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Why is shipping Car to Maui, Hawaii Cost More?

Camilo Jaime • Aug 19, 2021
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Each year the Hawaiian Islands is frequently visited by over 3 million tourists because of its beautiful beaches. Moreover, Maui and the rest of Hawaii Islands have so much to offer. Of course, you can explore Maui more if you have a car with you, and one option is to have it shipped. However, you need to know that this can be more expensive.


Just like when you travel to Maui, you can't exactly go there with just 1 mode of transportation. Some people reach Maui by air and by sea. If you're wondering how much it costs to have your car shipped to Maui, Hawaii, then keep reading.

How Much Is It to Ship a Car to Maui, Hawaii?

Cost plays a vital role in transporting a vehicle to Hawaii. Since your car needs to cross the ocean and services over-water is required, the shipping cost of vehicles in Hawaii is much higher compared to standard land transportation. 


But why is it more expensive? Here's why.


To reach Maui, you'll have to go through many ports. Although shipping companies will be the ones in charge of loading and unloading your car, the operational costs involve can add up. 

It can also take a longer time to reach its destination. For example, shipping your car from Mainland to Maui would take two weeks. And it would take up to one month if you are shipping a car from Maui to a big island, depending on the schedule and size of the vehicle.


Just remember, the more remote the island, the harder it is to reach that place. 


Moreover, the staff will have to keep an eye on your vehicle for a longer period.


The average cost to ship a car to Maui and in other places in Hawaii is approximately $1,500 to $2,100, which is higher than the average fees. However, this estimated fee can still increase due to the following factors:

  • Distance from port
  • Vehicle size and weight
  • Door-to-door destination
  • Port-to-port destination
  • Type of carrier (enclosed or open) transport
  • Destination
  • Transport distance
  • Time of year


Shipping your vehicle to Maui will take much more time than traveling your car to the Continental areas of the United States. The longer distance and multiple transportations required will impact the cost when shipping a vehicle to Maui and other places in Hawaii.


Also, there are also fewer car shipping companies available going to Hawaii than in the U.S. mainland. 


The traveling time will depend on the location of where the car is from. It will typically take three to four weeks for your car to reach Hawaii. Moreover, the majority of the places in the United States require an additional week to complete shipping. It also depends on how much time it will take to travel your car from your location to the designated port before it can be loaded to travel to Hawaii.


Choosing the right car shipping company also matters as some companies ship cars faster because of their availability than other shipping companies.

Shipping Options

There are two car shipping options to Hawaii that you can choose from. You can either have it shipped by sea in an open or closed space. The most common method of shipping by sea is through Roll-On, Roll-Off. 



Roll-On, Roll-Off shipping is a direct form of shipping vehicles. As the name suggests, it's very straightforward. It includes driving your car to the port which will be loaded and secured onto a ferry. The ferry will then ship it to the designated destination port. Then your car will be unloaded or rolled off together with the rest of the cargo. 


To proceed with this method, access to a port is usually required. But this process is basically not a choice for car owners who are outside the West Coast. If you plan to, you'll have to either transport or drive your car to the port. 


Also, car owners may need to collect their vehicles at the assigned port. Having your car delivered to your doorstep is not an option when you choose a Roll-On, Roll-Off service. Thus, RORO is a great option for car owners who are looking for an affordable transport option. 

Shipping Your Vehicle to Hawaii

The process of shipping a vehicle anywhere in Hawaii is different from other parts of the U.S. To ship a car to Maui you will need to load your car from port to a ferry to traverse the ocean. Fortunately, there are reputable car shipping companies that can help you with logistics.


Furthermore, shipping companies’ processes may vary. Here are some tips that you can follow to make your shipping experience hassle-free. 

Get a quote 

Gather information from a shipping agent with necessary details such as shipping dates and car information.

Book a car shipping company

It is needed to proceed with the shipment process.

Clean and inspect your car

Make sure that your car is free from any unnecessary things to lessen its weight. Also, leave a gas (about a quarter) and disengage the battery and alarm system.

Drop-off your car

The next thing is to take your vehicle to the assigned pick-up location. Depending on which service you choose when you book, it can be at the shipping terminal, your house, or port. You may need to present registration, authorization letter, and identification card documents for specific locations like the port.

Collect your vehicle

Once it reaches the destination (in Hawaii), vehicles will be picked up in the assigned delivery location or at the port. 



Furthermore, Hawaiian Islands have many car shipping ports. Hence, shipping companies will load your vehicle onto a ferry from the West Coast and to different cities of Hawaii such as:

  • Kahului, Maui
  • Hilo, Hawaii 
  • Kawaihae, Hawaii 
  • Honolulu, Oahu
  • Nawiliwili, Kauai
  • Kaunakakai, Molokai

Things That You Must Do When Shipping Your Car to Maui

You need to do a few more things to prepare your car. Below are some of the things you need to do.

Put gas on the tank

Ensure that your car has the required amount of fuel (ideally no higher than a quarter tank). Don't put too much either since the additional weight can add to your expenses.

Remove your belongings

Inspect and clear out all your personal stuff, such as paperwork, CDs, and other personal belongings that should not be there. Anything that can be removed should also be removed to avoid having it damaged during the shipping.

Clean your car

Make sure that your car is clean, and be mindful of the tires and undercarriage to ensure that they are washed well without heavy mud. This will help the driver to easily inspect your car too.

Make sure it's in great shape

Taking your car for a car service is also necessary to make sure that brakes and tires are conditioned prior to shipment. If you're too far from the port, you need to have it transported by driving it to the port or have it hauled by a moving company.

Should You Bring Your Vehicle To Hawaii?

To ship a car to Maui and the rest of the places in Hawaii can be costly. However, it can be a good investment if you're planning to move to Hawaii. Having your own vehicle makes it easier for you to travel around the island. 


Sometimes the charges of shipping your car to Hawaii may be more than your car’s value. In those cases, it's best to weigh your options.


Below are the factors to consider to help you with your decision:

  • The type of car
  • How long you'll stay in Hawaii
  • Your budget



You may also want to consider the available repair shop for the type of your car in Maui, Hawaii. It's easier to have a clear idea of where you can go in case your vehicle gets damaged during the transport. It's also an advantage since you'll probably have to go back to that same shop for maintenance. 

Final Words

There are many factors to consider when deciding to ship a car to most of Maui. Since it's not that easy to reach the island, having your car shipped there can be more expensive. Moreover, costs can add up if you're not coming from the West Coast.


Apart from the distance, the method, and mode of transportation (which takes several transportations), length of travel, and the value of your car, you also need to take into account the service fees involved. Make sure to ask about it with your shipping company so that you're in the loop with the expenses. 


The above-mentioned information will be helpful for your decision. Also, remember to hire a reputable and trusted auto shipping company like Car Shipping Hawaii so that you'll have nothing to worry about.

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