Shipping Your Car from California to Hawaii: Real Costs & How iMoving Makes It Easy

Moving to Hawaii is the dream of every surfer and beach bum. Cue sandy beaches, gorgeous sunsets, and a chill lifestyle that somehow makes all your life problems melt away. All you need is a morning in the waves to wipe away all your problems. 

Before you can kick back with a drink at sunset on the beach, there’s a very big question you’ll have to tackle: how do you get your car from California to Hawaii so that you can get that longboard to the beach every morning?

Shipping a car to an island isn’t exactly like a regular road trip. There is no bridge across the ocean. There’s a lot more planning needed to get it to Hawaii, a few more costs to consider, and some insider tips that can save you money and headaches.

Here’s your iMoving guide on what to expect when shipping your car from California to Hawaii and how to make the process smooth, affordable, and a simple Hawaiian breeze.

Let’s start with the most important topic we all need to know- cost. Show me the money.

On average, shipping a car from California to Hawaii costs between $1,500 and $2,500, but your final price depends on:

• Type of car (sedans cost less than SUVs, trucks, or oversized vehicles like that dream Hummer for the road to Hanna)
• Port locations
• Time of year (prices go up in peak moving seasons like summer)
• Shipping method (roll-on/roll-off vs. container shipping and their timing)

If you want an enclosed container for your car, expect to pay a premium — think $2,000 to $3,000 or more for this luxury. Prices also change drastically based on gas costs, carrier availability, and how flexible you are with your dates and ability to wait.

iMoving tip: Booking your shipping through a platform online helps you compare quotes easily, so you don’t end up overpaying just because you Googled "car shipping to Hawaii" and clicked the first ad you saw. We are putting in a pitch for our services, but do know that we will always beat out the competitors.

You don’t just drive up to the dock and throw your keys to the captain as fun and easy as that would be. Here’s the real process broken down for you:

1. Choose a Reliable Car Shipping Company

Make sure the car shipping company you choose specializes in Hawaii shipments, not just domestic moves across the US as oceans hit differently. They should be licensed, insured, and experienced with these routes. Realiable companies have plenty of reviews and are listed on the BBB.

2. Prepare Your Car for Shipping

• Clean the inside and outside of the car. This way you can clearly document any damage that may be done by your carrier company.
• Remove all personal belongings unless you have another arrangements.
• Leave a quarter tank of gas so the car can be moved simply.
• Disable alarms.
• Note and photograph any existing damage so you can makes claims if needed.
• Say goodbye to your baby and know it will have a better life on the islands.

3. Drop Off Your Vehicle at the Port

It’s time to say goodbye. Most California shipments leave from Los Angeles, Long Beach, or Oakland. You'll need valid ID, vehicle title registration, and some patience. Farewell to your set of wheels for the meanwhile.

4. Wait for Your Car to Arrive in Hawaii

Don’t worry the wait can’t be too bad with the waves and views all around Hawaii. Car transit usually takes 1-2 weeks. You'll either pick it up at the port or have it delivered to your door if you pay the fee for personal delivery. 

5. Check For Damage

Now is the key point to check for damage and report anything wrong. Compare closely your photos as if you miss things now it will be hard to prove later.

Here’s the difference in types of shipping:

Roll-On/Roll-Off

Your car is simply driven onto the ship, parked inside a large garage-like deck with all those other lucky cars heading to the islands, and driven off in Hawaii. It’s the most affordable option but offers less protection from the elements and other cars surrounding it.

Container Shipment

Your car is loaded into its own enclosed shipping container, protecting it from salty sea air, debris, rocks, and potential bumps along the way. It’s going to cost you more, but ideal if you’re shipping a luxury car.

Get your paperwork ready before drop-off, or you might be stuck doing a mad scramble. Being prepared eases the stress of your car moving day.

• Driver’s license or passport
• Proof of ownership of the car
• If there’s a secondary owner on the deed, you will need written permission to ship the vehicle
• Proof of car insurance

1. Book Early
   Hawaii shipping schedules can get tight, especially in summer as there is a lot of demand. Reserve your spot as soon as your move is confirmed. Get those ideal dates locked down.
2. Be Flexible
   Shipping dates aren’t usually exact since there are many factors involved. Bad weather, port traffic, and ship schedules can cause delays. Give yourself a buffer and take it easy.
3. Don’t Pack Your Car
   Seriously, we know it’s tempting to treat your car like a giant suitcase for all those favorite things you’ll want on the islands, but personal items aren't allowed and aren’t insured during shipping. Better safe than sorry.
4. Inspect Upon Delivery
   When your car arrives in Hawaii, inspect it carefully before signing anything. Take photos in case you need to file a claim. Don’t let the company rush you through this as this is your key time to claim.
5. Trust a Reputable Platform
   Using a trusted service like iMoving saves you from sketchy carriers, hidden fees, and endless paperwork.
6. Hawaii If you’re staying in Hawaii permanently, you’ll need to register your car locally within 30 days of arrival. Trust me if you’ve made it this far to the islands you will never turn back.

Shipping your car from California to Hawaii usually takes about a week to two weeks once it’s loaded onto the ship.

However, timing can vary based on bad weather conditions, port schedules, carrier availability, holidays and waves schedules.

Pro tip- If you’re trying to time your car’s arrival precisely with your own move, give yourself a little wiggle room. You might be stuck Ubering around the islands for a week longer than your plans.

Yay! Your wheels are back and you can ditch those Uber drivers. Once your car docks in Hawaii, you’ll be notified by your shipping company. Now you’ll need to:

• Provide ID and proof of ownership again
• Pay any remaining port fees or taxes
• Inspect your car carefully for any shipping damage
• Drive off into your new island life like the surf hero you are- expect to be that morning guy with wheels doing surf checks
• Decide if you want to feel VIP. Some companies offer home delivery on the island for an extra fee. Totally worth it if you’d rather spend the day at the beach than the port.

Shipping a car from California to Hawaii sounds complicated with a vast ocean between locations, but honestly, with the right prep and the right company like iMoving it’s just another box to check off on your adventure list to the waves.

If you know what to expect, budget realistically, and book with the pros you will be good to go! The only thing you’ll have to worry about is whether you want to leave your windows down to soak up that ocean breeze.