The Hassle-Free Way to Ship Back Home
When moving from Hawaii back to the mainland, dropping off your car at the Honolulu terminal 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.
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 terminal 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 appointment.
The Port-to-Door Return Journey
We coordinate the ocean sailing, port inspections, customs release, and land transport back to your mainland destination.
Prepare & Book
Secure your booking space with a $600 deposit. Send your documents to our team for pre-audit and scheduling.
Honolulu Drop-off
Drive your vehicle to 1411 Sand Island Pkwy, Honolulu, during your gate appointment with fuel under ¼ tank.
Matson Sea Transit
Vessel departs Oahu and sails to California (Long Beach or Oakland). Ocean crossing typically takes 14–17 days.
Mainland Door Delivery
Vehicle clears customs and terminal 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 $1,122. Add door delivery and we price the mainland trucking leg to your exact address — quoted before you pay anything.
$600 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
How long does return shipping from Hawaii to the mainland take?
Ocean transit from Honolulu to Long Beach or Oakland is 14–17 days. Once the vehicle clears the West Coast terminal, ground transport is dispatched to your final address. Total port-to-door transit is typically 19–26 days depending on your mainland city.
What is the required fuel level for the Honolulu terminal?
Your vehicle must have ¼ tank of fuel or less when dropping it off at the Honolulu Sand Island port. Vehicles exceeding ¼ tank will be turned away by Matson gate security.
Can I ship a car from Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island to the mainland?
Yes. We coordinate the entire two-leg process. Your vehicle will ship via the coordinated inter-island barge from Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island to Honolulu, where it will be transferred to a Matson vessel. This inter-island leg adds 3–7 days to the timeline.
Can 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 the Honolulu drop-off terminal located?
The Matson auto terminal is located at 1411 Sand Island Parkway, Honolulu, HI 96819. You must drop off the vehicle during your pre-scheduled appointment window; walk-ins are not permitted.
