leg.
Who Should seriously consider port-to-port. Bay Area residents are typically under 30 minutes from Oakland. LA Metro and OC customers are 20 to 40 minutes from Long Beach. San Diego is about 25 minutes on I-5. Sacramento is about 90 minutes from Oakland. If dropping off the car fits naturally into your move - before your flight or on your way out - port-to-port at $1,580 saves you the entire overland fee and reduces your deposit from $600 to $200. We walk through both options at booking and help you decide which fits your situation.
Transit Times
Transit Times from California to Hawaii
California has the shortest total door-to-delivery timeline of any mainland state. Bay Area and LA Metro customers doing a local port drop-off can have their car in Honolulu in as few as 13 to 14 days - essentially just ocean transit plus port processing. No other state matches this because no other state has a Matson departure port next door.
Booking lead time: Even with a same-day overland leg, Matson sailings are weekly. Missing the port cutoff by one day still means waiting a full week for the next departure. Book at least 2 to 3 weeks before your target drop-off or pickup date. During peak summer months - when California generates the most Hawaii-bound volume of any state - 4 to 6 weeks is strongly recommended to secure your sailing slot.
Leg
Typical Timeline
Bay Area local to Oakland (door-to-port or self drop-off)
Same day to 1 day
Sacramento to Oakland
1 to 2 days
Fresno to Oakland or Long Beach
1 to 2 days
LA Metro / OC / IE local to Long Beach (door-to-port or self drop-off)
Same day to 1 day
San Diego to Long Beach
1 day
Bakersfield to Long Beach
1 day
Santa Barbara / Goleta to Oakland
2 to 3 days
Far NorCal (Chico, Redding, Anderson) to Oakland
2 to 3 days
Port processing at Long Beach or Oakland
1 to 2 business days
Ocean transit to Honolulu (Oahu) from either port
Approximately 12 to 14 days
Ocean transit to neighbor islands from either port
Approximately 25 to 30 days
Total - Bay Area or LA Metro to Oahu
13 to 17 days
Total - Sacramento or San Diego to Oahu
14 to 18 days
Total - any California region to neighbor islands
26 to 32 days
How to Prepare Your Car Before Pickup or Drop-Off
These requirements apply whether you are dropping off at Long Beach or Oakland yourself, or having a carrier pick up at your California address. They are enforced at both port terminal intakes and at Hawaii's biosecurity inspection - run by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. No documents are required at the port when shipping to Hawaii.
Required: Shipping TO Hawaii
Fuel at or below a quarter tank. Required fire safety regulation at Long Beach and Oakland - both enforce this at intake.
Remove all personal items from the interior. No luggage, household goods, or belongings permitted. Enforced at intake and Hawaii agricultural inspection.
Disable the alarm system before drop-off or carrier pickup. Active alarms at port intake cause processing delays.
Exterior and interior cleaned thoroughly. No mud, dirt, seeds, or debris. Hawaii USDA inspectors check wheel wells, undercarriage, and door jambs on arrival.
Vehicle fully operational - steering, braking, and rolling must be 100% functional.
No windshield chips or cracks.
If using Oakland: measure your vehicle's total assembled height and width including all roof racks, cargo carriers, and mirrors fully extended before you leave home. The limit is 76 inches in both dimensions. Vehicles over the limit are turned away at the gate with no same-day alternative.
Bring government-issued photo ID and vehicle registration for Hawaii terminal pickup.
Not Accepted - No Exceptions
Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are not accepted on any route, including California to Hawaii. Standard non-plug-in hybrids are accepted
Non-running vehicles are not accepted. The vehicle must be fully operational at intake.
No documents needed to ship TO Hawaii
No title, registration, or authorization paperwork is required at Long Beach or Oakland when shipping to Hawaii. Documents are only required when shipping FROM Hawaii back to the mainland. Bring your government-issued photo ID and registration when picking up at the Hawaii terminal.
Photograph your vehicle thoroughly before drop-off- all four sides, the roof, and the interior. This documentation protects you in any claim situation.
Insurance Coverage
How Insurance Works on California to Hawaii Shipments
For port-to-port customers who drive themselves to the terminal, the overland insurance layer does not apply - your personal auto policy covers the drive to Long Beach or Oakland. For door-to-port customers, both layers are active from the moment the carrier picks up.
Layer 1 - Door-to-Port only
Overland Transport (to the port)
$100,000
The land carrier transporting your vehicle carries up to $100,000 in cargo insurance for the overland portion. For port-to-port customers who self-deliver, this layer is not in play - your personal auto policy covers the drive to Long Beach or Oakland.
💡
Our recommendation: Verify with your personal auto insurance carrier whether your policy covers ocean transport. Photograph your vehicle thoroughly before drop-off and again when you pick up in Hawaii. This documentation protects you in any claim situation regardless of service type.
Layer 2 - All customers
Ocean Transport (Matson Vessel)
$8,000
Matson's carrier liability is limited to actual damage sustained, up to approximately $8,000 for an average-sized vehicle. You can declare a higher vehicle value on the Dock Receipt and pay an additional freight rate to increase coverage to the full value of your vehicle.
PCS Moves
Military PCS Moves from California to Hawaii
California is our highest-volume PCS origin state for Hawaii-bound shipments. The state has a dense concentration of major military installations, many of them minutes from the departure ports. Camp Pendleton and Naval Base San Diego are approximately 25 minutes from Long Beach on I-5. Travis AFB near Fairfield is approximately 45 minutes from Oakland. This port proximity gives California military customers scheduling precision that East Coast bases simply cannot match.
🎖️ Military discounts may apply depending on route and availability. If you cannot drop off at a West Coast port yourself, our door-to-port service includes nationwide pickup at your base address. Call us to discuss both options and which makes sense for your PCS orders.
What we offer military families
Available to eligible service members PCS'ing from California installations to any Hawaii command.
Military pricing - discounts up to 20% for eligible service members (PCS orders required at booking)
Scheduling built around your reporting date, not a generic pickup window
Full documentation coordination - Bill of Lading, condition reports, insurance paperwork
Dedicated coordinator available by phone and email throughout the shipment
Experience handling compressed timelines and last-minute order changes
SoCal bases served: Camp Pendleton, Naval Base San Diego, NAS North Island, MCAS Miramar, Naval Base Ventura County, Edwards AFB, Fort Irwin (San Bernardino), NAS Lemoore, Naval Postgraduate School (Monterey
NorCal bases served: Travis AFB (Fairfield), Beale AFB (Marysville), Coast Guard Base Alameda, Naval Support Activity Monterey
Hawaii commands served: Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield, Kaneohe Bay MCAS, Tripler Army Medical Center, and others
Camilo Jaime - Lead Shipping Coordinator
Car Shipping Hawaii · Honolulu, HI · 18 Years Industry Experience
With 18 years in the vehicle shipping industry and thousands of Hawaii shipments coordinated, our team knows every port, every route, and every mile of your journey. We work with every customer personally from booking to delivery - you are never handed off to a dispatcher after you book. We go through the calendar with you, coordinate pickup timing to your exact sailing window, and stay reachable throughout the entire move.
Real Reviews from Real Virginia Customers
Camilo Jaime — Lead Shipping Coordinator
Car Shipping Hawaii · Honolulu, HI · 18 Years Industry Experience
Virginia — and the Hampton Roads area especially — is one of our most active PCS corridors. Naval Station Norfolk alone generates a significant volume of Hawaii-bound shipments every year. With 18 years coordinating thousands of Hawaii shipments, our team knows exactly how to time a Virginia pickup to hit the right sailing window. The overland leg from the East Coast requires more lead time than most people expect, and we build that into every booking.
"
PCS from Naval Station Norfolk to Pearl Harbor. I had a hard reporting date and our team was upfront about exactly how much lead time the Virginia-to-Hawaii shipment needed. The car was at Sand Island Terminal two days before I landed. That is the kind of coordination you need on a military move — nothing left to chance.
Petty Officer 2nd Class M. Chen — Norfolk, VA to Pearl Harbor-Hickam
Virginia Beach to Maui — our team was clear from the start that a neighbor island shipment from the East Coast takes 32 to 40 days. We planned around it and there were zero surprises.
Tom & Angela B. — Virginia Beach, VA to Kahului, Maui
Relocating from Richmond to Honolulu for work. I got quotes from four companies — only Car Shipping Hawaii explained the two-part cost structure honestly. One price, locked. No calls asking for more money before pickup.
Sarah W. — Richmond, VA to Honolulu, Oahu
Camilo Jaime - Lead Shipping Coordinator
Car Shipping Hawaii · Honolulu, HI
California is our highest-volume origin state and the one that runs most efficiently when the booking is done right. Both ports are well-run, carrier availability is excellent statewide, and the short overland legs give us maximum scheduling precision. The detail that trips people up is Oakland's 76-inch limit - we catch that at booking, not at the port gate. With 18 years coordinating thousands of Hawaii shipments, our team knows both ports inside out. We also make sure every California customer thinks through port-to-port seriously, because for a lot of Bay Area and LA customers, it is genuinely the smarter financial move.
Why Car Shipping Hawaii vs. Other Brokers
California generates more Hawaii car shipping quotes than any other state, which means more brokers competing for your business. The two most common issues we see from California customers switching from other brokers: being quoted a price and then asked for more money after booking, and arriving at the port to find their vehicle is assigned to the wrong terminal or exceeds Oakland's clearance limit. We catch both at booking before you commit.
| Feature | Car Shipping Hawaii | Typical Broker |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive pricing, no post-booking changes | ✓ Locked at booking | ✗ Last-minute surcharges common |
| Named single coordinator | ✓ Direct, consistent contact | ✗ Call center, different agent each time |
| Matson exclusive specialist | ✓ Hawaii route experts | ✗ General auto transport broker |
| Calendar coordination at booking | ✓ Pickup timed to your sailing | ✗ Generic window, you figure it out |
| Overland + ocean managed together | ✓ One shipment, one contact | ✗ Two vendors, two contacts |
| Insurance explained at booking | ✓ Both layers explained clearly | ✗ Rarely discussed |
| Military PCS experience | ✓ Hundreds of PCS moves | Varies widely |
Booking lead time
Book at least 2 to 3 weeks before your target pickup date. During peak summer months, 4 to 6 weeks is strongly recommended. Virginia shipments need careful lead time — the overland leg is 7 to 10 days, which leaves little room to recover if carrier scheduling slips. A deposit locks your vessel space and your rate.
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Hawaii?
Port-to-port ocean freight to Oahu starts at $1,580 - you drive to Long Beach or Oakland and pick up in Hawaii. Door-to-port from the Bay Area starts around $1,645 to $1,730. LA Metro and San Diego start around $1,655 to $1,780. Bakersfield runs $1,730 to $1,865. Sacramento runs $1,675 to $1,805 via Oakland. Far NorCal (Chico, Redding) is higher. Neighbor island destinations add $820 in ocean freight to each price. The $200 deposit (port-to-port) or $600 deposit (door-to-port) is applied toward your total, not added on top.
Which port do I use - Long Beach or Oakland?
SoCal customers (LA, OC, San Diego, IE, Bakersfield) use Long Beach - height 7 feet (84 inches), width 7 feet 2 inches (86 inches). NorCal customers (Bay Area, Sacramento, NorCal cities) use Oakland - height and width 76 inches (6 feet 4 inches) total, including all roof racks and mirrors extended. Fresno can go either way - call us. Do not arrive at the wrong port. Your vehicle will not be processed that day.
What is the 76-inch limit at Oakland and does it affect me?
Oakland's limit is 76 inches (6 feet 4 inches) in both height and width, applied to your vehicle's total assembled dimensions including everything: roof racks, cargo carriers, bike mounts, lifted suspensions, and mirrors fully extended. This is 8 inches more restrictive on height than Long Beach's 84-inch limit. A standard sedan or crossover without additions is well under the limit. A truck with a lift kit or an SUV with a loaded roof rack may exceed it. Measure your vehicle fully assembled before you drive to Oakland.
Is port-to-port worth it for California customers?
For many California customers, yes. Bay Area residents are typically under 30 minutes from Oakland. LA Metro and OC customers are 20 to 40 minutes from Long Beach. San Diego is about 25 minutes on I-5. Sacramento is about 90 minutes from Oakland. At $1,580 to Oahu with a $200 deposit, port-to-port from California is the cheapest Hawaii car shipping from anywhere in the country. Call us and we will help you decide if your situation makes it practical.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Hawaii?
Bay Area and LA Metro customers can see their car in Honolulu in as few as 13 to 14 days. Sacramento and San Diego add 1 to 2 overland days. Far NorCal (Chico, Redding) adds 2 to 3 days. Ocean transit from both ports to Honolulu is approximately 12 to 14 days. Neighbor islands add approximately 13 to 16 more ocean transit days, putting the total at 26 to 32 days from California pickup or drop-off.
Do I need any documents to ship my car to Hawaii from California?
No documents are required at Long Beach or Oakland when shipping a vehicle to Hawaii. Bring your government-issued photo ID and vehicle registration when picking up at the Hawaii terminal. Lienholder authorization is only required when shipping FROM Hawaii - not when shipping to Hawaii.
My roof rack puts me over 76 inches at Oakland. What are my options?
Two options: remove the roof rack before drop-off so your vehicle fits within the 76-inch Oakland limit, or call us to discuss routing through Long Beach instead, which allows up to 84 inches on height. For NorCal customers, Long Beach means a longer overland run but it may be the only option for taller vehicles. If neither option works, the vehicle cannot ship through our service. Do not show up at Oakland over the limit without calling first.
Do you ship electric vehicles from California to Hawaii?
No. We do not ship electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids on any route, including California to Hawaii. Standard non-plug-in hybrids are accepted.
Can I ship my car from Hawaii back to California?
Yes. We coordinate Port-to-Door shipping from all Hawaii terminals back to California. Ocean freight from Honolulu runs $900 to $1,200 with a 12 to 14 day transit, plus delivery to your California address. When shipping FROM Hawaii, documents are required including your title, current Hawaii registration, and Hawaii Safety Inspection Certificate. Same All-Inclusive pricing, same dedicated coordinator.
Questions Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
We answer these every day. If yours isn't here, call us directly - we pick up during business hours, Monday–Friday 8 AM–6 PM HST.
Ready to Ship?
Ship Your Car from California to Hawaii with Confidence
One team. One All-Inclusive price. Port confirmed at booking, Oakland clearances checked before you commit, and the calendar coordinated so your car is in Hawaii when you need it.
Island-Owned & Operated
Matson Exclusive Specialist
USDOT 3505506
4.9/5 Google Rated
All-Inclusive Pricing
