Port-to-Port Car Shipping
Port to Port Car Shipping to Hawaii, Drop Off at the Port, Pick Up in Hawaii
The most cost-effective way to ship to Hawaii. You drop your car at Long Beach or Oakland and pick it up at the Hawaii terminal. Ocean freight only, no overland fees, no middlemen. Port-to-port is the most affordable way of shipping car to Hawaii for customers near a West Coast port.
$1,530
To Oahu ocean freight starts at
$2,350
To Maui, Big Island, or Kauai
$200
Deposit to book applied toward total
12–14
Days ocean transit to Honolulu
INSTANT QUOTE
"Camilo walked us through the entire calendar — our car was waiting at the terminal the day after we landed. The only company we'd trust with a move like this."
Mike T. — Dallas, TX to Honolulu
"Camilo walked us through the entire calendar — our car was waiting at the terminal the day after we landed. The only company we'd trust with a move like this."
Mike T. — Dallas, TX to Honolulu
4.9 / 5 Stars
212 Verified Google Reviews
Matson Specialist
Hawaii Route Experts
USDOT Licensed
DOT #3505506 · MC #1158539
Island-Owned & Operated
Honolulu, HI Based
18 Years Experience
Thousands of Moves
Step by Step
How Port-to-Port Car Shipping to Hawaii Works
Port-to-port is the simplest structure we offer. Three steps, no pickups or deliveries, just you dropping off, us handling the ocean crossing, and you picking up in Hawaii through a smooth car shipping port to port process.
You drop off at the West Coast port
Drive your vehicle to Long Beach or Oakland during receiving hours (Long Beach: Mon-Fri 7 AM to 3 PM, Oakland: Mon-Fri 8 AM to 4 PM). At Long Beach, follow signs to the Matson vehicle processing area on Pier F. Check in at the gate with your photo ID and booking confirmation. Your vehicle goes through a brief inspection, then you hand over the keys. The whole process takes about 30 to 45 minutes on a normal day. Arrive before 2 PM to avoid the end-of-day backup. Fuel must not exceed one quarter tank.
Your vehicle ships to Hawaii
Your car is driven aboard a Matson Roll-on/Roll-off vessel and stored on an enclosed deck, protected from saltwater, weather, and open-air exposure for the entire Pacific crossing. This is not a container ship. Your vehicle drives on, parks inside, and drives off in Hawaii. Weekly sailings depart for all four islands. We manage all documentation and sailing coordination.
You pick up at the Hawaii terminal
We notify you when your vehicle arrives and is cleared for pickup. At the Honolulu Sand Island terminal, bring your photo ID to the gate. Your vehicle goes through USDA agricultural inspection before release. Terminal hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. After a peak sailing arrives, the pickup line can run 30 to 45 minutes, so plan to arrive early.
All-Inclusive Pricing
How Much Does Port-to-Port Car Shipping to Hawaii Cost?
Port-to-port is ocean freight only. Because you drop off and pick up at the ports yourself, there is no overland component. What you see below is your complete cost. No second charge, no delivery fee on top. If you are comparing shipping car to Hawaii cost across service types, port-to-port will always be the lowest because there is no overland leg.
Peak season (June through August): Surcharges apply during summer months. Book early. A deposit locks your quoted rate regardless of what the market does after you book.
| Destination | Ocean Freight | What's Included | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oahu (Honolulu) | $1,530+ | Ocean crossing, port handling, documentation | $200 |
| Maui · Big Island · Kauai | $2,350+ | Ocean crossing, port handling, documentation | $200 |
Port-to-port pricing is the most transparent of all our services. The ocean freight rate below is your all-in cost for the shipping itself. The only variable is whether you choose Oahu or a neighbor island as your destination.
About the $200 deposit: Applied toward your total, not added on top. It secures your vessel space and locks your quoted rate. The deposit is non-refundable once your booking is confirmed.
🌺 To Oahu
$1,530+
Complete price for ocean freight Honolulu / Sand Island Terminal
12–14 days ocean transit
🌿 To Neighbor Islands
$2,350
Complete price for ocean freight Maui · Big Island · Kauai
25–30 days ocean transit
Ready to book your sailing?
We go through the calendar with every customer, your target drop-off date, your sailing window, your Hawaii arrival. Call us or use the quote form and we will lock in your rate for your port to port car shipping.
These prices are the same regardless of whether you drop off at Long Beach or Oakland. The departure port does not change the ocean freight rate.
Port Assignment
Which Port Do You Drop Off At?
We use two active West Coast departure ports. Which one you use depends on where you are located. Tacoma and Seattle are officially closed; Matson terminated that route. Choosing the correct port is an important part of planning your port to port car shipping.
Long Beach, CA
Primary Port
Height clearance
7 feet (84 inches)
Width clearance
7 feet 2 inches (86 inches)
Best for
Southern CA, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, all Midwest, all South, all East Coast
Denver note
Routes through Long Beach, not Oakland. Donner Pass is dangerous for large haulers.
Oakland, CA
Northern Port
Height clearance
76 inches (6 feet 4 inches)
Width clearance
76 inches — includes mirrors
Best for
San Francisco, Sacramento, Northern CA, Portland, Seattle
Important
76-inch limit includes roof racks and cargo carriers. Measure total height before booking.
⚠️ Size limits are firm. If your vehicle exceeds a port's clearance limits, we cannot ship it through our service, there are no alternative routes. Measure your total vehicle height including any roof racks or aftermarket additions before booking. Oakland's 76-inch limit catches customers with cargo carriers who did not measure.
Hawaii Arrival Terminals
| Island | Terminal | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oahu | Honolulu / Sand Island Terminal | Primary terminal. Always lead with Honolulu for Oahu shipments. |
| Maui | Kahului Terminal | Additional ocean transit vs Oahu |
| Big Island | Hilo Terminal | Additional ocean transit vs Oahu |
| Kauai | Nawiliwili Terminal | Additional ocean transit vs Oahu |
Timeline
Ocean Transit Times by Destination Island
These are ocean-only transit times from Long Beach or Oakland. They do not include your drive to the port or your time to pick up in Hawaii. Factor both into your planning when scheduling your drop-off.
| Destination Island | Terminal | Ocean Transit | Service Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oahu | Honolulu / Sand Island | 12–14 days | Oahu |
| Maui | Kahului | 25–30 days | Neighbor Island |
| Big Island | Hilo | 25–30 days | Neighbor Island |
| Kauai | Nawiliwili | 25–30 days | Neighbor Island |
Transit times are estimates and can vary by season and sailing schedule. View the current Matson sailing schedule.
⚠️ Missing the port cutoff has real consequences. Matson operates weekly sailings. If your vehicle does not arrive at the terminal before the cutoff for your scheduled sailing, it waits for the next departure, often 2 or more weeks. That means unexpected car rental costs, extended hotel stays, and unplanned expenses most people never factor in. We coordinate your drop-off window specifically to hit the right sailing for your timeline.
Booking lead time: Standard moves, at least 2 to 3 weeks before your target drop-off date. Peak season (May through August), 4 to 6 weeks minimum.
Need a sailing window built around your specific move date?
Service Options
Port-to-Port vs Door-to-Port vs Port-to-Door
Here is exactly what each service includes and does not include, so you can choose what fits your situation. For customers who want simplicity and lower cost, port to port car shipping remains the most efficient option.
| Feature | Port-to-Port | Door-to-Port | Port-to-Door |
|---|---|---|---|
| We pick up at your mainland address | You drive to port | Included | N/A, shipping from Hawaii |
| Ocean freight | Included | Included | Included |
| You pick up at Hawaii terminal | You pick up | You pick up | N/A, shipping from Hawaii |
| We deliver to your mainland address | N/A, shipping to Hawaii | N/A, shipping to Hawaii | Included |
| Deposit | $200 | $600 | $600 |
| Best for | Near West Coast port, cost-focused | Not near a port, need pickup | Shipping from Hawaii to mainland |
Not near a West Coast port?
We pick up anywhere in the continental US and handle the overland transport to port for you.
Shipping your car from Hawaii?
Drop off at the Honolulu port and we deliver your car to your mainland door, ocean freight starts at $1,122+.
Before You Drop Off
How to Prepare Your Car for West Coast Port Drop-Off
Port terminals enforce these requirements strictly. Arriving unprepared can result in your vehicle being rejected at intake, which means missing your sailing and waiting weeks for the next one. Proper preparation ensures a smooth drop-off and prevents a rejected vehicle at the gate.
Required at drop-off
Quarter tank fuel maximum Fire safety regulation enforced at terminal
Vehicle empty of all personal belongings Hawaii agricultural inspection and DOT regulations prohibit household goods, no exceptions
Fully operational — must drive on and off Steering, braking, and rolling must be 100%
Exterior and interior clean USDA biosecurity requirement — no mud, seeds, or debris
Alarm system disabled Active alarms delay acceptance at port terminal
Government-issued photo ID Required at drop-off and at Hawaii pickup
Booking confirmation number Photograph the vehicle before drop-off
Photograph the vehicle before drop-off Protects you in any insurance claim
Not accepted
Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids Not accepted on any route. Firm policy, no exceptions.
Non-running vehicles The vehicle must drive on and off under its own power.
Windshield chips or cracks The terminal may reject the vehicle at inspection
Personal items left inside Enforced at the port terminal before loading
Vehicles over size clearance limits Long Beach: max 7'0" tall, 7'2" wide. Oakland: max 76" tall, 76" wide. No alternative routes.
For Hawaii biosecurity requirements on arrival, see the Hawaii Department of Agriculture inspection guidelines.
Coverage
Insurance Coverage for Port-to-Port Shipments
Because port-to-port has no overland component, there is one layer of coverage to understand: the ocean crossing. We explain this at booking so you know exactly what protects your vehicle.
Ocean Transport (Matson)
Up to $8,000
Standard carrier liability
Matson's carrier liability covers actual damage sustained during the ocean crossing, up to approximately $8,000 for an average-sized vehicle. This applies from the moment the vessel departs through arrival at the Hawaii terminal.
💡
We always recommend verifying with your personal auto insurance carrier whether your policy extends to ocean transport. Photograph your vehicle thoroughly at drop-off and again at pickup in Hawaii, this documentation is your strongest protection in any claim situation.
Increasing Your Coverage
Up to Full Value
Declared value option
You can declare a higher vehicle value on the Dock Receipt at drop-off and pay an additional freight rate to increase Matson's liability limit to the full value of your vehicle. We walk you through this option at booking — especially important for higher-value or newer vehicles.
PCS Moves
Military PCS Shipping to Hawaii via Port-to-Port
We have coordinated hundreds of PCS moves to Hawaii
Port-to-port is a practical option for military members PCSing to Hawaii who can drop off at a West Coast port en route. Many service members prefer car shipping port to port for its simplicity and cost savings.
Hawaii hosts major installations across all islands. We coordinate port pickup at each one.
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
Oahu — Navy / Air Force
Schofield Barracks
Oahu — Army
Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay)
Oahu — Marine Corps
Fort Shafter
Oahu — Army
Wheeler Army Airfield
Oahu — Army
Pohakuloa Training Area
Big Island — Army
🎖️ Military discounts may apply depending on route and availability. If you cannot drop off at a West Coast port yourself, our door-to-port service includes nationwide pickup at your base address. Call us to discuss both options and which makes sense for your PCS orders.
STAY INFORMED
Track Your Vehicle
Real-Time Vessel Tracking
Once your vehicle is loaded at the West Coast terminal, you can track its Matson vessel in real time: current position, speed, and estimated Hawaii arrival. We notify you at two key moments, when your vehicle is confirmed loaded and when it arrives at the Hawaii terminal ready for pickup. You typically have a few days after arrival before port storage fees begin. We tell you exactly when to show up and what to bring.
📱When you receive the Hawaii arrival notification, you typically have a window of a few days before port storage fees begin. We make sure you know exactly when to show up and what to bring, so pickup is quick and straightforward.
View current Matson sailing schedule: matson.com/sailing-schedules ↗
Real Reviews from Real Virginia Customers
Camilo Jaime — Lead Shipping Coordinator
Car Shipping Hawaii · Honolulu, HI · 18 Years Industry Experience
Virginia — and the Hampton Roads area especially — is one of our most active PCS corridors. Naval Station Norfolk alone generates a significant volume of Hawaii-bound shipments every year. With 18 years coordinating thousands of Hawaii shipments, our team knows exactly how to time a Virginia pickup to hit the right sailing window. The overland leg from the East Coast requires more lead time than most people expect, and we build that into every booking.
"
PCS from Naval Station Norfolk to Pearl Harbor. I had a hard reporting date and our team was upfront about exactly how much lead time the Virginia-to-Hawaii shipment needed. The car was at Sand Island Terminal two days before I landed. That is the kind of coordination you need on a military move — nothing left to chance.
Petty Officer 2nd Class M. Chen — Norfolk, VA to Pearl Harbor-Hickam
Virginia Beach to Maui — our team was clear from the start that a neighbor island shipment from the East Coast takes 32 to 40 days. We planned around it and there were zero surprises.
Tom & Angela B. — Virginia Beach, VA to Kahului, Maui
Relocating from Richmond to Honolulu for work. I got quotes from four companies — only Car Shipping Hawaii explained the two-part cost structure honestly. One price, locked. No calls asking for more money before pickup.
Sarah W. — Richmond, VA to Honolulu, Oahu
Real Reviews from Real Customers
Camilo Jaime — Lead Shipping Coordinator
Car Shipping Hawaii · Honolulu, HI · 18 Years Industry Experience
Camilo has coordinated thousands of Hawaii vehicle shipments over 18 years, including through the 2019 West Coast port slowdowns, peak-season backlogs that delayed sailings by weeks, and last-minute PCS rebook situations where reporting dates changed mid-transit. He leads a coordination team that manages every shipment personally from booking to delivery. You are never handed off to a call center or rotating dispatcher
The Difference
Why Car Shipping Hawaii vs National Brokers
Even on a port-to-port shipment, the simplest option we offer, the broker you choose matters. Working with a Hawaii shipping specialist makes a difference even on the simplest shipment.
| Feature | Car Shipping Hawaii | National Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| All Inclusive Pricing | ✓ Locked at booking | ✗ Last-minute surcharges common |
| Named single point of contact | ✓ Direct,Dedicated Coordinator | ✗ Call center, different agent each time |
| Matson route specialist | ✓ Hawaii route experts only | ✗ General auto transport broker |
| Hawaii Expert explains dates | ✓ Drop-off timed to your sailing | ✗ Generic window, you figure it out |
| Insurance explained at booking | ✓ Declared value option explained clearly | ✗ Rarely discussed |
| Shipment tracking support | ✓ Proactive updates at load and arrival | ✗ Varies widely |
| Military PCS experience | ✓ Hundreds of PCS moves | ✗ Varies widely |
Had a bad experience with another broker? We hear this often.
How much does it cost to ship a car to Hawaii?
Port-to-port ocean freight to Oahu starts at $1,530 (12–14 day ocean transit). Neighbor islands — Maui, Big Island, and Kauai — start at $2,350 (22–24 days). Door-to-port service adds overland transport from your origin city, which varies by distance. Call us or use the calculator above for your exact all-inclusive price.
How long does it take to ship a car to Hawaii?
Ocean transit to Oahu is approximately 12–14 days from Long Beach or Oakland. Neighbor islands take approximately 22–24 days. Total door-to-delivery adds overland transit — typically 3–14 additional days. East Coast customers should plan for 21–28 days total. We always show the full timeline at booking, not just the ocean leg.
What is the deposit and does it add to my cost?
A $600 deposit is required for door-to-port or port-to-door service. A $200 deposit applies to port-to-port service. Both are applied toward your total — not an additional fee. The deposit secures your vessel space and locks your quoted rate regardless of what the market does between booking and sailing.
Can I put personal items in my car?
No. The vehicle must be completely empty. Personal items are not permitted under Matson's shipping terms and are enforced at both the mainland terminal and at Hawaii agricultural inspection. The vehicle must also have no more than a quarter tank of fuel due to fire safety regulations at the port.
Can I ship an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid?
No. Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are not accepted on any route. This is a firm policy with no exceptions regardless of model, battery size, or other factors.
What documents do I need?
Shipping TO Hawaii: no documents required at the port. Shipping FROM Hawaii: vehicle title (front and back), current Hawaii registration, Hawaii Safety Inspection Certificate (yellow or blue paper), government-issued photo ID (bring original to gate), and a lien holder authorization letter only if the vehicle is financed. Email to port 24 hours before drop-off.
Which port do I use?
Long Beach handles all shipments from Southern California, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, the entire Midwest, the South, and the East Coast. Oakland handles San Francisco, Sacramento, Northern California, Portland, and Seattle. Oakland has a 76-inch height clearance including roof racks and mirrors — measure your vehicle before booking if it is modified or tall.
When is peak season and how does it affect booking?
Peak season runs June through August. Surcharges apply and vessel space fills quickly. We recommend booking 4–6 weeks in advance. A deposit locks your quoted rate regardless of what happens to pricing after you book — especially important during summer months.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Hawaii to the mainland?
Return shipping from Honolulu (Oahu) starts at $1,122+ port-to-port with 12–14 days ocean transit. Neighbor island returns (Maui, Big Island, Kauai) start at $2,350+ with 25–30 days ocean transit. Call for a door-to-door quote with pickup from your home and mainland delivery.
Is my car insured during the ocean crossing?
Yes. Two independent layers apply. During overland transport, the licensed land carrier holds up to $100,000 in cargo insurance. During the Matson ocean crossing, Matson's carrier liability covers up to approximately $8,000 by default. You can declare a higher vehicle value on your Dock Receipt to increase coverage to the full vehicle value — we recommend this for any vehicle worth more than $8,000.
Can I track my car during shipping?
Yes. Once loaded on the Matson vessel you can track it in real time at https://www.matson.com/auto-tracking.html. We also maintain direct contact with you during ocean transit and notify you when your vehicle arrives at the island terminal.
Do you ship to all four Hawaiian islands?
Yes. We ship to and from Oahu (Honolulu/Sand Island terminal), Maui (Kahului terminal), Big Island (Hilo terminal), and Kauai (Nawiliwili terminal). Neighbor island rates start at $2,350+ port-to-port with approximately 25–30 days ocean transit.
Questions Answered
Common Questions
We answer these every day. If yours isn't here, call us directly — we pick up during business hours, Monday–Friday 8 AM–6 PM HST.
Get Started
Ready to Book Your Sailing?
We go through the calendar personally with every customer, your target drop-off date, your move-in date in Hawaii, and which sailing window makes sense. We will lock in your rate and give you everything you need to ship my car to hawaii port with confidence.
4.9 / 5 Stars — 212 Reviews
Island-Owned & Operated
Matson Exclusive Specialist
USDOT 3505506 · MC 1158539
All Inclusive Pricing
1110 Nuuanu Ave #305, Honolulu, HI 96817
Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM HST
carshippinghawaii.com
