Honolulu Port
(Sand Island) Matson Auto Terminal Guide
The central hub for all Hawaii car shipping. Navigate the gate like a local.
Terminal Vital Stats
Port Name:
Matson Navigation Company (Sand Island Terminal)
Address:
1411 Sand Island Pkwy, Honolulu, HI 96819
ACCEPTED CARGO:
Gas & Diesel Vehicles Only.
(NO Electric Vehicles/Hybrids accepted at this gate)
Gate Operations
MONDAY - FRIDAY
07:00 AM – 11:30 AM
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
⚠️ LUNCH CLOSURE: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Strictly Enforced. Do not arrive during this window.
WEEKENDS
CLOSED
Navigating to Sand Island
Don't trust the GPS blindly—industrial reception can be spotty. Here is how you actually get to the Matson gate without getting stuck in container truck traffic.
From Honolulu/Waikiki (Eastbound)
- Take H-1 West toward the Airport.
- Take Exit 18 (Sand Island Access Road).
- Turn Left at the light onto Sand Island Access Rd.
- Drive straight for 1.5 miles. You will cross the Bascule Bridge.
- Landmark: Look for the Coast Guard station on your right.
- The Matson Auto Gate is further down on the Right side. Look for "Matson Auto Receiving" signage.
From Pearl City/Ewa (Westbound)
- Take H-1 East toward Honolulu.
- Take Exit 18 (Sand Island Access Road).
- Turn Right onto Sand Island Access Rd.
- Follow the same instructions above across the bridge.
⚠️ LOCAL PRO TIP: The "Lunch Rush" traffic on Sand Island Access Road (Nimitz Hwy intersection) is brutal between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM. Aim for a morning drop-off/pickup to avoid the gridlock.
Westbound: Shipping to Mainland
Leaving the island? The USDA inspection at Sand Island is the strictest in the state. Fail the inspection, and you miss your boat.
The "Pass-First-Time" Checklist:
List of Services
-
List Item 1
The "White Glove" Wash: Your car must be spotless. No red dirt, no sand, no seeds. Wash it the day of drop-off.
-
Empty the Car: Absolutely NO personal items allowed.
-
Fuel Level: Fuel Level: Must be at 1/4 tank or less. (Strictly enforced).
-
Documents: Current Registration, Title, Booking Number, and Photo ID.
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Lienholder Letter: Required if the vehicle is currently financed.
Inbound: Picking Up Your Vehicle
Welcome to Oahu. Once you receive the "Arrival Notice" email from us, your vehicle is ready.
List of Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship my Tesla or EV from Sand Island?
No. Due to fire safety regulations, we do not coordinate EV or Plug-in Hybrid shipments. This is a strict gas/diesel-only logistics lane to ensure safety and speed.
Can I leave my roof rack on?
Only if it is factory-installed and cannot be removed. Aftermarket racks usually need to be removed to prevent damage and height clearance issues.
Is there a shuttle from the airport?
No. The terminal is an industrial zone. You will need an Uber/Lyft or a friend to drop you off.
Ready to SHIP YOUR VEHICLE?
Don't gamble with standby lists. We book guaranteed spots on the fastest vessels.
