Drive-Free Mainland Logistics
Door-to-Port shipping is the most popular choice for long-distance relocations. Whether you are moving from Dallas, Chicago, or New York, driving your vehicle thousands of miles to a California Port is exhausting and adds hotel, food, and fuel expenses.
With our Door-to-Port service, a professional carrier loads your car onto a standard auto hauler at your door and transports it to the Port for you. We coordinate the Port drop-off, scheduling, and vessel loading.
Vetted Carrier Network
We only dispatch licensed, cargo-insured overland carriers with A-ratings to transport your vehicle along the interstate corridors.
Full Insurance Verification
Each overland leg is covered by the carrier's cargo insurance up to $100,000. We verify policy standings before dispatching.
Seamless Port Delivery
Our dispatch team coordinates Port gate hours and your drop-off window, preventing delay fees.
Compare door pickup with taking the car to the port
Door pickup saves you the trip to the mainland port. Port-to-port gives you another option: arrange delivery to Long Beach Port or Oakland Port yourself, then collect the vehicle at the selected Hawaii port. Compare both shipping totals for the same vehicle and route. Before choosing, add your fuel, lodging, meals, time away from work and transportation after drop-off. Driving can make sense, especially if it is already part of your plans; it is not automatically the lowest total cost.
Buying a car on the mainland while you are already in Hawaii? Start with the vehicle's location and who can release it. Your dealer may offer delivery to the port, or you may prefer carrier pickup. You do not have to be in California to compare those options.
The Door-to-Port Process
We manage the logistics from your driveway to Honolulu Port, keeping you updated at every milestone.
Choose Dates & Reserve
See your price and dates, then sign and save your card online with K’AI. Our team reviews your request and confirms your booking before the agreed booking fee is charged.
Driveway Handoff
The carrier picks up your vehicle from your address. You perform a joint visual inspection and sign the initial Bill of Lading.
Overland to Port
Your car travels on the interstate corridors directly to Long Beach Port or Oakland Port and is checked in by our dispatch team.
Matson Sea Transit
The vehicle is loaded onto an enclosed Matson vessel for a 12–14 day crossing. Pick up your vehicle at Honolulu Port on Sand Island.
Est. Door-to-Port Transit & Pricing
Rates include door pickup, port logistics, ocean freight, and basic insurance. Select your region below to plan your moving window.
West Coast Regions
California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, ArizonaOverland Leg: 1–3 days pickup and transit to port
Ocean Transit: 12–14 days to Honolulu
Total Transit Window: 14–18 days total
Starting Rate: $2,280+ all-inclusive
Midwest & South Regions
Texas, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, Colorado, MissouriOverland Leg: 3–6 days pickup and transit to port
Ocean Transit: 12–14 days to Honolulu
Total Transit Window: 18–22 days total
Starting Rate: $2,680+ all-inclusive
East Coast & Northeast
New York, Florida, Virginia, Massachusetts, New JerseyOverland Leg: 7–10 days pickup and transit to port
Ocean Transit: 12–14 days to Honolulu
Total Transit Window: 21–26 days total
Starting Rate: $3,530+ all-inclusive
Want to Save on Shipping Costs?
If you live close to our West Coast gates in Long Beach or Oakland and can drive your vehicle to the Port yourself, you can eliminate the overland trucking fee.
Door-to-Port FAQ
Can I arrange pickup from a mainland dealer while I am in Hawaii?
Yes. Tell us where the vehicle is, when the dealer expects it to be ready and who will release it. Confirm the purchase and release arrangements with the dealer before scheduling transport. We can help you compare dealer-arranged port delivery with carrier pickup, including the cost and handoff requirements for each option.
Is driving to the port always cheaper than door pickup?
No. Compare the full port-to-port shipping total plus your driving expenses with the full door-pickup shipping total. Fuel, hotels, meals, your time and transportation after drop-off can change the result. If a road trip is already part of your plans, that can change the comparison too.
How does door pickup work if I live on a narrow street?
Our carriers drive standard multi-car haulers (which can be up to 75 feet long). If your street is too narrow, has low-hanging trees, or has local restrictions for large trucks, the driver will coordinate a convenient nearby meetup spot — such as a local shopping center or large parking lot — to safely load the vehicle.
Is my vehicle insured during the land transport leg?
Yes. Every overland carrier we dispatch is fully licensed and carries up to $100,000 in active cargo insurance. Our coordinators verify their insurance status before dispatching them. Additionally, Matson covers the ocean transit leg, giving you door-to-port protection.
Do I need to be present for the pickup?
Either you or a designated representative (such as a friend, family member, or coworker) who is 18 years or older must be present at pickup. You or your representative will need to hand over the keys and sign the Bill of Lading after performing the initial vehicle condition inspection.
What is the fuel requirement for door-to-port shipping?
The vehicle must have fuel above ⅛ tank and below ¼ tank at the time of pickup because the overland carrier delivers it directly to the Matson Port.
Can I pack personal items inside the vehicle if choosing door pickup?
No. Even though the car is picked up from your door, Matson rules strictly prohibit any personal effects inside the car during ocean transit. The overland carrier is also subject to DOT weight limits and inspects the vehicle. The cabin and trunk must be empty.
Book Online with K'AI — Save up to $200
Skip the manual order. Book directly through our K'AI online portal and save $50 on your port-to-port deposit — or $200 on door-to-port and port-to-door.
Port-to-port example to Oahu. Get your quote for door service or another route.
Standard Rate
$1,730
Manual booking · full $150 deposit
K'AI Online Rate
$1,680
$50 off your deposit · book online instead of calling in
Price & dates first
Get your quote and choose your preferred shipping dates
Reserve online
Sign and save your card. Add your VIN and other details later
Our team reviews
We check your vehicle and booking details, and confirm any required date decisions with you
Booking confirmed
Your saved card is charged after booking confirmation under your signed agreement
Door-to-port & port-to-door: Save $200 off the $500 deposit when you book online with K'AI (card saved, not charged). Our team reviews your booking and oversees dispatch. You can speak with us if you need help; a phone call is not required to start your online reservation.
Card saving does not charge your card. Rates for neighbor islands differ. Read customer experiences
