Moving From Hawaii to the Mainland: A Complete Guide
Leaving the islands is a big move in every sense. Your belongings cross the Pacific by ship, your car needs paperwork the mainland never asks for, and pets and produce face inspections on the way out. This guide walks through how a move from Hawaii to the mainland works, what it costs and how to plan it so you land ready to settle in.
How a Hawaii to Mainland Move Works
Most moves follow the same path. Your home is packed and loaded on the island, your shipment sails to a West Coast port, and from there it travels by truck to your new home. Moves to California and the Pacific Northwest have a short overland leg, while moves to the Midwest, Texas or the East Coast add a long cross-country drive after the ocean crossing.
You can fill a container on your own or share space with other shipments. A full container is best for a whole house, while a shared container usually costs less for a smaller move. Move Happy offers both through our Hawaii shipping service, with our own staff handling the island side of your move.
Starting Rates From Oahu to the Mainland
Move Happy’s published starting rates for shipping from Oahu, as of November 2026:
- California: from $2,350
- Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Ohio, Dallas and Houston: from $2,700
- Illinois and other Texas cities: from $2,725
- Maryland, Michigan, Philadelphia, Miami, Orlando and Tampa: from $2,750
- Minnesota and Boston: from $2,775
- New York: from $2,850
Your final price depends on how much you ship and your exact address. Rates change often and we run discounts regularly, so request a free quote for your exact price.
Choose Your Destination
We have detailed guides for the most popular routes from Hawaii:
- West Coast: California, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Oregon, Washington and Seattle
- Southwest and Mountain West: Nevada, Las Vegas, Arizona and Colorado
- Texas and the Midwest: Texas, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan and Ohio
- East Coast: Maryland, New York and Florida
- Alaska: Hawaii to Alaska
Shipping Your Car Off the Island
Shipping a car from Hawaii costs less than shipping one to Hawaii. Matson’s published rate from Honolulu to Long Beach or Oakland is $1,020 as of November 2026, and Pasha Hawaii’s standard service starts at $1,070. Hawaii law requires extra paperwork to take a car out of the state, so bring your photo ID, your original title and registration or notarized copies, and a letter from your lender if the car is financed or leased. Clean the wheel wells and undercarriage so the car passes the agriculture inspection.
Pets, Plants and Agriculture Inspections
- Pets: Dogs and cats do not face quarantine when they arrive on the mainland, but airlines have their own crate and health certificate rules. If you might ever bring your pet back to Hawaii, ask your vet about the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s checklist for resident pets before you leave.
- Fresh produce and plants: Many Hawaii fruits, flowers and plants cannot travel to the mainland without inspection or treatment. Your luggage is screened at the airport, so check the USDA rules before packing anything that grew on the islands.
- Household goods: Keep soil, plants and outdoor items clean and free of pests before they are packed.
Your Moving Timeline
2 to 3 Months Before
- Get quotes and choose between a full or shared container.
- Decide whether to ship, sell or store your car.
- Start selling or donating what you will not take.
1 Month Before
- Book your car’s sailing and gather your title, registration and lender letter.
- Arrange pet travel and health certificates.
- Line up temporary housing on the mainland if your new home is not ready, or add storage to your move.
Moving Week
- Pack a suitcase with everything you need for the weeks your shipment is in transit.
- Drop off your car at the port.
- Do a final walk-through of your Hawaii home and forward your mail.
Plan Your Move With Move Happy
Move Happy has specialized in Hawaii long-distance moves since 1991, with a guaranteed price pledge and our own staff in the islands. Whether you are heading to the West Coast or the East Coast, our long-distance movers plan the packing, ocean shipping and final delivery as one move. Get your free quote.
Rates are as of November 2026 and change often. Confirm current pricing and carrier policies before you book.
