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How to Arrange Car Shipping to Hawaii?

Camilo Jaime • Aug 30, 2021
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According to the American Immigration Council, thousands of people migrate to Hawaii each year. If you’re among them, you’re undoubtedly contemplating what to do about your cars.


In this case, the most obvious solution appears to be to sell it and buy a better one. Still, there is another, more practical option. If you transport an automobile from your place to Hawaii or vice versa, you can save a deal of time and resources.


However, you’ll need the services of a reliable car shipping company like Car Shipping Hawaii to help you out. This is because no roads or bridges connect Hawaii to the mainland, so the only option is shipping your car.


With that said, learn everything you need to know about shipping your car to Hawaii in this article.

What Is the Process for Transporting Automobiles to Hawaii?

Overall, the process of auto shipping mainland to Hawaii differs significantly from transporting a car from shipping a car from Hawaii to the mainland. 


In this case, to send a car to Hawaii, you should first contact an auto shipping company and arrange for a pickup. 


Suppose you arranged for pickup at your home. In that case, your vehicle will be put onto a truck and transferred to many West Coast ports, including Oakland, California, San Diego, and Seattle/Tacoma, Washington. 


After that, your car will be placed onto a ship and carried across the Pacific Ocean. Then, you have the option of having it transported to any port you prefer.


If you want to ship an automobile from Hawaii, the steps are opposite. In this case, you drive your car to a Hawaii seaport, such as Honolulu, Kauai, Nawiliwili Harbor, Kahului, Maui, or Kawaihae, Hawaii Island. 


Then, it’s shipped across the ocean, loaded into a car transporter, and delivered directly to your doorstep for door-to-door shipping.

What Are the Various Options for Getting a Car to Hawaii?

When transporting cars to the mainland, there are two types of auto shipping to select from – open car transport and enclosed car transport.


Most people prefer open automotive transportation because it is a very cost-effective form of shipping vehicles to Hawaii. An auto shipping company transports your vehicle on a vessel without a shipping container. Despite being exposed to the elements and road dust, this is a relatively safe and secure way to transport a car.


On the other hand, enclosed car transportation tends to be more expensive due to the extra level of security provided. 


In this case, the car shipping company transports your car in a shipping container, giving it protection on all four sides. This option is most recommended for car owners with vintage, customized, modified, or expensive vehicles.

How to Get Ready for Shipping Vehicle to Hawaii

In general, moving a car to Hawaii over water requires extra planning. With that said, here are a few recommendations for exporting an automobile to Hawaii below.

Make sure you have the right amount of gas

Vehicles that are shipped over the open ocean are only allowed to have a quarter tank of gas.

Have the following documents on hand

To transport your car to Hawaii, you’ll need your title, registration, and photo ID. You will also need a signed note approving the transportation if you’re shipping from Hawaii to mainland.

Remove personal belongings

If you’re moving an automobile by ship to Hawaii, you should take all personal belongings from the car.

Make sure your car is in working order

Check your vehicle’s brakes and tires for proper inflation, as well as any other components which might compromise its functioning while shipping vehicle to Hawaii.

Moving an Automobile from Hawaii to the Mainland Has Its Own Set of Rules

Similarly, you also need to follow a particular set of rules when shipping your car back to the mainland. In this case, various permits and papers are required when shipping from Hawaii to mainland. These include: 

  • A valid driver’s license and most recent car registration.
  • Evidence of ownership, such as a title or a bill of sale.
  • If you’ve rented your car, you’ll need permission from the lending institution to send it.
  • Details on the person who is in charge of collecting up the car.
  • A bill of lading is a document that describes the contents of a shipment.
  • Inspection certificate for security.


You must first bring your car to the port before Hawaii shipping because the standard Hawaii auto-delivery service is port-to-door. However, don’t worry if you can’t get your automobile to the port on your own. 


This is because you have the option of appointing someone to operate in your place. If this is the situation, there are a few criteria. For example, your representative must be at least 18 years old. In addition, they must also have an authorization signed by you confirming the car’s ability to be exported.


Then, your vehicle will arrive at a port on the mainland after crossing the ocean. If you live in the area, you can pick it up yourself. 


If you select this option, you will be required to provide specific documentation before the port authorities release your vehicle into your possession. 


These include the following:

  • A duplicate of the title document and current registration, with the name on the registration matching the name on the shipping order.
  • If you rented your car, a copy of the lender holder’s approval.
  • Both owners must be available if you own your vehicle together. If this is not attainable, the missing possessor must submit a written consent, as well as valid picture identification and evidence of ownership.
  • You may bypass all of this procedure by employing a car transportation company to pick up and deliver your vehicle to your house.

How to Get Your Car Ready

You must prepare your car for transportation once you have scheduled your Hawaii transport services. In this case, your automobile will be ready for its trip once you’ve completed the following steps:

  • Clean the interior and exterior surfaces of your vehicle thoroughly. This means that as soon as it arrives, it will be prepared to travel. It also allows you to inspect your car’s status.
  • Take pictures of any damages. These images can be used to evaluate your car’s condition when it arrives.
  • Carry out some routine maintenance. In this case, you need to ensure the tires are properly inflated, the battery is fully recharged, and the fluid levels are enough.
  • Any components that can be uninstalled or fastened must be done so. Custom stereos, your GPS, aftermarket video and DVD players, and your car charger are all examples of this.
  • Turn off the alarm, the parking passes, and the toll tags. The car shipping company’s driver will not require the passes or tags during the travel, so they will not like the alarm coming off unexpectedly.
  • Reduce the gas tank to no more than a quarter full. This is because transporting an automobile with a full tank is considered dangerous.

Within 30 Days of Receiving Your Vehicle, You Must Register It.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation requires that all automobiles be registered within 30 days of their arrival to the state. Because Hawaii is made up of islands, shipping cars between Hawaiian islands differs from other US states. 



In addition, a safety check certificate is required before you can properly register your vehicle. You must also enter the following information to complete the registration:

  • Application for registration of a motor vehicle that has been completed
  • Out-of-state automobile registration certificate recent out-of-state title bill of lading or shipment receipt
  • The manufacturer’s stated weight of the vehicle
  • Form for certifying the usage of a motor vehicle for tax purposes.

Pxfuel

Registration Fees for Shipping Vehicles to Hawaii

On the other hand, you can also file for out-of-state permission if you bring your car to Hawaii, but it will not last long before you can register it. 

After all, this must be completed within 30 days of your arrival. To register for this permission, you must give the following information:

  • Card of current registration.
  • Certificate of vehicle inspection.
  • Application for an out-of-state driver’s license.
  • Shipping receipt or bill of lading.
  • The permits charge is $5.

In Hawaii, every county has its own registration procedure. So, the procedure will be different if you’ve relocated from one state to another, bought a car from a private seller, or bought a car from a dealership.

Requirements for Obtaining a License

In Hawaii, the minimum driving age is 17 years old. For drivers under the age of 18, Hawaii has a 3-stage graded licensing system. The first phase of the Instructional Permit is valid for 12 months. Then, the Provisional License stage follows, accompanied by the Full Driver’s License.


An International Driver’s License can be used to drive in Hawaii. However, it still depends on the sort of foreign driver’s license you have.

Before Getting Behind the Wheel, Familiarize Yourself with Road Regulations.

Here’s a rundown of some of the most important rules to remember when driving in Hawaii.

  • Hawaii’s traffic laws and speed limits are severely enforced. The fundamental speed limit regulation for the islands is that you must drive responsibly and sensibly depending on weather and traffic circumstances. The state of Hawaii has the lowest maximum speed restriction in the United States.
  • Across the islands, signs are prominently displayed.
  • In private automobiles, seat belts must be worn at all times.
  • Before changing lanes or halting, you must indicate 100 feet.
  • Unless otherwise stated, a right turn on a red light after halting is authorized.
  • At any crossing, people have the right of way.
  • When chatting on a cell phone while driving in Hawaii, you must utilize hands-free equipment.
  • You can use GPS or mapping services.
  • Seat belts are required for all kids, with those weighing less than fifty pounds being strapped in a child safety or booster seat.
  • If you discover yourself going far slower than the posted speed limit, pull over and wait for the cars to clear.
  • By operating a car in Hawaii, you have given your permission to do alcohol tests via blood, urine, or breath.

Bottom Line

When planning the shipment of your car to Hawaii, you’ll need to gather the proper documentation and certifications for your vehicle, as well as the other items listed above. Being well-prepared will make the shipping procedure go smoothly and hassle-free.

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