Car Shipping to & from Hawaii
Nations Auto Transport provides reliable vehicle shipping to and from Hawaii. We coordinate RoRo and container ocean freight with door-to-door delivery across all major Hawaiian islands.
Hawaii Vehicle Transport You Can Trust
Shipping a car to or from Hawaii requires ocean freight coordination — and Nations Auto Transport handles every step. We work with trusted shipping lines to move your vehicle safely across the Pacific.
Whether you're a military family PCSing to or from a Hawaii base, a snowbird, or a resident relocating to the mainland, we provide seamless door-to-port-to-door service.
We serve Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai — with competitive rates and real specialists managing your shipment from start to finish.
Why Choose Nations Auto Transport?
- ✓Door-to-door service statewide
- ✓RoRo & container shipping options
- ✓No upfront payment required
- ✓Real-time GPS tracking
- ✓Fully licensed, bonded & insured
- ✓Contingent liability insurance
- ✓5,000+ vetted carrier network
- ✓16+ years of experience
16+
Years Experience
5,000+
Carrier Network
100%
Insured Shipments
RoRo vs. Container Shipping to Hawaii
There are two primary methods for shipping your vehicle across the Pacific to Hawaii. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right option for your vehicle and budget.
RoRo (Roll-On/Roll-Off)
Your vehicle is driven directly onto the ship and secured on the vessel's car deck — no container needed. This is the most common and cost-effective method for standard operable vehicles.
- ✓ Most affordable ocean freight option
- ✓ Faster processing at port
- ✓ Ideal for standard cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans
- ✓ Vehicle must be operable (able to drive on/off ship)
- ✗ Vehicle is exposed to sea air (not enclosed)
- ✗ No personal items allowed in vehicle
Container Shipping
Your vehicle is loaded into a steel shipping container for maximum protection from the elements and other cargo. Preferred for high-value, classic, or non-operable vehicles.
- ✓ Full protection from weather and sea spray
- ✓ Works for non-operable vehicles
- ✓ Ideal for luxury, classic, and exotic cars
- ✓ Option to share container (LCL) or exclusive use (FCL)
- ✗ Higher cost than RoRo
- ✗ Longer port processing time
Ocean Transport Requirements for Hawaii
Hawaii shipping involves federal regulations and port requirements. Here's what you need to know before your vehicle ships.
🚗 Vehicle Requirements
- ✓ Fuel level: Tank must be no more than ¼ full (fire safety regulation)
- ✓ Clean vehicle: Must be washed and free of soil/plant material (USDA requirement)
- ✓ No leaks: Vehicle must not have active fluid leaks
- ✓ Battery: Must be fully charged and connected
- ✓ Alarm disabled: Car alarms must be deactivated before port drop-off
- ✓ No personal items: Vehicle interior must be empty (no loose items)
📋 Documentation Required
- ✓ Vehicle title or registration: Proof of ownership required
- ✓ Government-issued photo ID: Driver's license or passport
- ✓ Bill of Lading (BOL): Provided by Nations Auto Transport
- ✓ Port release authorization: Required for third-party pickup
- ✓ Lienholder letter: Required if vehicle has an active loan
🏝️ Hawaii Port Information
- ✓ Oahu: Honolulu Harbor — primary receiving port
- ✓ Maui: Kahului Harbor
- ✓ Big Island: Hilo Harbor & Kawaihae Harbor
- ✓ Kauai: Nawiliwili Harbor
- ✓ Mainland departure: Primarily Long Beach, CA or Oakland, CA
⏱️ Timeline & Transit
- ✓ Land transport to port: 1–5 days depending on origin
- ✓ Port processing: 1–3 days before vessel departure
- ✓ Ocean transit: Approx. 5–7 days West Coast to Hawaii
- ✓ Port clearance in Hawaii: 1–3 days after arrival
- ✓ Total estimated time: 14–21 days door to door
Hawaii Cities We Serve
We provide auto transport services to and from every major city and community across the Hawaiian islands.
Honolulu
State capital and largest city on Oahu
Hilo
Largest city on the Big Island
Kailua
Popular Oahu community near military bases
Pearl City
Central Oahu near Pearl Harbor
Waipahu
West Oahu residential hub
Kaneohe
Windward Oahu community
Kihei
South Maui resort and residential area
Kahului
Maui's main commercial center
Hawaii Auto Transport Services
Open Car Transport
Affordable shipping on open carriers for standard vehicles moving to or from Hawaii's ports.
Enclosed Car Transport
Maximum protection for luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles during ocean freight transport.
Door-to-Door Delivery
We coordinate pickup at your home and delivery to your destination — no terminal hassle.
Military Car Shipping
Discounted rates and flexible scheduling for military families PCSing to or from Hawaii bases.
Dealer Auto Transport
Efficient inventory transport for Hawaii dealerships with volume pricing available.
Snowbird Transport
Seasonal vehicle shipping for Hawaii residents traveling to or from the mainland.
Popular Hawaii Auto Transport Routes
Hawaii Auto Transport FAQs
How long does it take to ship a car to Hawaii?
Ocean freight from the West Coast typically takes 2–3 weeks total, including land transport on both ends. Mainland pickup to Hawaii delivery averages 14–21 days.
What is RoRo shipping and is it right for my vehicle?
RoRo (Roll-On/Roll-Off) means your vehicle is driven onto the ship and secured on the car deck. It's the most affordable method and works great for standard operable vehicles. For luxury, classic, or non-operable vehicles, container shipping offers more protection.
How much does it cost to ship a car to Hawaii?
Hawaii shipments typically range from $1,000–$2,000+ depending on origin, vehicle size, and transport type (RoRo vs. container). Get a free quote for exact pricing.
Which ports do you use for Hawaii shipping?
We primarily use Honolulu (Oahu), Kahului (Maui), Hilo and Kawaihae (Big Island), and Nawiliwili (Kauai) as destination ports. Mainland departures are typically from Long Beach or Oakland, CA.
Is my vehicle insured during ocean transport?
Yes. All carriers carry minimum $100,000 cargo insurance, and we carry contingent liability insurance as an additional protection layer.
Do I need to prepare my car before ocean shipping?
Yes — your fuel tank must be no more than ¼ full, the vehicle must be clean (USDA requirement), the alarm disabled, and the interior empty of personal items. We'll walk you through the full checklist when you book.
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle to Hawaii?
Get a free, no-obligation quote in minutes. No upfront payment required.
Get Your Free Auto Transport Quote
Fill out the form below and one of our car shipping specialists will contact you within 1 hour during business hours.
Prefer to talk? Call us directly:
877-331-3100