Hawaii → Mainland Car Shipping
Port-to-Door Car Shipping from Hawaii to the Mainland, Fully Managed by One Coordinator
Drop your car at the Honolulu port terminal and receive it delivered to your mainland door. One coordinator handles everything from paperwork to delivery.
$900
Oahu to Mainland ocean freight starts at
12–14
Days ocean transit from Honolulu
18 yrs
Industry experience Camilo Jaime, Coordinator
1 Contact
For the entire journey no handoffs, no call centers
Get Your Free Shipping Quote
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"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 Exclusive
Hawaii Route Specialist
USDOT Licensed
DOT #3505506 · MC #1158539
Island-Owned & Operated
Honolulu, HI Based
18 Years Experience
Thousands of Moves
The Mainland Connection
We handle the entire mainland delivery to your door.
hipping from Hawaii requires precise coordination between the ocean vessel and the mainland carrier. Once your vehicle arrives at the West Coast port, we assign a fully vetted, licensed carrier to deliver it directly to your address, timed to avoid delays after discharge.
Step by Step
How Port-to-Door Car Shipping from Hawaii Works
Every shipment follows a four-step logistics chain. We coordinate each stage and keep you informed at every transition point so there are no surprises.
Gather your documents
Email us your vehicle title, registration, Hawaii safety inspection, and photo ID at least 24 hours before port drop-off. If financed, include lien holder authorization.
Drop off at the Hawaii port
Deliver your vehicle to the Honolulu Sand Island Terminal during receiving hours. Bring your original government ID. Fuel must not exceed one quarter tank.
Ocean transit to the mainland
Your vehicle sails aboard a Matson vessel inside the hull. Weekly sailings depart from Honolulu. Ocean transit to West Coast ports takes approximately 12 to 14 days.
Delivered to your door
After mainland port discharge, a licensed carrier delivers your vehicle to your address. You receive an arrival notification and sign off at delivery.
Required Documents When Shipping from Hawaii
Unlike shipping to Hawaii, outbound shipments require documentation submitted to the port 24 hours before drop-off. This is the number one thing customers miss — plan ahead.
| Document | Details | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Title | Front and back copies | Always |
| Hawaii Registration | Current, not expired | Always |
| Safety Inspection Certificate | Yellow or blue paper | Always |
| Government-Issued Photo ID | Bring original to the gate — copy emailed in advance | Always |
| Lien Holder Authorization | Only if vehicle is financed | If financed |
Email all documents to the port 24 hours before your drop-off date. We help you prepare the complete package during booking so nothing is missing at the gate.
Pricing
How Much Does It Cost to Ship Your Car from Hawaii to the Mainland?
Your port-to-door total has two components. Both are included in the quote we give you — we explain each one so you always know exactly what you are paying for.
Last updated March 2026 — rates subject to peak season surcharges June–August.
Part 1 — Fixed
Ocean Freight
Set by route. Does not change based on where on the mainland you are going. Covers the vessel crossing, port handling, and documentation.
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When you call or submit the quote form, we give you both numbers together — one combined price for the full door-to-door journey. No surprises at the end, no second invoice when the truck shows up.
Part 2 — Varies
Mainland Delivery
Depends on where we are delivering. A car going to Los Angeles costs less to deliver than one going to Miami. We quote this based on your exact address.
Part 1: Ocean Freight by Departure Island
Ocean freight covers the vessel crossing, port handling, and documentation. This portion is the same regardless of your mainland destination.
| Departure Port | Ocean Freight | Ocean Transit | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu (Oahu) | $900 to $1,200 | 12–14 days | $600 |
| Neighbor Islands | $1,900 to $2,200 | 25–30 days | $600 |
About the $600 deposit: The deposit is 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, because Matson allocates that vessel space at the time of booking and it cannot be released once reserved. If your plans change, call us as early as possible — we will do our best to move your booking to a later sailing based on availability.
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.
Example Totals
Oahu — Example Total to West Coast
$1,200 to $1,800
Ocean freight ($900–$1,200) + West Coast delivery ($300–$600)
Oahu — Example Total to East Coast
$2,000 to $2,800
Ocean freight ($900–$1,200) + East Coast delivery ($1,100–$1,600)
Ready for your exact all-in price?
We go through the calendar personally with every customer — your move-out date, your flight, your mainland address — and quote you a real number, not a range.
Part 2: Mainland Delivery — Typical Ranges by Region
These are representative overland delivery ranges based on carrier market rates. Your exact price depends on your specific address. We quote the exact amount when you call.
| Mainland Region | Example Cities | Typical Delivery Cost |
|---|---|---|
| West Coast | Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle | $300 to $600 |
| Southwest / Mountain | Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver, Salt Lake City | $500 to $850 |
| South Central | Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin | $700 to $1,100 |
| Midwest | Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City, St. Louis | $800 to $1,200 |
| Southeast | Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, Jacksonville | $900 to $1,300 |
| East Coast / Florida | New York, Miami, Washington DC, Boston | $1,100 to $1,600 |
Delivery costs reflect current carrier market rates and can vary by season, vehicle size, and exact address. Call us for the number specific to your move.
Timeline
Sailing Schedules and Booking Lead Times
Matson operates weekly sailings from Honolulu. Missing the port cutoff means waiting for the next departure — often 2 or more weeks. We coordinate your pickup window specifically to hit the right sailing.
Honolulu to West Coast
12–14 days
Ocean crossing only
Long Beach or Oakland arrival
Neighbor Islands to West Coast
25–30 days
Ocean crossing only
Maui, Big Island, Kauai departures
West Coast to Mid-US / East Coast
+3 to 14 days
Mainland delivery added
Varies by destination city
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Missing the port cutoff matters more than most people realize. If your vehicle is not at the terminal on time, it does not make that sailing. It waits for the next available departure — potentially 2 or more weeks. That means unexpected car rental costs, extended hotel stays, and unplanned expenses most people never factor in. View the current Matson sailing schedule.
Booking lead time: Standard moves — at least 2 to 3 weeks before your target drop-off. Peak season (May through August) — 4 to 6 weeks minimum. Transit times are estimates and can vary by season and routing.
PORT-to-Door Timeline
Transit Times by Destination City
These transit time estimates represent the complete journey from vehicle drop-off at the Honolulu port to final delivery at your mainland address. This includes ocean transit from Hawaii to the West Coast, port processing upon arrival, and overland transport to your destination city.
Once your vehicle arrives at Long Beach or Oakland, it is assigned to a licensed mainland carrier based on your exact delivery location. West Coast deliveries are typically completed within a few days after port discharge, as carriers are readily available near these ports. For destinations in the Midwest, South, and East Coast, additional transit time is required due to distance, routing, and carrier scheduling.
Timing at the port is a critical factor. If a vehicle is not dispatched quickly after arrival, it may sit at the terminal and delay the entire process. We actively coordinate carrier assignments in advance so your vehicle moves out of the port as soon as it is released, reducing storage time and avoiding unnecessary delays.
Transit times may vary based on sailing schedules, weather conditions, port congestion, and seasonal demand. Peak shipping months can slightly impact delivery timelines, especially for long-distance routes.
From the moment your vehicle is scheduled for sailing to its final delivery, each step is planned to keep the process efficient, predictable, and aligned with your timeline.
| Destination | State | Total Transit (from Honolulu) | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles / Long Beach | California | 14–17 days | West Coast |
| San Francisco / Oakland | California | 14–17 days | West Coast |
| Portland | Oregon | 15–18 days | West Coast |
| Seattle | Washington | 15–18 days | West Coast |
| Phoenix / Tucson | Arizona | 16–19 days | Southwest |
| Denver | Colorado | 17–20 days | Mountain |
| Dallas / Houston / San Antonio | Texas | 18–22 days | South Central |
| Chicago | Illinois | 18–22 days | Midwest |
| Atlanta | Georgia | 23–28 days | Southeast |
| Miami / Orlando / Tampa | Florida | 21–26 days | Southeast |
| Washington DC / Virginia | DC / VA | 21–25 days | East Coast |
| New York / New Jersey | NY / NJ | 23–28 days | East Coast |
Service Options
Port-to-Door vs Port-to-Port: Which Is Right for You?
The difference comes down to where your responsibility ends on the mainland side.
| Feature | Port-to-Door | Port-to-Port |
|---|---|---|
| Drop-off at Hawaii port | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Ocean freight (Hawaii to West Coast) | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Mainland port intake and discharge | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Mainland delivery to your address | ✓ Included | ✗ You arrange |
| You pick up at mainland port | ✗ Not needed | ✓ You pick up |
| Deposit | $600 | $200 |
| Best for | Relocation, no mainland contact, easiest | Local pickups, lower cost, port-adjacent |
Port-to-Port ocean freight starts at $900 for Oahu with a $200 deposit. View full port-to-port details.
Before You Drop Off
How to Prepare Your Car for Hawaii Port Drop-Off
Port terminals enforce these requirements strictly. Arrive prepared so your car clears intake without delays. A pre-shipment inspection report is completed at drop-off.
Required before drop-off
Quarter tank fuel maximum
Fire safety regulation enforced at terminal
Vehicle empty of all personal belongings
Enforced at terminal — 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 cause delays at terminal
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
We require the vehicle to be fully operational.
Windshield chips or cracks
Terminal may reject the vehicle at inspection
Personal items left inside
DOT and port regulations prohibit household goods
Vehicles exceeding port clearance limits
Vehicles over 7 ft 2 in wide or 7 ft tall cannot be accepted through our service.
For full biosecurity requirements, see the Hawaii Department of Agriculture inspection guidelines.
Peace of Mind
Tracking Your Car Every Step of the Way
You should always know where your vehicle is. Here is how tracking works at each phase of your shipment.
Ocean Phase
Matson Vessel Tracking
Once your vehicle is loaded at the Honolulu terminal, you can track its vessel in real time using Matson's vessel tracker. You will see the ship's current position, estimated arrival port, and ETA.
Mainland Delivery Phase
Land Carrier Updates
After your vehicle is discharged at the mainland port, your assigned land carrier will contact you directly with delivery scheduling. We remain your single point of contact throughout — if you need an update, call us and we will track it down for you.
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We proactively update you at three key moments: when your vehicle is confirmed loaded on the vessel, when it arrives at the mainland port, and when the land carrier dispatches for delivery. You are never left guessing.
Insurance Coverage
Two Layers You Need to Know About
Most brokers never explain this. We walk through both layers at booking so you know exactly what covers your vehicle at every stage of the journey.
Layer 1 — Land Transport
Cargo insurance limit
$100,000
The mainland carrier carries up to $100,000 in cargo insurance. This covers your vehicle while it is on the truck during the entire mainland delivery portion — from port discharge to your door.
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We always recommend verifying with your personal auto insurance carrier whether your policy covers ocean transport. Photograph your vehicle thoroughly before drop-off and again at pickup — this documentation protects you in any claim.
Layer 2 — Ocean Transport (Matson)
Standard carrier liability
Up to $8,000
Matson's carrier liability covers actual damage sustained during the ocean crossing, up to approximately $8,000 for an average-sized vehicle. You can declare a higher vehicle value on the Dock Receipt and pay an additional freight rate to increase this limit to the full value of your vehicle.
PCS Moves
Military Vehicle Shipping from Hawaii to the Mainland
We have coordinated hundreds of PCS moves from Hawaii
Military families receive structured scheduling assistance and documentation coordination tailored to PCS timelines. We understand the pressure of military moves — your vehicle needs to arrive before you do, on a schedule that does not have flexibility.
Hawaii hosts major installations across the islands. We coordinate departures from all of them.
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. Call us to discuss your PCS orders, target report date, and housing situation — we will coordinate the shipment window that gets your vehicle where it needs to be on time.
The Difference
Why Car Shipping Hawaii vs National Brokers
The number one complaint we hear from customers who tried a national broker first: they were asked for more money at the last minute. Here is exactly how we operate differently.
| Feature | Car Shipping Hawaii | National Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed pricing, no post-booking changes | ✓ Locked at booking | ✗ Last-minute surcharges common |
| Named single point of contact | ✓ Direct — Camilo Jaime | ✗ Call center, different agent each time |
| Matson exclusive specialist | ✓ Hawaii route experts only | ✗ General auto transport broker |
| Calendar coordination at booking | ✓ Pickup timed to your sailing | ✗ Generic window, you figure it out |
| Overland and ocean managed together | ✓ One shipment, one contact | ✗ Two vendors, two contacts |
| Insurance explained at booking | ✓ Both layers explained clearly | ✗ Rarely discussed |
| Shipment tracking support | ✓ Proactive updates at 3 stages | ✗ Varies widely |
| Military PCS experience | ✓ Hundreds of PCS moves | ✗ Varies widely |
Camilo Jaime — Lead Shipping Coordinator
Car Shipping Hawaii · Honolulu, HI · 18 Years Industry Experience
With 18 years in the vehicle shipping industry and thousands of Hawaii shipments coordinated, our team knows every port, every route, and every mile of your journey. We work with every customer personally from booking to delivery — you are never handed off to a dispatcher after you book. We go through the calendar with you, coordinate pickup timing to your exact sailing window, and stay reachable throughout the entire move.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Hawaii to the mainland?
Your total has two parts. The first is ocean freight, which is fixed by route: $900 to $1,200 for Oahu departures, and $1,900 to $2,200 for neighbor island departures (Maui, Big Island, Kauai). The second is mainland carrier delivery, which varies based on where we are delivering — West Coast delivery typically runs $300 to $600, while East Coast delivery runs $1,100 to $1,600. We give you both numbers together as a single combined price when you call or submit the quote form.
How long does it take to ship a car from Hawaii to the mainland?
Ocean transit from Honolulu to West Coast ports takes approximately 12 to 14 days. Total door-to-delivery including mainland ground transport ranges from 14 to 28 days depending on your destination. Los Angeles takes 14 to 17 days total. New York takes 23 to 28 days total. See the full destination table above for your city.
Can I track my car during shipping?
Yes. During the ocean crossing, you can track the vessel in real time on Matson's website. During mainland delivery, your land carrier will contact you directly with delivery scheduling. We proactively update you when your vehicle is loaded, when it arrives at the mainland port, and when the carrier dispatches for delivery.
Is the deposit refundable?
The $600 deposit is non-refundable once your booking is confirmed. Matson allocates vessel space at the time of booking, and that space cannot be released once reserved. If your plans change, call us as early as possible — we will do our best to move your booking to a later sailing based on availability, though rescheduling is subject to vessel space and is not guaranteed.
What documents do I need to ship my car from Hawaii?
Email to the port 24 hours before drop-off: your vehicle title (front and back), current Hawaii registration, Hawaii Safety Inspection Certificate (yellow or blue paper), and a copy of your government-issued photo ID. Bring the original ID to the terminal gate. If your vehicle is financed, you also need a Lien Holder Authorization letter. These documents are only required when shipping from Hawaii — not when shipping to Hawaii.
Can I put personal items in my car when shipping from Hawaii?
No. Personal belongings are not permitted inside the vehicle. Port authorities and DOT regulations prohibit household goods during ocean transport. The vehicle must remain empty except for factory-installed components. This is enforced at the terminal.
Is my car insured during the ocean crossing?
Yes, through two layers. During mainland delivery, the land carrier carries up to $100,000 in cargo insurance. During the ocean crossing, Matson's carrier liability covers actual damage up to approximately $8,000 for an average vehicle. You can declare a higher value on the Dock Receipt to increase this limit to the full vehicle value. We always recommend verifying with your personal auto insurer whether your policy covers ocean transport.
How far in advance should I book?
At least 2 to 3 weeks before your target port drop-off date. During peak season (May through August), book 4 to 6 weeks in advance. Missing the cutoff means waiting for the next sailing — often 2 or more weeks — which can mean unplanned rental car and hotel costs. We coordinate your pickup window specifically to hit the right sailing.
Can I ship an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid from Hawaii?
No. Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are not accepted on any route we coordinate. This is firm policy with no exceptions and no alternatives through our service.
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.
Ready to Ship?
Ready to Ship Your Car to Hawaii?
We go through the calendar personally with every customer. Tell us your pickup address, your target move date, and your destination island — we will give you a real combined price and a sailing window that works
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
