The Hassle-Free Way to Ship Back Home
When moving from Hawaii back to the mainland, dropping off your car at Honolulu Port is simple. But what happens when it arrives at the West Coast Port while you are settling into your new home in Texas, Colorado, or Florida?
With Port-to-Door return shipping, you drop off your car in Honolulu, and we coordinate the ocean sailing to Long Beach or Oakland, port handling, customs/biosecurity clearance, and mainland trucking straight to your new door.
Five-Document Checklist
Unlike shipping to Hawaii, shipping OUT of Hawaii requires strict proof of ownership. We audit your documents ahead of drop-off.
Neighbor Island Barges
We book the inter-island barge connections from Maui, Kauai, and Big Island, timing the connection so your car sails out of Honolulu without delay.
Mainland Logistics Network
We partner with reliable mainland auto haulers waiting at Long Beach and Oakland to pick up your car as soon as it clears Matson inspection.
Would collecting at the mainland port suit you better?
With port-to-door service, a mainland carrier takes your vehicle from the arrival port to your delivery address. You can also compare port-to-port service and arrange collection at Long Beach Port or Oakland Port yourself. Ask for both totals for the same vehicle, route and travel dates.
Include the cost of reaching the port, fuel for the drive onward, possible overnight stops and your time. If you are planning a road trip, collecting at the port may fit your plans. If you need the vehicle closer to home, delivery may be the better fit. The right choice depends on your situation.
Important: Matson requires 5 documents to ship a car out of Hawaii. Lack of documentation results in immediate port rejection.
Mandatory Hawaii Exit Documents
Vehicle Title (Front & Back)
Must match your government ID. If the vehicle is financed or leased, you must provide an official Lienholder Authorization Letter.
Current Hawaii Registration
The registration must be active and match the vehicle owner details.
Hawaii Safety Inspection Certificate
Provide the official yellow or blue safety inspection slip from a certified Hawaii inspector.
Government-Issued Photo ID
Bring your physical driver's license or passport to the Port gate.
Email Submission (24 Hours Prior)
A copy of all documentation must be scanned and emailed to the port booking office at least 24 hours before your drop-off.
The Port-to-Door Return Journey
We coordinate the ocean sailing, port inspections, customs release, and land transport back to your mainland destination.
Choose Dates & Reserve
See your price and dates, then sign and save your card online with K’AI. Add your VIN and documents later. Our team reviews the request before confirming your booking and charging the agreed booking fee.
Honolulu Drop-off
Drive your vehicle to 1411 Sand Island Pkwy, Honolulu, during gate hours with fuel above ⅛ tank and below ¼ tank.
Matson Sea Transit
Your vehicle sails from Honolulu to Long Beach or Oakland. Follow the booking's estimated availability and wait for confirmed port release before arranging collection or onward delivery.
Mainland Door Delivery
Your vehicle clears Port inspection. We dispatch our mainland carrier to load the car and deliver it directly to your address.
Honolulu to the Mainland — Priced by Your Destination
Port-to-port from Honolulu starts at $1,072. Add door delivery and we price the mainland trucking leg to your exact address — quoted before you pay anything.
$500 Booking Deposit
Applied directly to your total balance. Locks your cargo spot.
Shipping to Hawaii Instead?
If you are planning an inbound move to Oahu or any neighbor island from the continental US, explore our door-to-port and port-to-port logistics services.
Port-to-Door FAQ
Can I compare mainland port pickup with delivery to my address?
Yes. Compare a port-to-port quote with a port-to-door quote for the same vehicle and route. Port-to-port means you arrange collection from the mainland port; port-to-door adds mainland carrier delivery. Compare the shipping totals and your own travel costs before deciding.
How long does return shipping from Hawaii to the mainland take?
Timing depends on the sailing, port release and mainland delivery leg. Check the current carrier window in our transit guide, then confirm the estimated port availability and delivery dates for your booking. A sailing date or vessel arrival is not a confirmed delivery appointment.
Current transit guideWhat is the required fuel level for Honolulu Port?
Your vehicle must have fuel above ⅛ tank and below ¼ tank when dropping it off at Honolulu Port on Sand Island.
Can I ship a car from Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island to the mainland?
Yes. These routes involve a barge connection through Honolulu as well as the mainland sailing. Connection schedules affect the total timeline. Use the current route-specific carrier window and your booking's estimated availability rather than adding a fixed number of days to a Honolulu estimate.
Current transit guideCan I pack household goods or boxes inside the vehicle?
No. Matson enforcing strict maritime security rules. Personal effects, boxes, and household items are completely banned from cars during transit. The car must be vacuumed and empty, except for a child safety seat, jumper cables, and spare tire kit.
Where is Honolulu Port located for vehicle drop-off?
Honolulu Port is located at 1411 Sand Island Parkway, Honolulu, HI 96819. Drop off any weekday during posted gate hours (Mon–Fri, 8:00–11:30 AM and 1:00–3:30 PM) before your cutoff — no appointment needed.
