Car Shipping to Hawaii
If you plan to move to Hawaii, you have probably started thinking about moving your household items — and even your car. Although you can always buy a new car, shipping your car to Hawaii can save you significant time and effort.

Thousands of cars are shipped to this beautiful state every year by reliable companies with extensive experience in car shipping management. These companies make the process simple and can also save you money.
The process of car shipping to Hawaii
To ship a car to Hawaii, you need to contact an international car shipping company. They can pick up your car directly from your home or workplace. The company will load your vehicle onto a trailer and transport it to a West Coast port, such as Long Beach, CA; Oakland, CA; San Diego, CA; or Seattle, WA. Afterward, your car will be loaded onto a ship and transported across the Pacific Ocean.
Shipping a new vehicle to Hawaii
If you have just bought a brand-new car and need to ship it to Hawaii, it’s important to choose a shipping company that ensures your vehicle arrives undamaged.

Trusted movers, like SDC International Shipping, have the necessary equipment to perform safe car shipping to Hawaii. They place your car in a container and handle your shipment during both loading and unloading. When your vehicle reaches the port of your choice, removing it from the container is straightforward. Your car will be pulled up with a winch and then loaded onto a forklift.
Each car is strapped down to the floor and sides of the container for safety. Fasteners and tie hooks are located on the container’s floor, sides, and ceiling. If you opt for a shared 40-foot container and your car is placed on the upper level, it will be secured on metal pillars and tied to the ceiling or floor.
The cost of car/vehicle shipping to Hawaii
The shipping rate fluctuates between $1500 to $2000. So if you need to send a car to the west of Hawaii, it will cost you more than shipping it to the island’s east. Also, many other variables are going to affect the total cost.
What defines the cost of shipping?
The cost of shipping a car depends on the distance between pickup and delivery address, the make, model, and vehicle’s year. It is also determined by the time of the year and the supply and demand for your route.
The Time it takes
Ocean freight requires careful planning, as transporting a vehicle from the mainland to Hawaii involves both land and sea travel. The distance between the mainland United States and Hawaii is considerable, and additional time should be expected for inland transportation to the departure port.
If faster delivery is a priority, Air Freight can be arranged at a higher cost, offering quicker transit compared to Sea Freight, which is the more economical option.
What to know before
You need to prepare your car for shipping from one port to another. First, leave only one-quarter of a tank of gas. Next, remove any car alarms to prevent battery drain, and take out any accessories that are not permanently attached to the vehicle. However, roof racks or luggage racks that are securely installed may remain on the car.
Documentation for shipping a car to Hawaii
When you ship a car to Hawaii, you must collect the following documentation:
- The car’s title
- Registration
- Notarized letters of authorization from any non-person party mentioned on the title, for example, the lienholder or spouse.
Car Shipping to Hawaii with SDC International Shipping
SDC International Shipping offers a seamless, stress-free process for shipping your car to Hawaii and beyond. Getting started is easy — simply fill out a quick three-step form to request your quote.
Our experienced customer service agents are ready to assist with bookings and answer any questions you may have. You can also call (877) 339-0267 to get a free quote.
With market-leading on-time delivery and exceptional customer support, shipping your car with SDC International Shipping ensures peace of mind, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your relocation.