Ship a Car from California to Hawaii with Montway Auto Transport

Need to ship a car from California to Hawaii? Perhaps you’re a snowbird heading to the islands for the winter or relocating permanently for a new job or adventure. While you pack up your bathing suit and sunscreen, the remaining question will be how to get your vehicle overseas. Montway Auto Transport provides safe, reliable car shipping services between the mainland and Hawaii.

As a trusted partner, we help vehicle owners easily navigate the auto transport process. Shipping across the Pacific Ocean can be overwhelming, but with us on your team, you gain peace of mind knowing your car will reach Hawaii efficiently and at a cost that works for your budget. Get a custom California to Hawaii car shipping quote using our free online calculator.  

Understanding the auto-shipping process

Getting your vehicle from California to Hawaii may feel like a big task, but Montway helps you every step of the way. We can arrange pickup from virtually any location in California with door-to-port and port-to-port services—and have it ready for you to pick up at the port in Hawaii. Here’s how it works:

1. Provide your pickup location and details about the vehicle for an instant quote. For shipments to Hawaii, Montway will provide the location of the port where your vehicle will be delivered in Hawaii.
2. If the price looks good, book the service online or over the phone.
3. On a date within your estimated pickup window, a carrier will pick up the car at your pickup location and deliver it to the port, where it will be delivered to the port, and await loading onto the vessel. Alternatively, you can drive it to the California port yourself, provided you have an appointment arranged with Montway and the port.
4. You will be alerted when your vehicle has arrived at the port in Hawaii and is available for pickup.

How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Hawaii?

Factors that influence the cost of shipping a car from California to Hawaii

Many factors determine the cost of your Hawaii car shipment, including your vehicle type and condition. When requesting a quote, be as specific as you can about your vehicle’s year, make and model, as well as any existing damage it may have. 

Inoperable vehicles and those with modifications may require special equipment and loading procedures, so be sure to mention these details early in the booking process. This information will ensure you get the most accurate estimate possible. 

Additionally, be mindful of the time of year. Like many industries, auto transport experiences periods of higher and lower demand that can affect the cost of shipping.

Finally, the type of trailer you choose to transport your vehicle to the port will affect the cost of shipping services. Open transport is the most common method of transport and is a budget-friendly option for door-to-port hauling. Enclosed transport is recommended for luxury, exotic or low-clearance vehicles but it comes at a higher price tag. 

How long does it take to ship a car from California to Hawaii?

Since the shipping process from California to Hawaii is complex and involves multiple steps, you can expect it to take approximately 14 to 42 days, however, these timelines are always subject to change. Numerous factors can influence timeframes, so Montway provides customers with an oceanic carrier tracking number to stay updated on their vehicle’s status. Montway will provide an estimated delivery date upon dispatching and you can always check in with us for updates once your car has been loaded. 

How to prepare your vehicle for shipping from California to Hawaii

Before your vehicle’s departure date, it’s important to prepare your car with the following steps:

1. Your vehicle must be free of dirt, soil and other debris before transporting it overseas. Washing your car before transport also makes it easier for you and the driver to inspect it for dents, scratches or other damage.
2. Your fuel tank must be no more than ¼ full. A full tank makes the vehicle and transport trailer heavier for door-to-port transport. If you have an electric vehicle, the battery must be between 45-65%, and charging cables should be included with the vehicle.
3. Remove valuables and personal items from the inside of the car, including GPS systems and custom stereos. The only exceptions are infant car seats (limit of 2) that are securely mounted per manufacturer specifications in your vehicle, a spare tire, a jack, floor mats, and a set of jumper cables.
4. Unless you are receiving unique accommodations for an inoperable vehicle, ensure your vehicle is in good operating condition. It must have fully functional brakes, including the emergency brake. The tires must be fully inflated and all windows should be intact. There should be no fluid leakage and no cracks, chips or damage to the windshield. Lastly, ensure that all doors and windows can be completely closed.
5. If your vehicle has an aftermarket alarm, disable the alarm and include the remote with your shipment.

What to expect on delivery

You will be responsible for picking your vehicle up when it arrives at the port in Hawaii. There, you’ll give it a final inspection before finalizing the dock receipt, which is also the receipt for service. If at any point you have questions about transport, speak to a Montway shipping expert. Be sure to have your identification documents with you at the time of pickup.

“I needed to move my 4Runner from California to Hawaii and chose Montway after reading many reviews. They were slightly more expensive than a couple of others I priced out, but the rave reviews persuaded me to pay a little extra for great service, and I’m so glad I did. The communication was consistent from the beginning. I knew where my car was at all times after it had been picked up. Timing this with my move was a little stressful to coordinate, but my car arrived on the island before I did! I was so excited. It took barely 2 weeks to arrive. The pickup process at port was clear and the employees were very nice and helpful with every detail. I highly recommend them!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Shannon, 12/4/23

Why choose Montway for your auto transport needs

When moving from California to Hawaii, transporting your vehicle is likely high on your to-do list as it’s one of your most important and valuable assets. Working with Montway Auto Transport makes it easy to arrange safe car shipping so you can focus on other elements of your life. 

We are a preferred auto transport provider across all 50 states. Trust us with your California to Hawaii car shipping—here’s why:

• Licensed and insured: As a fully licensed and insured auto transport company, we will keep your vehicle safe during transit.
• Reliable delivery: Our network of over 30,000  carriers ensures timely pickup and delivery.
• Quality service: With over one million vehicles delivered, Montway has earned its reputation as one of the nation’s top-rated auto transporters.
• Dedicated customer service: Montway shipping advisors are available 365 days a year to answer questions and provide assistance.

If you’re ready to book your car shipping from California to Hawaii, get a quote today from Montway Auto Transport. We’ve got reliable and budget-friendly services that meet your needs.

Frequently asked questions

How do I ship a car from California to Hawaii?

Shipping a car from California to Hawaii involves choosing a reliable auto transport company, getting a quote, preparing your vehicle for shipping and picking it up at the port on the islands.

What is the most reliable California to Hawaii car transport company?

In 2023, we arranged shipping for over 4,000 vehicles to and from the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. Montway Auto Transport is known for its reliability and high-quality service. We have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 4.7/5-star average rating from customers. 

How long does it take to ship a car from California to Hawaii?

The transit time can vary based on the distance, seasonality, weather and other factors. On average, it can take approximately 14 and 42 days to ship a car from California to Hawaii.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Hawaii?

While cost is an important factor, it’s also crucial to consider the company’s reliability, reputation and customer service. To save money, schedule your auto transport well in advance and choose an open trailer for any ground transport if needed. Montway Auto Transport offers competitive rates without compromising on service.

How do I get a quote for shipping my car from California to Hawaii?

We have an easy-to-use instant quote calculator to help you get started quickly. Be ready with your pick up and delivery zip codes; vehicle year, make and model; first available date and contact details.