Premium Enclosed Transport
Enclosed Car Shipping to Hawaii — Protected Ocean Transport for Luxury & Classic Vehicles
Your high-value vehicle deserves maximum protection. We coordinate fully enclosed ocean transport in Matson's weatherproof cargo holds, with optional enclosed truck service for complete door-to-door coverage. Every shipment managed personally, one guaranteed price.
$2,180+
Enclosed Door-to-Port Oahu
12–14
Days protected ocean transit
100%
Enclosed cargo holds
18 yrs
Luxury transport experience
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
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 the entire mainland delivery to your door.
hipping from Hawaii requires precise coordination between the ocean vessel and the mainland carrier. Once your vehicle arrives at the West Coast port, we assign a fully vetted, licensed carrier to deliver it directly to your address, timed to avoid delays after discharge.
Step by Step
How Enclosed Car Shipping to Hawaii Works
Request Your Quote & Book
We calculate your exact all-in price based on your origin location, destination island, and whether you want enclosed truck transport. We review your specific vehicle (dimensions, modifications, value) to confirm port clearance and transport eligibility. Your deposit locks your rate and secures vessel space on the next available Matson sailing.
Calendar Coordination
We go through your timeline personally: move-out date, flight to Hawaii, housing transition. Then we coordinate your vehicle pickup to arrive at the port within the correct window to make your scheduled sailing. Missing the cutoff means waiting potentially two or more weeks for the next departure.
Enclosed Pickup & Port Delivery
If you selected enclosed truck transport, a fully covered trailer arrives at your location. The driver conducts a detailed vehicle inspection, photographs your car from all angles, and loads it into the enclosed trailer. Your vehicle travels protected from weather and road debris to either Long Beach or Oakland port.
Protected Ocean Transit
Matson loads your vehicle into the enclosed cargo hold below deck. Throughout the 12 to 14 day ocean crossing (or 25 to 30 days for neighbor island destinations), your car remains protected from salt air, rain, wind, and direct sun exposure. The vessel docks at Honolulu's Sand Island Terminal or your neighbor island port.
Enclosed Truck Transport vs Standard Open Carrier
Since the ocean portion is already enclosed and protected, the decision comes down to how you want your vehicle transported during the overland leg from your door to the port.
Enclosed Truck Transport
Fully covered trailer shields vehicle from weather
Protection from road debris and dust
Not visible to passing traffic
Preferred for luxury, exotic, and classic vehicles
Higher cost due to limited trailer capacity
Fewer trucks available, requires advance booking
Standard Open Carrier
Industry standard for vehicle transport nationwide
Vehicles exposed to weather during overland transit
Same safety and insurance as enclosed
Used for 90% of all car shipments in the U.S.
More cost-effective option
More carriers available, faster scheduling
Our Recommendation: For high-value vehicles (over $75,000), classic cars, exotics, or recently detailed show cars, enclosed truck transport provides the extra protection that matches the care you have already invested. For newer daily drivers and standard vehicles, open-carrier transport to the port is safe, insured, and cost-effective, especially since the ocean leg is already fully enclosed.
How Much Does Enclosed Car Shipping to Hawaii Cost?
Pricing depends on three factors: your origin location, your destination island, and whether you select enclosed truck transport for the overland portion.
Last updated March 2026 — rates subject to peak season surcharges June–August.
Ocean Transport (Already Enclosed)
| Route | Customer Price | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Port-to-Port → Oahu (Honolulu) | $1,580 | 12–14 days ocean |
| Port-to-Port → Maui / Big Island / Kauai | $2,400 | 25–30 days ocean |
| Return: Honolulu → Mainland | $900–$1,200 | 12–14 days ocean |
| Return: Neighbor Islands → Mainland | $1,900–$2,200 | 25–30 days ocean |
Deposit Structure: Door-to-Port and Port-to-Door bookings require a $600 deposit. Port-to-Port bookings require a $200 deposit. Your deposit secures your vessel space, locks your quoted rate regardless of market changes, and applies toward your total cost. Peak season surcharges apply during summer months (June through August). Book early to lock your rate.
Door-to-Port Enclosed Pricing (Enclosed Truck + Enclosed Ocean)
Add overland transport cost to the ocean rate above. Overland pricing varies significantly based on your specific origin city and distance to the port. We use real carrier market data to calculate your exact price.
🌺 Oahu
$2,180+
12–14 days ocean
🌿 Maui
$3,000+
25–30 days ocean
🌋 Big Island
$3,000+
25–30 days ocean
🌊 Kauai
$3,000+
25–30 days ocean
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle?
Get your exact enclosed shipping quote in minutes. We will walk you through every option and coordinate your entire journey.
For your exact all-in enclosed shipping price from your specific location, call (808) 378-7540 or request a free quote.
Enclosed Shipping Transit Times & Matson Sailing Schedule
Transit time includes the overland journey to the port plus the ocean crossing. We coordinate your pickup date to ensure your vehicle arrives at the port in time to make your scheduled Matson sailing.
| Origin Region | Overland to Port | Ocean to Honolulu | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern California | 1–2 days | 12–14 days | 13–16 days |
| Northern CA / Pacific NW | 2–3 days | 12–14 days | 14–17 days |
| Southwest (Phoenix, Denver, Vegas) | 3–5 days | 12–14 days | 15–19 days |
| Midwest (Dallas, Chicago) | 5–7 days | 12–14 days | 17–21 days |
| Mid-Atlantic (Virginia area) | 7–10 days | 12–14 days | 19–24 days |
| Deposit | 10–14 days | 12–14 days | 22–28 days |
Add 11 to 16 additional days for neighbor island destinations (Maui, Big Island, Kauai), as ocean transit takes 25 to 30 days instead of 12 to 14 days.
Booking Lead Time: We recommend booking at least 2 to 3 weeks before your target pickup date during the standard season. For peak season (May through August), book 4 to 6 weeks in advance. Enclosed truck capacity is more limited than open carriers, so advance notice ensures availability.
Matson publishes sailing schedules months in advance. View the current Matson sailing schedule →
Enclosed Car Shipping
When people search for enclosed car shipping to Hawaii, they typically imagine their vehicle protected from weather, road debris, and salt spray throughout the entire journey. That is exactly what we coordinate.
Here is the reality most brokers will not tell you upfront: Matson's ocean transport is already enclosed. Your vehicle travels in weatherproof, climate-controlled cargo holds below deck, not on open decks exposed to the elements like typical RORO operations.
Most luxury and classic car owners choose enclosed truck transport to maintain full protection throughout the entire door-to-door journey. We coordinate both segments as a single seamless shipment.
Ocean leg (12 to 14 days): Matson vessels transport all vehicles in fully enclosed cargo holds. Your car is protected from rain, wind, salt spray, and direct sun exposure throughout the Pacific crossing.
Overland leg (3 to 14 days depending on origin): You choose between standard open-carrier truck transport (what 90% of vehicles use nationwide) or fully enclosed truck transport for an additional layer of protection during the drive to the port.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Enclosed Shipping
Proper preparation ensures your vehicle meets all requirements for both truck transport and port acceptance. These requirements apply whether you select enclosed truck transport or standard open carrier.
Required Before Pickup
Quarter tank fuel maximum
Fire safety regulation enforced at the port. Drain to 1/4 tank or below before the truck arrives.
Empty vehicle completely
No personal items permitted. This is enforced at both the truck loading and the Hawaii agricultural inspection.
Fully operational
Steering, braking, and rolling must work perfectly. Non-running vehicles are not accepted (company policy).
Clean exterior and interior
Hawaii USDA biosecurity requirement. No mud, dirt, seeds, leaves, or debris anywhere on or in the vehicle.
No windshield damage
Chips and cracks are not permitted. Repair before shipping.
Photograph your vehicle thoroughly
Document condition before the truck arrives. This protects you in any insurance claim.
What We Do NOT Ship
Electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids
Not accepted on any route. This applies to all EVs and PHEVs regardless of make or model.
Vehicles exceeding port clearance limits
Long Beach: 7 feet height, 7 feet 2 inches width. Oakland: 76 inches height and width (including roof racks, mirrors, and aftermarket additions).
Non-running vehicles
If the vehicle cannot steer, brake, or roll under its own power, we cannot ship it.
For detailed biosecurity requirements, visit the Hawaii Department of Agriculture website →
Insurance Coverage
Insurance Coverage for Enclosed Car Shipping
Your vehicle is insured throughout the entire journey, with coverage operating in two separate layers.
Layer 1: Land Transport
Coverage
Up to $100,000
Covers: The vehicle while loaded on the truck during the entire overland portion from your door to the port
Applies to: Both enclosed truck and standard open-carrier transport
💡
We Strongly Recommend Contact your personal auto insurance carrier before shipping to verify whether your policy covers ocean transport. Many comprehensive policies include coverage, which would supplement the carrier's liability. Photograph your vehicle from all angles before the truck picks it up and again when you retrieve it in Hawaii.
Layer 2: Ocean Transport
Coverage
$8,000
Higher value option: Declare a higher vehicle value on the Dock Receipt and pay an additional freight rate to increase liability up to full vehicle value
Which Vehicles Benefit Most from Enclosed Transport?
Since Matson's ocean transport is already fully enclosed, the decision to add enclosed truck transport typically depends on vehicle value, condition, and your personal preference for maximum protection throughout the entire journey.
When Standard Open Carrier Works Well
For newer daily-driver vehicles, trucks, and standard SUVs, open-carrier transport to the port is a safe and cost-effective option. The vehicle still receives fully enclosed ocean transport in Matson's cargo holds. Open carriers are the industry standard nationwide and transport millions of vehicles safely every year with full insurance coverage.
High-Value & Luxury
Luxury sedans and SUVs (Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Lexus, Porsche)
Exotic and supercar models (Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren)
Vehicles valued over $75,000
Schofield Barracks
Classic cars and vintage automobiles
Restored or show-condition vehicles
Rare or limited-production models
Vehicles with custom paint or wrap
The Difference
Why Choose Car Shipping Hawaii for Enclosed Transport
| Feature | Car Shipping Hawaii | Typical Broker |
|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed pricing, no post-booking changes | ✓ Locked at booking | ✗ Last-minute surcharges common |
| Named single point of contact | ✓ Direct, consistent | ✗ 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 |
| Luxury vehicle experience | ✓ Hundreds of high-value shipments | ✗ Varies widely |
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.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Hawaii to the mainland?
Your total has two parts. The first is ocean freight, which is fixed by route: $900 to $1,200 for Oahu departures, and $1,900 to $2,200 for neighbor island departures (Maui, Big Island, Kauai). The second is mainland carrier delivery, which varies based on where we are delivering — West Coast delivery typically runs $300 to $600, while East Coast delivery runs $1,100 to $1,600. We give you both numbers together as a single combined price when you call or submit the quote form.
How long does it take to ship a car from Hawaii to the mainland?
Ocean transit from Honolulu to West Coast ports takes approximately 12 to 14 days. Total door-to-delivery including mainland ground transport ranges from 14 to 28 days depending on your destination. Los Angeles takes 14 to 17 days total. New York takes 23 to 28 days total. See the full destination table above for your city.
Can I track my car during shipping?
Yes. During the ocean crossing, you can track the vessel in real time on Matson's website. During mainland delivery, your land carrier will contact you directly with delivery scheduling. We proactively update you when your vehicle is loaded, when it arrives at the mainland port, and when the carrier dispatches for delivery.
Is the deposit refundable?
The $600 deposit is non-refundable once your booking is confirmed. Matson allocates vessel space at the time of booking, and that space cannot be released once reserved. If your plans change, call us as early as possible — we will do our best to move your booking to a later sailing based on availability, though rescheduling is subject to vessel space and is not guaranteed.
What documents do I need to ship my car from Hawaii?
Email to the port 24 hours before drop-off: your vehicle title (front and back), current Hawaii registration, Hawaii Safety Inspection Certificate (yellow or blue paper), and a copy of your government-issued photo ID. Bring the original ID to the terminal gate. If your vehicle is financed, you also need a Lien Holder Authorization letter. These documents are only required when shipping from Hawaii — not when shipping to Hawaii.
Can I put personal items in my car when shipping from Hawaii?
No. Personal belongings are not permitted inside the vehicle. Port authorities and DOT regulations prohibit household goods during ocean transport. The vehicle must remain empty except for factory-installed components. This is enforced at the terminal.
Is my car insured during the ocean crossing?
Yes, through two layers. During mainland delivery, the land carrier carries up to $100,000 in cargo insurance. During the ocean crossing, Matson's carrier liability covers actual damage up to approximately $8,000 for an average vehicle. You can declare a higher value on the Dock Receipt to increase this limit to the full vehicle value. We always recommend verifying with your personal auto insurer whether your policy covers ocean transport.
How far in advance should I book?
At least 2 to 3 weeks before your target port drop-off date. During peak season (May through August), book 4 to 6 weeks in advance. Missing the cutoff means waiting for the next sailing — often 2 or more weeks — which can mean unplanned rental car and hotel costs. We coordinate your pickup window specifically to hit the right sailing.
Can I ship an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid from Hawaii?
No. Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are not accepted on any route we coordinate. This is firm policy with no exceptions and no alternatives through our service.
Questions Answered
Common 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 Luxury or Classic Vehicle to Hawaii
Get your exact enclosed shipping quote and book your protected ocean transport today. We handle every detail from pickup to delivery.
4.9 / 5 Stars — 212 Reviews
Island-Owned & Operated
Matson Exclusive Specialist
USDOT 3505506 · MC 1158539
All Inclusive Pricing
1110 Nuuanu Ave #305, Honolulu, HI 96817
Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM HST
carshippinghawaii.com
