How Your Car Travels to Hawaii.
Matson carries vehicles to Honolulu using handling suited to the vessel and booking. We confirm your car's stowage and explain any separate neighbor-island barge connection before you ship.
What "Enclosed" Means on a Matson Booking
Some vessels have enclosed garages. Matson also uses specialized auto frames and containers. We confirm the stowage for your particular booking instead of promising one method for every vehicle.
Is There an Upgrade for Premium Vehicles?
For a luxury, classic, or high-value vehicle, tell us what protection matters to you before booking. We can confirm the available handling and discuss insurance options for your route.
What About Rain and Humidity?
Vehicle handling varies by vessel and route. Tell us about a soft top, water leak, or exposed interior so we can discuss preparation before shipping.
Comparison to Open-Air Mainland Transport
Overland transport and the ocean crossing have separate handling arrangements. Ask us which options are available for each leg of your route before booking.
Confirm Handling for Your Route
The ocean carrier's equipment and vehicle acceptance rules vary. We check the available sailing and handling before making a specific protection claim.
If your vehicle does not run, call us before booking and we will check the available options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all vehicles shipped to Hawaii in an enclosed container?
No single stowage method applies to every booking. Matson may use an enclosed garage, a specialized auto frame, or a container. We confirm the handling for your booked vessel.
Is enclosed shipping available to neighbor islands?
Ask us to confirm the ocean-vessel stowage and the separate inter-island connection. Young Brothers barges may carry vehicles in open air; the connection and final pickup window depend on the route-specific schedule.
Can I ship a convertible to Hawaii?
Yes. Tell us about the soft top and any water leaks so we can discuss preparation and confirm handling for your booking.
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