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Cost to Ship a Car from California to Hawaii
Cost to Ship a Car from California to Hawaii in 2025
Shipping a car from California to Hawaii in 2025 involves both ground and ocean transportation and requires careful planning to ensure a smooth process. Whether you’re relocating, purchasing a car from the mainland, or moving to the islands temporarily, understanding the costs, logistics, and requirements of shipping your car will help you make the best decision. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about shipping a car from California to Hawaii in 2025, including up-to-date price estimates, transportation options, and valuable tips to save time and money.
Is It Worth Shipping Your Car to Hawaii in 2025?
Deciding whether or not to ship your vehicle to Hawaii depends on various factors such as your car’s value, your budget, the duration of your stay in Hawaii, and your comfort with the vehicle you currently own. New and high-value cars may be more economical to ship than to sell and repurchase in Hawaii, where vehicle prices tend to be higher due to limited supply. Conversely, if your car is older or lower in value, it might make more sense to sell it on the mainland and buy a replacement in Hawaii.
Average Cost to Ship a Car from California to Hawaii in 2025
The cost to ship a car from California to Hawaii in 2025 ranges between $1,200 to $2,000 depending on several key factors:
- Port of departure: Common departure ports in California include Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, and Oakland.
- Arrival port: Cars can be shipped to Honolulu (Oahu), Hilo (Big Island), Kahului (Maui), Lihue (Kauai), and other island ports.
- Vehicle size and weight: Larger and heavier vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks incur higher shipping rates.
- Shipping method: Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) is cheaper and faster than container shipping, which offers added protection.
- Ground transport: Door-to-port service costs more than dropping the car off directly at the port.
- Vehicle type: Modified, oversized, or electric vehicles may incur extra charges.
Here’s a general cost breakdown for 2025:
| Departure Port | Arrival Port | Vehicle Type | Shipping Type | Estimated Cost |
| Los Angeles | Honolulu | Sedan | RoRo | $1,350 |
| Oakland | Kahului | SUV | Container | $1,950 |
| San Diego | Hilo | Pickup Truck | RoRo | $1,700 |
| Long Beach | Lihue | Sedan | RoRo | $1,400 |
Shipping Process from California to Hawaii
- Get a Quote: Use a reliable shipping calculator or contact a professional transport broker like Safemile Auto Transport to get an accurate and binding quote.
- Book the Shipment: Choose between port-to-port, door-to-port, or port-to-door service based on your convenience and budget.
- Prepare the Vehicle:
- Clean the interior and exterior.
- Remove all personal items.
- Ensure the gas tank is less than 1/4 full.
- Disable alarms.
- Check for leaks and mechanical issues.
- Drop Off: Either drop the vehicle off at the port or have it picked up by the carrier.
- Ocean Transport: Your vehicle will be securely loaded onto the ship via RoRo or container method.
- Pick Up in Hawaii: Retrieve your car at the arrival port with the required documentation and identification.
Required Documents for Shipping to Hawaii
- Valid ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Current vehicle registration
- Title or lien holder authorization if financed
- Booking number from the shipping company
- Notarized consent if there is a second titleholder not present
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car to Hawaii?
Typically, it takes about 7 to 21 days to ship a car from California to Hawaii, depending on the port of origin, sailing schedule, and availability.
- From Los Angeles to Honolulu: 7–10 days
- From Oakland to Hilo: 14–21 days
- If using ground transport first: Add 2–5 days
Keep in mind that delays may occur due to weather conditions, port congestion, or other logistical issues.
How to Save Money on Hawaii Car Shipping
- Drop Off at Port: Save on pickup costs by delivering your car directly to the departure port.
- Choose RoRo: Unless you need the extra protection of a container, RoRo is the more affordable option.
- Ship During Off-Peak Months: Avoid peak summer and snowbird seasons to get better rates.
- Book Early: Advance bookings help secure better pricing and availability.
- Use a Reputable Broker: Companies like Safemile Auto Transport offer bundled deals and competitive rates.
Can You Ship Electric Cars to Hawaii from California?
Yes, electric vehicles (EVs) can be shipped from California ports to Hawaii, but some ports like Seattle restrict EV shipments. If shipping from Seattle, EVs must first be transported to California before shipping to Hawaii, adding both time and cost. From California, however, most EVs are accepted as long as battery requirements are met and charging levels are below manufacturer guidelines.
Should You Buy a Car in Hawaii Instead?
Buying a car in Hawaii may seem simpler, but it’s often more expensive. Here’s why:
- Limited inventory: Fewer choices, especially for used cars
- Higher prices: Average used car price in Hawaii is over $32,000
- Additional fees: Registration and inspection fees can be higher
- Logistical hassle: Selling your old vehicle and managing the purchase remotely can be complex
If your current vehicle is in good condition or relatively new, shipping is generally the more economical option.
Choosing the Right Shipping Company
Look for these key traits in a reputable shipping provider:
- Licensed, bonded, and insured
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Door-to-door and port service options
- Excellent customer reviews and A+ BBB rating
- Offers vehicle tracking and dedicated support
Safemile Auto Transport checks all these boxes. With years of experience in Hawaii car shipping, we handle every detail from pickup to delivery.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
In most cases, yes—shipping your car to Hawaii from California in 2025 is a smart investment, especially if you love your car and want to avoid the inflated island prices. With proper planning, transparent quotes, and a reliable transport partner like Safemile, the process is smooth, secure, and surprisingly affordable.
Get a Free Quote Today
Safemile Auto Transport makes shipping your car to Hawaii simple and hassle-free. Call us at 888-277-8212 or visit our website to get an instant quote and speak with a shipping expert today.