You’re looking for a stress-free solution to get your car from the sunny beaches of California to the beautiful islands of Hawaii. But we also understand that you need to know the specifics. Questions such as how much it costs to ship a car from California to Hawaii are always at the forefront, but guess what?
The price isn’t as scary as you might think! While the cost does depend on various factors, such as the size and model of your car, seasonality, and the specific logistics of the car shipping process, it’s absolutely manageable, and we’re here to guide you through it.
How Much to Ship a Car From California to Hawaii?
The total cost to ship a car from California to Hawaii is $1,650 to $1,990 with Ro-Ro transport, including door-to-port and port-to-door transport costs.
The cost increases from $2,300 to $2,785 when container shipping , including the door-to-port and port-to-door transport costs.
You can see a detailed breakdown of this calculation in the example cost breakdown sectio n below.
A. Roll-On, Roll-Off Transport
This method is as simple as it sounds - drivable vehicles are driven onto and off the ship. It’s like your car is on a little road trip but on water!
If your car is in running condition and you’re tight on the budget, this method is your best bet.
It’s practical and cost-effective; your car can enjoy the ocean breeze.
How Much It Costs to Ship From California to Hawaii Using Roll-On, Roll-Off Car Shipping?
The RO-RO car shipping costs $1-$1.5 per mile for short distances under 1,000 miles and $0.6-$0.75 per mile for long distances over 1,100 miles from one port to another.
Important Note
The costs for ocean transports are not calculated per mile basis; instead, the car’s weight and dimensions are considered over nautical Miles.
However, since we cannot mention rates for every vehicle type and size here, we’re giving an estimated price based on miles.
You can get the mile distance from your state’s port to Hawaii’s port on Google and multiply that rate to get a rough cost estimate.
So, car shipping from the Port of Los Angeles to the Port of Honolulu (2,450 miles) can cost $1,500 to $1,850 port-to-port.
B. Container Shipping
Picture your car all snug and secure in a container, away from the elements and ready to take on the Pacific. This method is perfect if your car is:
- Work-in-progress (Being restored)
- High-value vehicle
- Vintage collectible
- Classic Car
- Exotic Vehicle
- Super Car
- Luxury Vehicle
- Sports Car
Even though it’s more expensive than roll-on, roll-off shipping, the added protection is worth every penny.
As for the costs to ship a car from California to Hawaii using container shipping, we can only offer you rough estimates. When transporting using the ocean, the price is calculated based on the cargo’s weight and dimensions, not the distance.
However, like Ro-Ro above, we’ll give you close estimates per mile basis. We can assume a 40% increase in cost for container shippin g, just like in road transport, where the enclosed carrier is 40% more expensive than the open carrier. By this logic, the cost per mile can become $1.5-$2 for short distances under 1,000 miles. The container shipping cost for longer distances becomes $0.85-$1 per mile.
So, if we take the same example of transporting a vehicle from the Port of Los Angeles to the Port of Honolulu (2,450 miles), container transport costs $2,080 to $2,450.
C. Door-to-Port & Port to Door Car Shipping
This is the most convenient way to move your vehicle from California or any state to Hawaii.
Here, your vehicle is moved via a freight ship to Hawaii, but the transportation to the port and then from the destination port to your location in Hawaii is done by our truck carrier.
You can pair our door-to-port transportation service with roll-on, roll-off, and container shipping, ensuring your vehicle stays protected from origin until the end of its journey.
Remember, choosing a trusted Hawaii car transport company like ours ensures a smoother journey for your car.
Now, let’s talk numbers. The cost to ship from your destination to the port or vice versa is calculated on a per-mile basis. Here’s the chart for these costs:
Distance | Base Price Per mile | Example Distance | Example Price |
---|---|---|---|
1-500 Miles | $1.00 | 400 miles | $400 |
500+ miles | $0.75 | 900 miles | $675 |
1,000+ miles | $0.60 | 1,200 miles | $720 |
2,000+ miles | $0.50 | 2,400 miles | $1,200 |
2,500+ miles | $0.40 | 3,600 miles | $1,440 |
So, add your cost for land transportation to the port-to-port ocean transport, and you will get the total cost to ship a car from California to Hawaii.
Example Cost Calculation Breakdown From California to Hawaii:
For instance, Let’s say your car needs to be picked up from your home in San Diego and dropped to the port of Los Angeles, then it will cost $120 to $150.
If you take Ro-Ro, it will cost $1,500 to $1,840 to the Port of Honolulu. From there, let’s say your car needs to be dropped off at your location in Haleiwa, then it will cost you $30 to $50.
So the total using Ro-Ro ocean shipping from your home in California to Port of Los Angeles to Port of Honolulu to your location in Haleiwa becomes $1650 to $1990.
This cost can increase by 40% if you use container ocean transport. Your automobile will be picked up and transported to the port in an enclosed carrier. Then, it will be loaded into a container on the freight.
Then, when it reaches the port of Honolulu, it will again be loaded into an enclosed carrier and moved to the destination, which is Haleiwa in this example. So, with a 40% increase, the total cost of container shipping becomes $2,300 to $2,785.
But don’t worry. We can suggest different ways to reduce this cost; we at Easy Auto Ship are committed to providing you with the most cost-effective car shipping options!
7 Factors Affecting the Cost of Moving a Car to Hawaii
We at Easy Auto Ship understand that car shipping from sunny California to the picturesque islands of Hawaii might seem overwhelming, right? Especially when you need clarification about the costs involved. Don’t fret! We’re here to shed some light on the various factors that determine ‘How Much To Ship A Car From California To Hawaii.’
- Size and Weight of the Vehicle! The size and weight of your car can significantly affect the transport cost. Imagine you have a bulky SUV or a heavy pickup truck. These bigger beasts take up more room and add substantial weight to the ship. More room and weight mean increased costs. On the other hand, if you own a compact car, like a Mini Cooper or a Honda Fit, you’ll be paying considerably less as these tiny tots are lighter and occupy less space.
- Type of Vehicle. Now, we all love our cars, don’t we? But, if you’re the proud owner of a pricey luxury car or a vintage classic, you might pay more to ship it. Why, you ask? These beauties need special care and secure spaces to reach you without a scratch. But don’t worry; if you have a regular, everyday car, your shipping cost will be on the lower side.
- Current Fuel Prices! Diesel fuel powers our ships. So, when fuel prices touch the sky, the cost of shipping your car also increases. On the brighter side, when fuel prices dip, you enjoy lower car shipping costs.
- Distance! Even though all cars are shipped over the Pacific to Hawaii, the distance from our location to the departure port affects the cost, too. So, if you’re closer to the port, the cost to ship your car will be less.
- Mode of Transport! You can opt for Roll on Roll off (RoRo), which tends to be cheaper. But remember, your car may be less well protected than it is in a container. If you want top-notch safety for your vehicle, shipping it in a container is the way to go, although it might cost a tad more.
- Time of Year! The time of year can affect your car hauling costs. For instance, during summers, many folks move to get a tan at the beaches of Hawaii, leading to a surge in demand. Consequently, the cost to ship a car jumps up.
- Delivery Method – Lastly, your delivery method can impact the price. It’s super convenient but slightly pricier if you opt for door-to-door service. On the other hand, if you’re okay with terminal-to-terminal, you can save a few bucks.
Remember, folks, while these factors can give you a ballpark figure, the actual cost to ship your car from California to Hawaii will depend on various dynamic factors. So, always consult with your trusted shipping partner – like us at Easy Auto Ship, for the most accurate quote. We’re here to make your car shipping experience as smooth and hassle-free as possible!
7 Tips For Saving Money on California to Hawaii Car Shipping
At Easy Auto Ship, we understand that every penny counts. So here are seven savvy tips to save on your California to Hawaii car transport.
![7 Tips For Saving Money on California to Hawaii Car Shipping](7-tips-for-saving-money-on-california-to-hawaii-car-shipping.webp)
Plan.
Booking your car shipment early gives you the upper hand in negotiating prices with the shipping companies.
For instance, if you know you’re moving to Hawaii in December, start looking into options as early as September.
This way, you can secure a good deal before the prices hike due to high demands during the holidays.
Roll on/Roll off (RoRo) transport.
If your car is in perfect running condition, RoRo can be a budget-friendly option. Here’s why: In RoRo shipping, your vehicle is driven onto the ship and secured in its deck.
This means fewer handling costs and, hence, lower rates. It’s like parking your car in a mobile garage that sails across the ocean!
Consolidate Shipments.
If you have more than one car or know someone who needs to ship their vehicle around the same time, why not ship together?
Shipping companies often offer handsome discounts for multiple vehicles going to the same destination. So, make a few calls, ask around, and you might save a neat sum on your car transport.
Compare Quotes.
Don’t just settle for the first company that pops up in your online search. Request quotes from various providers and do a thorough comparison.
Look beyond just the pricing - consider factors like insurance coverage, customer reviews, and the company’s experience in shipping cars from California to Hawaii.
Avoid Extra Services.
Additional services like door-to-door delivery and top-load placement for your vehicle can stretch your budget.
To save money, consider dropping off and picking up your car at the port. Also, opt for regular placement in the ship instead of top-load to avoid extra charges.
Lighten Your Vehicle.
Shipping companies often consider the weight of your car while determining the price. So, before you ship your vehicle, remove any unnecessary items.
Also, keep your gas tank only about a quarter full. This reduces the overall weight and can help you save some green.
Choose Off-Peak Timeframes.
Prices can vary due to the season and demand. If your schedule allows, consider shipping your car during fall or winter when demands are generally lower.
This could translate to lower prices for you. But remember, this might only sometimes be feasible, depending on your circumstances.
Remember, every dollar saved on shipping your car is a dollar you can spend in your new Hawaiian paradise. So, plan ahead, compare quotes, and opt for budget-friendly options whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you ship a car from California to Hawaii?
Absolutely, yes! Hauling a car from California to Hawaii is entirely possible and a service we’re proud to provide. But remember, it’s more complex than mailing a package. After all, your prized vehicle is a much larger and more valuable item.
Can you ship a car full of stuff to Hawaii?
This one’s a bit tricky. While using your vehicle as a moving van is tempting, most shipping services, including ours, discourage this practice. It’s due to safety regulations and potential damage risks. The vehicle is the star of the show here!
Can you drive to Hawaii from California?
Unfortunately, no. We’re still figuring out how to build a bridge over the Pacific Ocean! Jokes aside, the only feasible way to get your vehicle from California to Hawaii is by shipping it.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Hawaii?
It typically takes 5 to 10 days to ship a car from California to Hawaii. The timeline can vary based on weather conditions, specific shipping arrangements, and chosen transportation methods.
How do I transport my car from California to Hawaii?
You need to contact us at Easy Auto Ship and provide us with some basic info about your vehicle, such as its pickup zipcode and drop-off location in California or Hawaii, type of car, weight, and dimensions, any modifications, and the service type you need. We’ll offer you a quote in a few minutes for free.
Parting Words:
Now that you know the ins and outs of the cost of shipping a car from California to Hawaii, it is clear that the price can vary significantly. The factors influencing the cost range from the size of your vehicle, type of shipping, departure location, and the time of year. However, remember that while attempting to limit your budget when shipping your beloved vehicle across the sea to Hawaii, cheaper doesn’t always mean better.
Verbally speaking, you could be reaching into your pocket and pulling out an amount of $800 up to $1700 to ship a car to Hawaii. However, there are numerous ways to reduce those costs potentially. You must conduct your own research, collate quotes, and make a conscious decision that balances money and safety while you ship a car.
Let us help you get your car shipped to Hawaii without robbing a bank or losing sleep over fraudulent deals. With our expertise in shipping cars from various parts of the US to Hawaii, rest assured that we’ll be doing more than just shipping your vehicle; we’ll be delivering peace of mind.
Easy Auto Ship has helped numerous customers ship a car successfully and hassle-free straight to Hawaii. We provide reliable service and competitive rates that have satisfied customers repeatedly choosing us to ship a car across states or even countries. And yes, we covered that huge leap from California to Hawaii flawlessly.
After all, why delegate the responsibility of moving your precious wheels over such a long distance to anyone less than the best?
To ship a car to Hawaii without sinking your budget or your peace of mind is not a myth. It’s just a matter of making the right choice. Reach out to us at Easy Auto Ship today – because while Hawaii might be an island when it comes to car shipping, you’re not stranded.
Our sails are set, the compass pointing to Hawaii- let’s ship a car together!