How Much To Ship A Car From Hawaii To California? - Settled!

Are you wondering how much to ship a car from Hawaii to California? If so, you’re not alone! With the vast range of factors that come into play when you ship car from California to Hawaii, it can be mind-numbing to figure out the cost.

That’s why we’ll help you simplify how to ship a car from Hawaii to California – and make sure you get the best price possible. Right now, you’ll learn some of the critical things to consider when shipping a car to Hawaii from California or vice versa, as well as some tips on how to get the best rates. So let’s jump in:

Why People Ship Cars From Hawaii to California?

When considering how to ship a car from California to Hawaii, there are various reasons why many individuals choose this route. Many people move from Hawaii to California for multiple reasons, like starting a new job or relocating closer to family. Instead of selling their vehicle and buying a new one in California, they prefer shipping a car from California to Hawaii.

• The process of figuring out how to ship a car from California to Hawaii may arise when someone has accepted a new job in the Bay Area, for instance. In such a case, it is much more practical and cost-effective for them to opt for shipping a car from California to Hawaii rather than purchasing a new one in their new city.
• Students leaving Hawaii for college on the mainland might also find themselves searching for how to ship a car from California to Hawaii. With no colleges on the islands, it’s standard fare for Hawaii’s high school graduates to head to the mainland for their higher education, often bringing their vehicles along for the ride. Shipping a car provides them more freedom for running errands, visiting friends, or going on road trips while in school.
• Shipping a car from California to Hawaii can be the most sensible option, especially if the vehicle holds sentimental value or is impractical to replace. It can be due to a meaningful history tagged with a classic car or an off-road vehicle uniquely suited for Hawaii’s rugged terrain.
• Temporary relocations are another common scenario where shipping a car comes into play. If someone knows they will return to Hawaii after a few years in California, it makes sense for them to send their vehicle instead of buying and selling cars each time they move.
• Vehicle modifications and unique requirements also make shipping a car from California to Hawaii an attractive option. A vehicle customized for off-road exploration or one that has been significantly altered for handicap accessibility, for example, may not be quickly or cost-effectively replaced in California.
• Environmental considerations are becoming more prevalent as well. For individuals seeking to reduce their carbon footprint, they try to move their vehicles instead of driving hundreds of miles. Shipping their car not only avoids the emissions associated with manufacturing a new one but also allows them to retain a car they know and trust.

Whether looking to move for work, school, or a temporary stay, considering sentimental value, unique vehicle requirements, customization, or environmental considerations, understanding the process of shipping a car from California to Hawaii is essential. Keep these tips in mind before you ship a car from California to Hawaii, and ensure your relocation process is smooth and stress-free.

Cost to Ship Car From California To Hawaii

The cost of vehicle shipping from Hawaii To California depends on your vehicle type, weight, dimensions, and the distance between the origin and arrival port. The closer the port of origin in California to the arrival port in Hawaii, the lower the cost.

However, if your car is not located close to the port, then you will have to hire a trucker to move it there or drive yourself, and that may add some expenses as well. That said, it may cost you $1,400-1800 to move your vehicle from California to Hawaii through roll-on-roll.

For container shipping, the cost can be $2,500 to $5,000, depending on your car size and whether you take the Full Container Load or Less Than Container Load.

These costs also include transporting your car from your home in California to the port and then from the destination port to the final drop point in Hawaii.

Let’s Categorize Costs Further so You Can Get a Better Idea:

Roll-On, Roll-Off (RO-RO) Transport:

This is the most affordable option, involving driving your vehicle onto a cargo ship equipped with ramps. Vehicles are not enclosed. Typical costs for RO-RO transport from, let’s say, shipping car to Maui from California range from $1,200 to $1,600, depending on the specific ports and vehicle size.

Most major shipping companies offer this service—distances between West Coast ports like Los Angeles and Honolulu average around 2,400 nautical miles.

At rates of $0.60-$0.75 per mile , you can estimate how much to ship a car to Hawaii from California within this range. Make sure to check your vehicle for any issues before loading to prevent problems during transit.

Container Shipping:

For high-value or specialty vehicles, container transport provides enhanced protection from weather and corrosion with your car fully enclosed. A 20-foot or 40-foot shipping container is loaded onto the vessel.

Estimated costs are 40% higher than RO-RO, so $1,680-$2,520 on average. Larger commercial carriers usually provide this option. Your vehicle will require additional pre-shipping preparation like bracing or wrapping to secure it safely inside. Inspect the container thoroughly upon arrival.

Door-to-Port & Port-to-Door Service:

This end-to-end solution maximizes convenience, with your car picked up directly and delivered to its final destination location. RO-RO or container shipping still handles the ocean transit between ports.

Additional trucking fees could be $200-500 each way, depending on the number of miles between your home and the port. So plan on $1,400-$1,800 total using RO-RO or $2,000-$2,800 with container transport. Carriers coordinate carefully with your schedule for a seamless experience.

Get binding quotes from 3-4 companies factoring vehicle specs and your preferred dates. Avoid unknown brokers and carefully review insurance/liability policies with your chosen provider. Proper planning ensures a smooth automotive relocation from California to the Hawaiian islands.

Ports of Departure in California:

• Port of Los Angeles - This one is among the busiest ports in California and a major gateway for container shipping to Hawaii. Major shipping lines like Matson and Pasha Hawaii operate from here.
• Port of Long Beach - Adjacent to the Port of LA, it also handles significant container traffic to Hawaii. Matson runs regular services to Honolulu and other Hawaiian islands from here.
• Port of Oakland - A major West Coast container port and intermodal rail hub. Matson operates a dedicated container terminal here for its Hawaii services.
• Port of San Diego - Handles some breakbulk and Ro/Ro cargo bound for Hawaii in addition to container traffic.
• Port of Hueneme - A specialized port in Ventura County that handles fresh fruit, produce, and refrigerated cargo bound for Hawaii.
• Port of San Francisco - Primarily handles breakbulk, project, and heavy-lift cargo for Hawaii, along with some containers. Older RORO vessels are also called here.
• Port of Stockton - An inland port with good rail connectivity that handles some container volumes destined for Hawaii via transload to ships in Oakland/LA.
• Port of West Sacramento - An inland port located near the intersections of major highways in the Sacramento area. It handles the transloading of cargo like containers and bulk goods bound for Hawaii.
• Port of Richmond - Located north of Oakland, it serves as a transloading terminal for cargo eventually departing on ships out of Oakland to Hawaii.
• Port of Redwood City - A small port located south of San Francisco that handles some project cargo and breakbulk freight to Hawaii.
• Port of Benicia - A strategic port in the Carquinez Strait area that can transfer cargo from trucks and railroads to ships going to Hawaii.
• Port of Eureka - Located in far Northern California, it has facilities to handle lumber and wood products bound for Hawaii.
• Port of San Pedro - Situated within the LA harbor complex, it contains specialized terminals like Catalina Express that handle passenger and auto ferry services to Hawaiian islands.
• Port of Santa Barbara - A small natural harbor that can accommodate local agricultural products and freight moving to Hawaii.
• Port of Crescent City - Northernmost California port able to berth cargo and breakbulk vessels plying trades between California and Hawaii.

Port of Arrival in Hawaii:

Honolulu Harbor, Oahu: Main port of entry receives most container ships, vehicles, and cargo ships from LA/Oakland.

• Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor, Oahu: Handles bulk liquids primarily, but also some breakbulk and transloaded cargo from mainland U.S., including California.
• Kewalo Basin, Oahu: Small boat harbor that receives some local freight, supplies, and construction materials shipped from California.
• Kahului Harbor, Maui: Imports containers, bulk cargo, passenger ferries, and vehicles originating from ports in Long Beach, San Diego, and San Francisco.
• Kaunakakai Harbor, Molokai: Receives limited freight like machinery, building equipment, and supplies transported over from California ports.
• Kaumalapau Harbor, Lanai: This small harbor welcomes shipments of project cargo, fresh produce, and general merchandise from California.
• Hilo Harbor, Hawaii: Handles vehicle imports, machinery, and building materials arriving on cargo ships from West Coast ports like Los Angeles and Oakland.
• Kawaihae Harbor, Hawaii: Receives some dry bulk like gravel construction equipment shipped from Californian ports.
• Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai: Shares imports with Port Allen, including Ro/Ro vessels transporting vehicles and cargo from LA.
• Port Allen Harbor, Kauai: Receives containers, fresh produce, and project cargo shipped from ports such as Oakland.

Factors Impacting the Cost of Car Shipping From California To Hawaii

• Distance - The total distance between California and Hawaii is one of the longest domestic car shipping routes in the US. It ranges from 2,500-4,000 miles depending on the specific origin and destination ports. The longer the distance, the higher the shipping costs will be to accommodate for fuel and extended transit time.
• Transport Mode- There are two main methods for car shipping to Hawaii: roll-on/roll-off (RORO) and containerized. RORO transport involves driving vehicles onto marine highways for the voyage, while containerized requires securing vehicles inside shipping containers. RORO is more direct but limited to large commercial vessels, making it generally more expensive. Containerized transport adds costs for packaging but allows smaller vessels and more routing options.
• Vehicle Type/Size - Larger or heavier vehicles will incur greater fees since they take up more cargo space and are more challenging to secure. Sports automobiles, luxury SUVs, trucks, and other large vehicles will see a premium over compact sedans. Additional fees also apply for convertibles, vehicles with low ground clearance, or those requiring disassembly/reassembly.
• Time of Year - Peak summer seasons and holidays like Christmas command the highest rates as demand is greatest. Fall and late spring generally see the best pricing. Winter months in between seasons offer decent mid-range prices.
• Special Requests - Asking for expedited/guaranteed delivery dates, choosing specific departure/arrival windows, or requesting extra services like enclosed storage or expedited processing can significantly increase rates.
• Carrier/Company - Top ocean freight companies have established logistics networks and volume priorities that allow them to offer more competitive California to Hawaii auto shipping rates. Smaller or independent operators usually charge a markup. Getting quotes from several carriers helps find the best value.

Tips to Save A Lot of Money When Shipping Car From Hawaii to California:

• Get quotes from multiple transport companies. Get at least 3 shipping quotes to compare prices. Transport costs can vary significantly between companies.
• Look for special promotions. Many companies run special discounts and promos at certain times of the year to attract more business. Check company websites and search online for current promotions.
• Transport during the off-season. Peak seasons like summer tend to be more expensive. Consider transporting in winter or spring for lower rates.
• Book well in advance. Booking 6-8 weeks ahead can save 10-15% compared to last-minute bookings. This gives companies advance notice to plan routes efficiently.
• Remove personal belongings. Transporting less weight means lower fuel costs for the company. Remove anything not essential from your automobile.
• Consider partial transport. Some companies offer partial transport where you drive part of the way (e.g., from Hawaii to California port) to lower costs.
• Check for senior/military/student discounts. Certain customer segments may get 5-10% off regular rates at some companies.
• Pay with cash. Credit cards add surcharges. Cash or wire transfer is often cheaper. Some offer a 2-3% cash discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you buy a car in Hawaii and ship it to California?

Absolutely! You can buy an automobile in Hawaii and arrange for shipping to California. However, be prepared for additional expenses, as shipping a car from Hawaii to California typically costs between $1,200 and $1,500 from port to port.

How to ship a car from Hawaii to California?

Call Easy Auto Ship and one of our agents will explain everything in detail, along with free quotes. However, the simple answer to how to ship a car from Hawaii to California is by hiring a transporter who will move your vehicle from your home in Hawaii to the nearest port. The vehicle will then be moved on freight to the mainland, unloaded at the port, and hauled in a truck to the destination in California.

How do I register my car from Hawaii to California?

After shipping a car from Hawaii to California, you need to visit the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to register your vehicle. Bring your car, proof of ownership, valid identification, and proof of insurance. You’ll also need to complete an application form and pay the registration fee.

How much does it cost to register a car in California from another state?

The cost of registering an automobile in California from another state depends on the vehicle’s value. There’s a base fee of $46, plus additional fees that could range from $20 to $100 or more. It’s best to check with the California DMV for specific cost details.

How much does it cost to transport a car from Hawaii to Los Angeles?

The cost of shipping a car from Hawaii to Los Angeles varies, but on average, it ranges from $1,200 to $1,500 for Ro-Ro port to port shipping. The exact cost depends on factors like the type of vehicle, the shipping method, and the specific shipping company used.

How long does it take to ship a car from Oahu to California?

Shipping a car from Oahu to California typically takes 7-14 days, but it can vary based on factors like weather conditions and shipping schedules.

Is it expensive to ship a car to Hawaii?

The cost to ship a car to Hawaii from California can be considered pricey compared to mainland shipping. It generally ranges from $1,200 to $2000 for port to port transports, but it’s a necessary investment if you plan to bring your vehicle with you.

How long does it take to ship a car from Honolulu to LA?

Shipping a car from Honolulu to LA usually takes about 7-14 days, although the exact duration can vary due to factors like weather and shipping schedules.

How long does it take to ship a car from Hawaii to San Diego?

The auto shipping time from Hawaii to San Diego is similar to other mainland destinations. On average, it takes about 7-14 days, but the exact timing can fluctuate based on various factors.