Shipping a car to Hawaii combines ground transport and sea transport, and costs are calculated a bit differently than a standard mainland shipment. It might sound complicated at first, but with Montway at your side, Hawaii car shipping is a breeze.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about how Hawaii auto transport works, how much it costs, and how to find the right company for the job.

Shipping a car to Hawaii typically costs between $1,500-$3,000, depending on your pickup location, vehicle size, and chosen transport options. Most Hawaii shipments will leave the mainland from one of several ports in California or Seattle. See the chart below for average estimated costs from popular locations. For the most accurate Hawaii car shipping estimate, use our free instant quote calculator or call (888) 666-8929 to request a quote. 

California is the most common departure point for Hawaii-bound shipments, with ports in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, and San Diego all serving routes to the islands. Depending on your location, Montway can arrange door-to-port transport or you can drop your vehicle off at the port directly. 

For more details on the California to Hawaii shipping process, costs, and what to expect, see our complete guide to shipping a car from California to Hawaii.

Seattle is another popular departure point, with service to Honolulu averaging about $2,000. A few things to keep in mind if you're shipping from Seattle: departures are less frequent than from California ports, so total transit times may be a bit longer. Additionally, electric vehicles cannot be shipped directly from Seattle—EVs will need to be transported to a California port first before loading onto a vessel. Montway arranges all of that, but it can add 1–2 weeks to your transit time. 

For more on Seattle to Hawaii car shipping, read our full guide: Shipping a Car from Seattle to Hawaii (and Vice-Versa).

Shipping is often the more cost-effective option, especially if your vehicle is relatively new or high-value. The used car market in Hawaii is more expensive than the mainland due to limited supply and high demand. Selling your current vehicle, buying one in Hawaii, and navigating a less diverse inventory adds up quickly in both time and money.

If your vehicle is older or lower in value, buying locally might make more financial sense. But if you want to keep the car you know and trust, shipping is usually the smarter move.

There are a few key factors that determine your shipping price:

Distance from port: The further your vehicle is from a departure port, the more ground transport adds to your total cost. Shipping from the East Coast costs more than shipping from California because the vehicle has to travel further to reach the port.

Vehicle size: Larger vehicles like trucks, SUVs, or modified vehicles with lift or lowering kits cost more to ship due to their weight and size. Smaller, lighter vehicles will often cost less to ship.

Ground transport type: There are two options for the ground-transport portion of your shipment: open transport and enclosed transport. Open transport is the most affordable and widely available option. Enclosed transport offers increased protection against weather and outdoor elements, but comes at a higher price. Enclosed shipping is recommended for classic, luxury, exotic, and low-clearance vehicles. 

Sea transport type: Roll on/roll off (RoRo) shipping is the most common and affordable method. Vehicles are driven onto the vessel and stored in an enclosed deck, protecting them from weather and ocean spray. Container shipping offers additional security and privacy, but costs more and has longer wait times—a popular choice for collector cars and high-value vehicles.

Not every company that claims to ship cars to Hawaii handles the full process. Some might only handle the ground or sea portion of the trip, while others may include hidden fees or upcharges. Look for these details when choosing a Hawaii auto transport company:

End-to-end service: Make sure your quote covers everything including ground transport, port handling, and sea freight. Montway offers complete Hawaii auto transport, with door-to-port, port-to-port, and port-to-door services. 

Transparent pricing: Avoid companies that use high-pressure tactics or require you to book before providing a quote. At Montway, all quotes are free and no-obligation. Once you book your order, your price is locked in for 30 days with our TruePrice Guarantee. If rates increase during that window, we cover the difference. 

No upfront deposits: A reputable company won't charge you before assigning your vehicle to a carrier and confirming a ship date. If a company asks for a non-refundable deposit, walk away.

Hawaii car shipping costs will vary depending on your exact vehicle details, pickup and delivery locations, and seasonality. On average, Hawaii auto transport costs between $1,500-$3,000. For the most accurate pricing estimate, use our free online quote calculator or call (888) 666-8929.

Most shipments take between 14-30 days. Shipments from the West Coast are typically on the shorter end of that range, while East Coast and Midwest shipments can be longer due to greater ground transport distance.

Will my car be exposed to the elements? 

During ground transport to the port, your car will be exposed to normal road conditions if it’s in an open carrier. Your vehicle will be outdoors at the port as well, the way it would be in your own driveway. Once your vehicle is on the vessel, it will be stored under the deck and protected from weather and ocean spray.

What paperwork is needed to ship a car from Hawaii to the mainland? 

You'll need a copy of the title and current registration, a photo ID, and proof of ownership. If two people are listed as owners, both must be present or provide notarized consent. Financed or leased vehicles require a notarized letter from the lienholder on official company letterhead, dated within the past month.

Just your booking confirmation number and vessel booking number. Montway provides both after your shipment is scheduled.

Yes, you can ship an EV to Hawaii, but it cannot depart from Seattle. All electric vehicle shipments to Hawaii must be routed through a California port. Montway will arrange this as part of your Hawaii auto transport.

Montway makes it easy to get your vehicle to the islands, or back to the mainland, safely and on time. With over 1 million vehicles shipped and a nationwide network of 15,000+ carriers, we handle the details so you don't have to. 

Get started with a free instant quote or speak with a shipping advisor at (888) 666-8929.