Hawaii Car Transport | Full Guide & Review

Hawaii car transport is important for everyone traveling to or from the Hawaiian islands. Since Hawaii is separated from the mainland by thousands of miles of ocean, transporting a vehicle requires careful preparation and selecting the appropriate transportation service. 

By knowing the transport process, you will save time and money whether you are relocating or transporting a vehicle for vacation. This Hawaii car transport review covers everything from shipping options to expenses for Hawaii car transport.

Why You Need Hawaii Car Transport?

Here are some reasons people need Hawaii car shipping services:

Moving to or From Hawaii

Most people relocate to Hawaii for employment, education, or family purposes. Rather than buying a new vehicle upon arrival, shipping a current car can be more economical and practical. It allows you to maintain a vehicle you are used to instead of adapting to a new car in a foreign location.

Military Deployment or Relocation

Hawaii has many large military installations, such as Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Schofield Barracks. Military members are assigned to move from the mainland to Hawaii. Some transport companies provide military discounts and special shipping for service members.

Purchasing or Selling a Vehicle

If you’re buying a vehicle from a mainland dealership or selling your car to an out-of-state purchaser, car transport services help. This is helpful for buyers seeking particular models unavailable in Hawaii or for sellers who wish to market their vehicles beyond the islands.

Extended Vacation or Temporary Stay

Some people visit Hawaii for months either for work or seasonal residence. Renting a car for a long duration can be costly and it is thus more convenient to ship a personal car for use throughout the visit. This method is ideal for long-term visitors who wish to escape the high rental costs.

College Students Relocating to Hawaii

Students at Hawaiian universities like the University of Hawaii at Mānoa could prefer to bring their vehicle instead of using public transport. Having a car of their own is convenient and allows them to travel around the islands with more ease.

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Shipping Methods for Transporting a Car to Hawaii

There are many shipping methods for transporting a car to or from Hawaii, each with its own set of perks and expenses. Here are the primary shipping methods available:

Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping

RoRo shipping is the cheapest and most used method for shipping cars to and from Hawaii. When they arrive at the final port, cars are driven on board a cargo ship, tied down, and driven off. RoRo shipping is easy and cheap but requires vehicles to be in working order and have no personal items on board.

Container Shipping

Container shipping provides more security by moving the vehicle inside a big, covered container. This is a good option for high-value, luxury, or vintage cars that need extra protection against weather and damage. It is more expensive than RoRo but allows small personal items to be transported in addition to the car.

Door-to-Port vs. Port-to-Port Shipping

Door-to-port shipping involves picking up the vehicle from your residence and dropping it off at the shipping port. It provides extra convenience for people who do not live close to a port. Port-to-port shipping involves the owner dropping off and picking up the vehicle at assigned ports, offering a less expensive option. 

Air Freight Shipping

Air freight shipping is the quickest but most expensive method to ship a car to Hawaii. This is a rarely-used shipping method because of its high expense but it can be an option for emergencies. Cars shipped by air take only a few days to arrive, so it’s best for companies or individuals who need instant access to their cars.

Shipping Costs for Car Transportation to Hawaii

The price of transporting a car to Hawaii comes with several factors, including the transport method, car size, distance, and time of year. On average, transporting a typical car from the mainland United States to Hawaii takes between $1,000 to $1,500 through RoRo shipping. 

Container shipping can cost $1,500 to $2,500 due to extra security and protection. Prices can increase depending on the port of departure with cities such as Los Angeles and Oakland charging less than cities further inland from the West Coast.

There are extra charges based on the transport service type like port-to-door delivery which provides more convenience but comes at a higher cost. A few shipping services are also charged for oversized trucks or expedited service. 

Choosing the Right Hawaii Car Transport Company

Choosing a reputable car transport company is the key to having a trouble-free and stress-free shipping experience. The best carriers are licensed, insured, and reputable for their reliability and customer service. Before hiring a provider, it is advisable to research their credentials, check their U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) registration, and review online feedback.

Quotes from different shipping companies should be compared to find the optimal mix of price and quality of service. Cheaper options can not be as cheap as they seem with concealed charges, bad customer support, or inconsistent delivery times. 

Legitimate companies should have transparent terms and a dedicated customer service department. It could be a warning sign if a company requires payment in full before shipping or has no verifiable reviews. 

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Procedure on Shipping Your Car Through Hawaii Car Transport

Follow these steps to transport your car from or to Hawaii easily:

1) Research and Select a Reputable Shipping Company

Start by researching many car shipping companies that offer Hawaii shipping. Find companies with favorable reviews, appropriate licensing, and reasonable prices. Compare prices and ensure the company provides insurance protection for your vehicle.

2) Choose Your Shipping Method and Service Type

Choose if you prefer Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping, container shipping, or air freight. Depending on your convenience and budget, you also have to decide between door-to-port and port-to-port service. Each has different costs and protection for your vehicle.

3) Reserve Your Shipment and Verify Details

After selecting a company and shipping method, reserve your shipment ahead of time, especially in peak seasons. Give them your vehicle’s make, model, condition, and destination. The company will then provide you with a drop-off schedule, estimated delivery date, and any documents that need to be completed.

4) Get Your Car Ready for Shipping

Clean your car inside and out to provide inspection and photograph its condition. Take out personal items and check for leaks or mechanical problems. Have the gas tank at or below a quarter full, as excess fuel can be a safety hazard in transport.

5) Drop Off Your Car at the Designated Port

If you’ve selected port-to-port shipping, then you will be required to take your car to the port of departure. An inspection will take place and you will need to present items such as your vehicle registration and government-issued ID. After the inspection is complete, your car will be loaded onto the transport ship. 

6) Monitor Your Shipping and Wait for Delivery

Most shipping companies provide tracking updates where you can follow your vehicle’s journey. Transport time from the mainland U.S. to Hawaii can take a week to three weeks, depending on the type of shipping and weather. You can contact the shipping firm during this period for updates or information on delays.

7) Pick Up Your Car at the Destination Port

Once your vehicle arrives in Hawaii, you’ll be notified to pick it up from the designated port. You’ll need to present your identification and any paperwork needed to claim your car. Before leaving the port, inspect your vehicle thoroughly for any damage and report any issues immediately to the shipping company.

8) Register Your Car in Hawaii (If Moving Permanently)

If you’re relocating to Hawaii, you’ll need to register your vehicle with the Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of arrival. This means getting a safety inspection, registration fees, and a Hawaii license plate. This step ensures your car is legally compliant for use on the island.

Conclusion

Shipping a car to Hawaii can appear hard but with the correct transportation company and careful planning, the procedure can be simple and stress-free. Choosing the best Hawaii car transport option and taking all important measures can help ensure a successful delivery. 

Whether you’re moving or visiting for an extended period, Hawaii car transport services make getting your vehicle to the islands simple. Taking the time to research and prepare will save you time, money, and headaches.

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