how much to ship a car to hawaii: realistic costs, timing, and what to expect

Quick answer

Most standard cars ship for $1,300 - $1,900 from a West Coast port to Honolulu. Neighbor islands usually add $150 - $400. If you need a truck to get your vehicle to the port, expect another $300 - $700 for nearby pickup or $900 - $1,600 cross-country. Those pieces together often land between $1,600 and $3,300 for a typical move.

What moves the price

• Distance to the mainland port and whether you need door pickup.
• Vehicle size/weight; oversize and lifted rigs cost more.
• Season and port congestion; summer and holidays push rates.
• Fuel surcharges and port/handling fees.
• Insurance beyond basic ocean carrier liability.
• Destination island and storage risk if you can't pick up promptly.

Port-to-port vs. door-to-port

Port-to-port is the steadier, lower-cost path: you drop off at Oakland/Long Beach/Seattle-Tacoma and pick up in Honolulu or a neighbor island. Door-to-port adds trucking cost and more moving parts. For predictability, port-to-port plus a short rental often beats paying for door service. I almost said "always choose port-to-port" - better said: if you live far inland, door-to-port can still be sensible once you factor time off work and hotels.

Real-world snapshot

Last spring I priced a 2018 CR-V from Tacoma to Honolulu: three quotes clustered between $1,520 and $1,780, port-to-port, with 3 - 4 weeks' lead time. I booked two weeks earlier than planned and paid $1,590 after a modest port fee waiver. I first assumed insurance was included - actually, the base rate only covered ocean liability, so I added $75 for supplemental coverage to keep expectations clear.

What you should expect

• Timeline: Reserve 3 - 5 weeks out for schedule stability. Transit is often 5 - 10 days on the water to Honolulu (add a few days for neighbor islands), plus any trucking time to the port.
• Condition rules: Under 1/4 tank of fuel, no personal items, and a clean undercarriage for agriculture inspection.
• Payment cadence: Deposit for any trucking, balance due before release; card fees may add ~3%.
• Inspection: Photograph the car at handoff and pickup; file any claim before leaving the port.

Ways to keep cost predictable

1. Compare two or three mainland ports; the difference can be $100 - $300.
2. Avoid peak weeks (late May - July and late December) if you can.
3. Use open transport to the port for everyday cars. I almost wrote "open is always fine" - correction: choose enclosed only if the vehicle's value or finish makes exposure risky.
4. Balance add-ons versus alternatives; a two-day rental can beat door delivery or storage.
5. Get an all-in written total: ocean rate, fuel surcharge, port/handling, trucking, insurance, and any storage/change fees.

Typical price bands

• West Coast port → Honolulu (sedan/SUV): $1,300 - $1,900.
• West Coast port → Hilo/Kahului/Lihue: +$150 - $400.
• Door pickup within ~300 miles of port: $300 - $700 open carrier.
• Cross-country to port: $900 - $1,600 open; $1,400 - $2,300 enclosed.
• Oversize trucks/vans: +$200 - $600.
• Optional supplemental insurance: $50 - $150.

Small checklist for stability

• Confirm actual vessel sail dates before paying a deposit.
• Match VIN and booking number exactly to avoid release delays.
• Document odometer and all panels at drop-off and pickup.
• Bring title/authorization and ID; leases need a notarized letter.
• Plan pickup within 24 - 48 hours to avoid storage charges.

Is it worth it?

If your car is paid off, reliable, and sized for island driving, shipping often pencils out versus selling and rebuying. If it's oversized or due for major work, $2,000 - $3,000 in transport may be better spent elsewhere. Set expectations early, keep variables few, and your final bill should closely mirror the quote - steady, not surprising.