California to Hawaii Auto Transport Shipping
Every car headed to Hawaii goes by ship, so California to Hawaii Auto Transport is really two jobs: getting the car to a California port, and getting it across the Pacific. Matson sails to Honolulu from Long Beach and Oakland. Pasha Hawaii sails from San Diego and also calls directly at Kahului on Maui and Hilo on the Big Island. If you live near a port, you can drop the car off yourself; if not, a truck can bring it there for you. On the Hawaii side, you usually pick the car up at the port. Most cars reach Oahu 2 to 4 weeks after pickup, and the neighbor islands can take longer. Auto transport rates can vary a lot between carriers, which is why getting several quotes matters. We provide up to 10 free quotes from our network of licensed, insured carriers, so you can compare pricing, transit times, and service options before you decide. Because sailing schedules drive the timing, it pays to plan ahead. Fill out the quote form on this page or call 1-800-590-6492 and we can help you work out the port and dates. For more information about shipping to the destination, visit our Hawaii Auto Transport page.
California to Hawaii Auto Transport At a Glance
| Primary Transport Corridors | Port of Long Beach, Port of Oakland, San Diego, then ship |
| Approximate Distance | Truck to port plus ocean crossing |
| Estimated Transit Time | 2-6 Weeks |
| Popular Origin Cities | Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno |
| Popular Destination Cities | Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, Kailua, Waipahu |
California to Hawaii Auto Transport Shipping Rates
Shipping a standard car from California to Hawaii usually costs $1,200 to $1,900. That covers the ocean crossing and, depending on the quote, the truck ride to the port. If you can drive the car to the port yourself, you will usually pay less.
Want real numbers for your dates? Request your free quotes here and compare your options.
Size matters more on the ship than on a truck. Ocean carriers price by how much space a vehicle takes up, so a full-size pickup or lifted SUV costs noticeably more than a sedan. Matson's Oakland terminal also turns away vehicles over 21 feet 8 inches long, 7 feet 2 inches wide or 6 feet 4 inches tall, so a big truck may need to ship from Long Beach instead.
Summer is the busiest season, when military families and new residents move to the islands. Booking a few weeks ahead gives you more choice of sailing dates. Our guide to what affects your auto transport quote and our article on seasonal auto transport prices explain how timing changes your quote.
Average Cost & Time to Ship from California to Hawaii
Prices fluctuate with carrier availability, fuel costs, and seasonal demand. Use our quote form for real-time pricing tailored to your specific vehicle, dates, and cities.
| Route | Distance | Transit Time | Price Range | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Honolulu, HI | ~25 mi to port + ship | 2-4 Weeks | $1,200 - $1,900* | Get Quote |
| San Francisco, CA to Pearl City, HI | ~15 mi to port + ship | 2-4 Weeks | $1,200 - $1,900* | Get Quote |
| San Diego, CA to Hilo, HI | ~10 mi to port + ship | 2-4 Weeks | $1,200 - $1,900* | Get Quote |
| San Jose, CA to Kailua, HI | ~40 mi to port + ship | 2-4 Weeks | $1,200 - $1,900* | Get Quote |
| Fresno, CA to Waipahu, HI | ~185 mi to port + ship | 2-4 Weeks | $1,200 - $1,900* | Get Quote |
*Price estimates were updated in October 2026. Prices are estimates only and will vary based on your specific vehicle, pickup and delivery locations, transport type, and time of year. Complete the form above or call 1‑800‑590‑6492 to receive up to ten free, no-obligation quotes from licensed carriers, so you can compare real prices for your exact route before you book.
Moving to Hawaii? Summer sailings fill up, so the sooner you plan, the more choice you get on dates and ports. Get your free Hawaii quotes now or call 1-800-590-6492.
California to Hawaii Auto Transport Challenges & Tips
Shipping a vehicle from California to Hawaii comes with specific considerations. Here's what you need to know before booking:
EV and Plug-In Hybrid Limits
Matson has suspended shipping of electric cars, plug-in hybrids and hybrids with lithium batteries. Pasha Hawaii still takes EVs from San Diego with a 20% to 50% charge and a $375 surcharge, but the owner has to book directly with Pasha.
Neighbor Islands Take Longer
Matson reaches Kauai, Maui and the Big Island by barge from Honolulu, which can add weeks. Pasha calls directly at Kahului and Hilo about every two weeks, which is often faster for those islands.
No Personal Items
Both ocean carriers require the car to be empty except for the spare tire, jack and child car seats. The port will make you remove anything else before the car is accepted.
Tip: Keep the Tank Under a Quarter
Coast Guard rules require less than a quarter tank of gas for ocean shipping. Run the tank down before drop-off so you aren't turned away at the port.
Tip: Register Within 30 Days
In Hawaii, you generally have 30 days from the date on your shipping receipt to register the car, and it will need a Hawaii safety inspection. Keep that receipt, called the bill of lading, somewhere safe.
Tip: Bring the Right Paperwork
At the port you will need your registration or title and ID, and the registered owner must be there or send a notarized authorization. If the car is financed, ask your lender for an authorization letter before you book.
Questions about ports, EV rules or neighbor islands? Call 1-800-590-6492 to talk it through, or compare up to 10 free quotes from carriers who handle Hawaii shipments.
California to Hawaii Auto Transport Frequently Asked Questions
Most cars reach Oahu 2 to 4 weeks after pickup, including the truck ride to the port, the wait for a sailing and the crossing itself. Pasha's sailing from San Diego to Honolulu takes about 5 days at sea. Cars for Maui, Kauai or the Big Island can take longer, especially if they go by barge from Honolulu. Our Hawaii and Alaska car shipping guide walks through each step.
Not with Matson, which has suspended EVs, plug-in hybrids and lithium-battery hybrids. Pasha Hawaii does ship EVs from San Diego to Honolulu, Kahului, Hilo and Nawiliwili, with a charge between 20% and 50% and a $375 surcharge. The registered owner has to book directly with Pasha. Our EV shipping guide covers battery and charge rules.
No. Both Matson and Pasha require the car to be empty except for the spare tire, jack, child car seats and a few basics like floor mats. Anything else has to be removed at the port, so pack it separately.
Get Hawaii no-fault insurance and register the car, generally within 30 days of the date on your shipping receipt. The car will need a Hawaii safety inspection as part of registration. Check with the county motor vehicle office on your island for the exact steps.
For more frequently asked questions about auto transport, visit our Auto Transport FAQs page.
More Routes from California
Shipping a car the other direction? See our Hawaii to California Auto Transport page.
- California to Iowa Auto Transport
- California to Indiana Auto Transport
- California to Illinois Auto Transport
- California to Idaho Auto Transport
Helpful Links
- FMCSA SAFER System - Verify Carrier Credentials
- Hawaii Traffic Information
- California Traffic Information
- California Department of Motor Vehicles
- AccuWeather Hawaii
- AccuWeather California
Call now at 1-800-590-6492 or complete the form on this page to find the best California to Hawaii auto shipping rates and when a truck will be in your area.