Shipping a Car from California to Hawaii

May 16, 2023

Navigating the Waves: Mastering Car Shipping to and from Hawaii

A car being transported on a ship, symbolizing car shipping to and from Hawaii with Budget Auto

Are you planning to ship your car to or from Hawaii? Look no further than Budget Auto Transporter for a hassle-free car shipping experience. With our extensive experience in shipping vehicles to and from the Hawaiian islands, we ensure a smooth and efficient process for your relocation. Whether you're shipping a car from California to Hawaii or vice versa, follow our expert guide to make your move stress-free.

How to Ship a Car from California to Hawaii
Shipping a car from California to Hawaii is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step breakdown to help you understand the procedure:

Get a Quote and Book

Start by obtaining a quote for your car shipping needs. You can easily get an instant price quote and book your order through our convenient online calculator, phone, or live chat.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Before shipping your car, make sure to prepare it accordingly. Here are some essential steps to follow:

  • Remove any personal items from the vehicle (except for the spare tire, jack, floor mats, and child car seats).
  • Ensure that your vehicle is clean both inside and out, minimizing dirt and debris.
  • Make sure your vehicle is in operating condition and has a functioning emergency brake.
  • Check for any cracks or chips in the windows or windshield.
  • Ensure that your car has less than a quarter tank of gas.

Pick Up Your Vehicle

We will arrange the pickup of your vehicle. Upon arrival in Hawaii, you'll need to retrieve your car from the designated port after it has cleared inspection and customs. You'll be provided with the Matson booking number by our representative once your booking is scheduled with the port.

You can ship your car from California to the following ports in Hawaii: Kauai, O'ahu, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii.

How to Ship a Car from Hawaii to California

The process of shipping a car from Hawaii to California is similar to shipping from California to Hawaii, with a few differences. Pay close attention to the following steps:

1. Book and Prepare Your Vehicle

Begin by obtaining a quote and booking your car shipping order. Prepare your vehicle for shipping as you would when shipping to Hawaii.

2. Drop Off Your Vehicle at the Port

You'll need to drop off your vehicle at the designated port. Here's a checklist of items you'll need to bring along:

Budget Auto Transporter Order Confirmation and Vessel Booking Number.
  • Keys to your vehicle, including the remote if it has an alarm system.
  • Vehicle title or lien holder authorization letter (power of attorney) for financed or leased vehicles.
  • Current registration.
  • Government-issued photo ID.
  • For cases where the vehicle owner is not present during drop-off, proof of power of attorney is required to authorize shipment. Similarly, if the vehicle is still being financed, proof of power of attorney from the lien holder is necessary.

Delivery Options

When shipping your vehicle from Hawaii to California, you have two delivery options:

A. Port-to-Door: Choose this option if you want your vehicle delivered directly to your location on the mainland. After dropping off your vehicle at the port in Hawaii, we'll handle the transportation to your specified destination. Ensure someone is present at the delivery location to receive your vehicle.

B. Port-to-Port: Choose this option if you live close to one of our mainland ports. You'll drop off your vehicle at one of the ports in Hawaii and have the option to pick it up from a designated mainland port.

Please note that when shipping a car from Hawaii to California, specific paperwork requirements apply. These include:

  • For financed or leased vehicles, a notarized letter from the lien holder authorizing transportation to the mainland (valid for up to 30 days from the issue date).
  • For vehicles owned outright, a copy of the title and current registration must be present with the vehicle.
  • The owner listed on the title must be the shipper and must provide a photo ID and proof of ownership.
  • In the case of two owners listed on the title, both owners must be present with a photo ID or provide notarized consent from the absent owner.


Determining the cost of shipping a car to and from Hawaii involves considering the type of transport service you prefer. Here are two options to choose from:

Open Carrier Auto Transport: This option is popular due to its affordability and relatively faster service. Most cross-country car shipping occurs using open carriers, which have more available spots on trucks.

Enclosed Auto Transport: If your vehicle requires extra protection or is of high value, antique, or a specialty car, enclosed auto transport is recommended.


Delivery times can vary based on transit estimates. While we provide estimated arrival dates upon dispatch, factors such as weather conditions, traffic, and other carloads can affect the actual delivery schedule. Generally, shipping a car from Hawaii to California or vice versa takes approximately 7-14 days. Additional delays may occur due to the Pacific travel route, ensuring the safety of your vehicle during transit.

Count on Budget Auto Transporter for Reliable Car Shipping

At Budget Auto Transporter, we ship over 94,000 cars annually, taking pride in providing exceptional care for each vehicle. Whether you're shipping your car from Hawaii to the mainland or vice versa, we are here to ensure a reliable and efficient car shipping experience. Contact us today for your Hawaii mainland relocation needs. Visit our website for more information and to get a quote.
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