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Featured Car Shipping Companies
We reviewed the industry’s top car shipping providers. Here are our featured picks:
Crash Course:
- Shipping from California to Hawaii usually requires travel by freight ship. Many companies offer door-to-port or port-to-port shipping.
- AmeriFreight’s fair prices, discounts, and extra insurance make it our pick as the best company for shipping your car to Hawaii from California.
- Car shipping to Hawaii from California can be expensive because of the added boat travel.
Moving from California to Hawaii has its challenges, but shipping a car to the Aloha State doesn’t need to be a headache. In this article, we’ll run through the process of shipping a car from California to Hawaii so your experience can be as quick and easy as possible.
We’ve also reviewed the best car shipping companies that ship from Hawaii to California to help you make an informed decision. We recommend comparing quotes from auto transport providers before making a final decision on shipping to ensure you have the right price and services for your needs.
5 Best Companies That Ship Cars From California to Hawaii
Not every auto transport company offers services for car shipping from California to Hawaii, so it’s important to shop around and understand your options before booking. The companies below all offer competitive rates and high-quality services for shipping a vehicle to the Aloha State.
AmeriFreight: Best Value
Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating: A+
AmeriFreight has a stellar customer service reputation and offers some of the most affordable rates for shipping a car from California to Hawaii. The shipping broker has an A+ rating with the BBB and 4.8 out 5 stars from customer reviews on that site.
AmeriFreight holds its car carriers to high standards, only working with licensed movers who receive high marks from customers. In addition to competitive rates, the company offers a wide range of discounts to help customers save even more. AmeriFreight offers discounts for those for the following groups:
- Military members
- Senior citizens
- First responders
- Return customers
Read our full AmeriFreight review for more information.
Montway Auto Transport: Best Service Options
BBB rating: A+
Montway Auto Transport holds a reputation for strong customer service and a relatively straightforward booking process. The auto transport company offers delivery to Kauai, O’ahu, Maui or the Big Island of Hawaii as well as door-to-port and port-to-port services from the mainland to Hawaii. With over a million vehicles delivered safely and thousands of positive customer reviews, Montway is a great option for shipping your car from California to Hawaii.
Read more in our Montway Auto Transport review.
Ship a Car Direct: Easy Online Quotes
BBB rating: A+
Ship a Car Direct is another reliable option for transporting a vehicle from California to Hawaii. The company offers what they call “white glove service” on all Hawaii vehicle shipments and guarantees that vehicles will be delivered damage free. With an A+ rating and accreditation from the BBB, Ship a Car Direct is a reputable and trustworthy carrier capable of getting your car safely to Hawaii.
Easy Auto Ship
BBB rating: A+
Easy Auto Ship offers guaranteed pricing, which means you don’t have to worry about the rate increasing after booking transport. It’s also known for its extensive array of car shipping services, with options such as expedited transport and shipping for motorcycles and boats. Easy Auto Ship can deliver vehicles to all of the following Hawaii ports: Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului, Nawiliwili and Big Island Port.
Get more details in our Easy Auto Ship review.
SGT Auto Transport: Best Customer Experience
BBB rating: B
SGT Auto Transport rounds out our list of best companies for shipping a car from California to Hawaii. You can get instant quotes on its website with just a few pieces of information, which makes it easy to shop around. SGT Auto Transport also gives you two options for payment: a discounted cash-on-delivery price or an up-front credit card price. If shipping your car to Hawaii, SGT provides delivery to Kauai, O’ahu, Maui and the Big Island.
How Much Does Car Shipping From California to Hawaii Cost?
While the companies listed above all offer competitive rates, shipping a car from California to Hawaii understandably costs a bit more than shipping it state to state across land. While shipping costs will vary based on numerous factors, you should expect to pay at least $1,900 to ship a vehicle across the Pacific.
California to Hawaii Car Shipping Cost Estimates
Below, we’ve listed the average cost of car shipping from California to Hawaii based on some of the Golden State’s largest cities. Your prices may be slightly higher if you’re moving your vehicle to Maui, the Big Island, or Kauai rather than Oahu – the island where Honolulu is located.
Below are some average costs for shipping a car from California to Hawaii.
| California City | Hawaii City | Shipping Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Oakland | Honolulu | $1,599 |
| Long Beach | Honolulu | $1,599 |
| Los Angeles | Nawiliwili | $2,349 |
| San Diego | Kahului | $2,349 |
Most auto transport companies offer military discounts. So if you’re being transferred to Hawaii as part of your military service, be sure to ask about any discounts and savings opportunities available.
Factors That Affect Car Shipping Costs
Your final car shipping cost for transport from California to Hawaii will depend on a range of factors, including the following:
- Type of vehicle: Heavier cars like SUVs and trucks cost more to ship than smaller ones.
- Transport type: Enclosed auto transport is usually pricier than open carrier shipping since your car sits inside a car shipping container. Enclosed vehicle shipping is ideal for luxury and classic cars.
- Time of year: Certain times of the year are especially busy for Hawaii auto transport. Shipping rates and demand are highest in January and throughout the summer.
- Shipping route: More people ship vehicles to Oahu than to the neighboring islands, so you can expect to pay less for auto transport to Honolulu than to Kahului, Hilo, or Lihue.
Since the cost of shipping to the islands varies considerably, shopping around and comparing car shipping quotes online is the best way to save money on Hawaii car transport.
What To Expect When Shipping a Car To Hawaii
Car shipping from California to Hawaii is different from shipping anywhere on the mainland of the United States due to the fact that you’ll have to get your car to a port, where it will be loaded onto a boat that’s headed for the Hawaiian islands.
Almost all vehicle shipments to Hawaii go through Honolulu before making their way to the neighboring islands. There are auto shipping ports in these Hawaiian locations:
- Honolulu: serves the island of Oahu
- Hilo: serves the eastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii
- Kawaihae: serves the western side of the Big Island of Hawaii
- Kahului: serves the island of Maui
- Nawiliwili: serves the island of Kauai
- Kaunakakai: serves the island of Molokai
Routing your car from Honolulu to one of the outer islands via barge will add to your overall cost of car shipping from California to Hawaii.
Process for Car Shipping from California to Hawaii
To begin the process, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare quotes and services. Once you’ve picked your auto transport provider, it’s time to book the car shipment.
As the scheduled car transport time gets closer, you’ll need to clean out your vehicle. While shipping personal items is sometimes permitted (typically only 50 to 100 pounds), it’s not recommended since it adds weight to your vehicle which can increase your overall cost. Also, keep in mind that car movers will likely require you to have less than a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle.
On the day of the auto transport, you’ll need to have your vehicle ready, along with the following items:
- Booking number
- Photo ID
- Proof of insurance
- Vehicle title and registration
You’ll also need to have a notarized letter of authorization from the car’s lienholder if your vehicle is leased or financed.
How Long Does Car Shipping from California to Hawaii Take?
You’ll need to be patient when shipping a car to Hawaii, as it can take between one and three weeks for your car to reach its port on the islands.
Additionally, if you don’t live in California, you’ll need to drive – or have your car transported – to a port in the Golden State before shipping it to Hawaii. So you’ll need to account for that time as well.
Your transport will also take longer if your vehicle is headed to Maui, the Big Island, or Kauai since nearly all vehicles will first stop in Honolulu before being loaded onto barges headed to the outer islands.
What Is Roll-On/Roll-Off Shipping?
Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping involves loading your vehicle directly onto a ship headed for Hawaii. The vehicle is then secured to the ship’s deck, transported to Hawaii and then driven – or rolled – off the ship.
While RoRo shipping is often a cheap method of car shipping from California to Hawaii, it comes with risks since your car is often left exposed to the elements. If you have a luxury or high-value car, you can choose to have it transported in a shipping container instead – but expect to pay considerably more for this method of shipping.
Featured Car Shipping Companies
We reviewed the industry’s top car shipping providers. Here are our featured picks:
Featured Car Shipping Companies
We reviewed the industry’s top car shipping providers. Here are our featured picks:
California to Hawaii Car Shipping: FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about car shipping to and from California and Hawaii:
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Hawaii?
You can usually expect to pay between $1,900 and $2,300 for car shipping from California to Hawaii. Your vehicle transport may cost more or less depending on your vehicle type and size and your final destination in Hawaii.
Can I ship my car with stuff in it to Hawaii?
Some auto transport companies will allow you to transport personal belongings in your vehicle. But this is not recommended since it adds weight and cost to your shipment.
Can I buy a car in California and ship to Hawaii?
While you can buy a car in California and ship it to Hawaii, be aware that there are multiple costs involved. The sales tax in the Golden State is often more than double the tax rate in Hawaii, and Hawaii may charge a 4 percent use tax on out-of-state purchases.
Can you ship a financed car to Hawaii?
Yes, you can ship a financed car to Hawaii if you have a notarized letter of authorization from the lienholder for the vehicle.
Our Methodology
Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. We identified the following rating categories based on consumer survey data and conducted extensive research to formulate rankings of the best car shipping companies.
- Affordability: A variety of factors influence cost, so it can be difficult to compare quotes between providers. Our team performs ongoing secret shopper analyses for different vehicles, services, and shipping routes to give this rating.
- Shipping Options: Because each consumer has unique needs, it’s essential that an auto transport company offers an array of services. We take into account the availability of services, ability to guarantee pickup and drop-off dates, and insurance coverage options.
- Operations: We take a close look at how each auto transport company operates, including how quickly vehicles get picked up, average transit times, insurance coverage options, and more.
- Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, a company’s history of service, and years in business when giving this score.
- Customer Service: Reputable car shippers operate with a certain degree of care for consumers. We take into account customer reviews, BBB complaints, and the responsiveness of the customer service team.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
