Shipping a Car to Hawaii: Costs, Timing and Matson vs. Pasha

Bringing your own car to Hawaii is one of the biggest decisions in an island move. Cars cost more to buy on the islands, and a vehicle you already own and trust is often worth the shipping fee, especially if it is paid off and in good condition. This guide covers what shipping a car to Hawaii costs in 2026, how long it takes, how the two main carriers compare and what to do before and after your car crosses the Pacific.

If you are moving your household too, Move Happy can add vehicle shipping to your Hawaii shipping quote so your car and your belongings are planned together.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Hawaii?

Two ocean carriers handle almost all passenger vehicles between the West Coast and Hawaii: Matson and Pasha Hawaii. Their published starting rates as of November 2026:

• Matson, Long Beach or Oakland to Honolulu: $1,790
• Matson, Long Beach or Oakland to Hilo, Kahului or Nawiliwili: $2,600
• Matson, Honolulu to Long Beach or Oakland: $1,020
• Pasha Hawaii standard service: from $1,070 between Hawaii and California
• Pasha Hawaii premium service: from $3,800, with priority availability on the voyage you book

Shipping to Hawaii costs more than shipping back, because far more freight heads west to the islands than returns. On top of the ocean rate, budget for:

• Getting the car to the port, either by driving it there or paying an auto transporter if you live inland
• The small state invasive species fee on shipments into Hawaii
• Port storage fees if you pick the car up after the free days run out
• Extra valuation coverage if you want more than the carrier’s limited liability

Oversized vehicles, lifted trucks, RVs and boats are quoted separately, so call the carrier for those.

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car to Hawaii?

Matson estimates 9 to 24 days to or from Honolulu, counted from the sail date. That includes about 5 to 8 days at sea plus loading and unloading. Cars headed to Maui, Kauai or Hawaii Island ride on to Kahului, Nawiliwili or Hilo by barge, which stretches the total to roughly 33 to 45 days because the barges sail monthly.

A few timing rules help avoid storage fees and missed sailings:

• Book within about a month of your move date, when vessel schedules are firm. Matson booking numbers are valid for 90 days.
• Do not drop the car off more than about 7 days before your sailing, or the port may turn it away.
• Track the shipment online and pick it up quickly once it is available, because port storage fees start when the free days end.

If you need a car the day you land, plan a rental for the first week or two.

Matson vs. Pasha: Which Carrier Should You Use?

Both carriers are reliable, and many families simply book whichever has the better price and sailing date. The differences that matter most:

Mainland Drop-Off Points

Matson takes Hawaii-bound cars at Long Beach and Oakland. Pasha Hawaii accepts cars at San Diego, the Los Angeles area and the San Francisco Bay Area, plus off-dock drop-off sites near Seattle and in Arlington, Texas, which can save a long drive to California.

Island Ports

Matson delivers to Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului and Nawiliwili. Pasha serves Honolulu, Kahului and Hilo. If you are moving to Kauai, Matson is the direct option.

Electric Vehicles and Motorcycles

Matson has suspended shipments of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids and does not ship motorcycles. Pasha handles alternative-fuel vehicles and motorcycles through special procedures, so contact Pasha directly if you drive an EV or ride.

Military Discount

Matson offers a $100 discount to active duty service members on car shipments between the mainland and Hawaii, as long as the service member is on the title or registration. If your orders cover your vehicle, read our PCS to Hawaii checklist first.

How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping

Both carriers inspect every vehicle at drop-off and will refuse cars that are not ready. Before you go to the port:

• Run the fuel down to a quarter tank or less. Pasha also asks for at least an eighth of a tank.
• Wash the outside and vacuum the inside so existing damage is easy to see and record.
• Remove all personal items. The spare tire, jack and child car seats are the usual exceptions.
• Disconnect any aftermarket alarm.
• Bring your booking number, a photo ID, a copy of your registration and a set of keys.
• If the car is financed or leased, get a letter of authorization from your lender.
• Take dated photos of every side of the car and note any chips or scratches on the receipt.

Because you cannot pack the car with boxes, ship your belongings separately. Our Hawaii shipping team can move your household goods in a full or shared container.

Shipping a Car From Hawaii Back to the Mainland

Leaving the islands takes more paperwork. Hawaii law requires proof that you are allowed to take the car out of the state, so expect to show your photo ID, the original title and registration or notarized copies, and a lienholder authorization letter if you still owe money on the car. You will also sign an agriculture declaration, so clean the wheel wells and undercarriage of soil, plants and seeds before drop-off.

Moving back for good? Our guide to moving from Hawaii to the mainland covers the rest of the move.

After Your Car Arrives: Registering It in Hawaii

Once your car is released from the port, you have a limited window, generally 30 days, to register it with your county. Plan for these steps in order:

• Switch to a Hawaii auto insurance policy.
• Pass a Hawaii safety inspection at a certified station. Mainland cars most often fail on dark window tint (front side windows must let through at least 35 percent of light), aftermarket lighting, cracked windshields and worn tires.
• Take the inspection certificate, title, registration and insurance card to your county registration office.

Fixing tint, bulbs and tires before the car ships is usually cheaper than fixing them on the islands.

Ship Your Car and Your Household Together

Coordinating a car sailing, a container and your own flight is a lot to juggle. Move Happy plans your vehicle shipping alongside your long-distance move, so drop-off dates, delivery dates and storage line up. Request a free quote and tell us about your car when you do.

Rates, schedules and carrier policies are from Matson and Pasha Hawaii as of November 2026 and change often. Confirm details with the carrier before you book.