Want to drive your car along the picturesque Hawaiian shores without any worry?
Shipping your car to Hawaii can be hassle-free, but it's important to understand the costs involved.
How much does it cost to ship a car to Hawaii?
While the exact cost to ship a car to Hawaii will vary based on your specific circumstances, here is a general idea of what you can expect:
- On average, shipping a car nationwide costs $2,500. Prices typically range between $1,500 and $3,500.
- From California: Shipping takes 4–5 weeks. RoRo transport costs $1,400–$1,800, while container shipping ranges from $2,500–$5,000.
- From other locations: When the shipment originates from the East Coast or Midwest, the cost of shipping to Hawaii increases and may cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000.
Also, read How much to ship a car from Hawaii to California
Cost breakdown of shipping to Hawaii by shipping methods
- RoRo transport: This is the cheapest of the lot, although it can be costly and may cost between $1200 and $1600 to ship vehicle from California to Hawaii.
- Container shipping: This method is much more protective than RoRo but it is more expensive. It costs about 40% more than RoRo shipping and can cost between $1680 and $2520.
- Door-to-Port & Port-to-Door service: This option can cost from $200 to $500 for the introductory shipping price, depending on the many miles away from the port your house is.
Tips to save money on shipping a car to Hawaii
- Choose RoRo if possible: Thus, if your vehicle does not have to be shipped in a container, then RoRo is usually cheaper than containerized Roll-on/Roll-off shipping.
- Ship during off-peak seasons: Terms like summer and holidays should be avoided since this will earn the car rental company more profits.
- Consider Terminal-to-Terminal shipping: This is slightly cheaper than door-to-door transport service. However, you will be dropped off and picked up from the terminal.
- Prepare your vehicle: Your car must be clean and free from your personal items; you should not smoke or have any mechanical problems to avoid extra charges.
Also, read How much does it cost to ship a car overseas?
What factors influence cost to ship a car to Hawaii?
Several key factors play a role in determining the cost of shipping a car to Hawaii:
- Distance: Distance is one of the most critical factors that will tell you how far your car must go. Freight originating from the East will cost more than the West Coast because they are farther apart.
- Vehicle drop-off and pick-up options: Many people prefer door-to-door services whereby the carrier asks for your car delivered to different specified places, which is usually expensive. Door-to-door transport service, in which you provide the vehicle to a terminal and collect it from another terminal, is cheaper than door-to-door shipping.
- Vehicle size: Such vehicles incur higher expenses in terms of space on the shipping vessel than smaller vehicles like compact cars or motorcycles.
- Enclosed vs. Open ground transport: This is because enclosed auto transport provides more protection for your vehicle during transport, and it is usually 35 - 40% more costly than normal/open transport.
- RoRo vs. Container shipping: RoRo shipping, in which your car is driven on and off the vessel, is cheaper than container shipping, in which your vehicle is loaded into a container to ensure its safety during shipment.
- Seasonality: It is advisable to avoid shipping during the summer (June to August) and winter (December to February) as it is pricier because there is high demand and few slots available. There could be lower rates during off-peak periods of travel.
Additional costs to consider when shipping to Hawaii
- Customs fees: These are charges for making your car pass through customs at the destination port.
- Import taxes and duties: These are taxes placed by the Hawaiian government on any car imported into the country.
- Insurance: While basic insurance is always included, you may wish to take transportation insurance for your car besides the obvious one.
How Universal Transit makes shipping to Hawaii easier
We pride ourselves in doing away with hidden charges at Universal Transit since we practice plain and transparent charges.
Our technology gives you an easily understandable and instant car shipping quote that considers all the factors that go into the shipment while avoiding the pitfalls of hidden costs.
We also aim for affordable prices, given that our company has an advanced system and numerous connections with various carriers, enabling us to provide excellent value with your car shipping service.
Get Your Instant Quote Today!
Car shipping prices should not discourage you from enjoying your car in more scenic Hawaii.
Universal Transit has it all, including getting the best quality auto transport services that are smooth, prompt, easy to attain, and priced.
Get started today! Let Universal Transit's innovative system handle the details while you enjoy your Hawaiian adventure.