Colorado to Hawaii Auto Transport Shipping
No car carrier can drive to Hawaii, so your car makes the trip in two parts. First, a truck drives it about 1,025 to 1,100 miles to the Port of Long Beach, California, usually on I-70 over the Rockies and I-15 through Las Vegas. From there, Matson ships it to Honolulu. Pearl City, Kailua and Waipahu are on Oahu, a short drive from the Honolulu docks, while cars for Hilo continue by barge to the Big Island. Colorado to Hawaii Auto Transport usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to Oahu and 5 to 7 weeks to the other islands. 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. Fill out the quote form on this page to compare offers, or call 1-800-590-6492 to go over dates and pickup details. For more information about shipping to the destination, visit our Hawaii Auto Transport page.
Colorado to Hawaii Auto Transport At a Glance
| Primary Transport Corridors | Truck to Long Beach, California, then ship to Hawaii |
| Approximate Distance | ~1,025-1,100 road miles to Long Beach, plus the sea voyage |
| Estimated Transit Time | 2-7 Weeks |
| Popular Origin Cities | Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Lakewood |
| Popular Destination Cities | Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, Kailua, Waipahu |
Colorado to Hawaii Auto Transport Shipping Rates
Most quotes from Colorado to Hawaii run about $2,525 to $3,850 for a standard car, which makes it the most expensive route from Colorado. That covers a truck trip of about 1,025 to 1,100 miles plus the sailing. Matson's published price from Long Beach is $1,790 to Honolulu and $2,600 to Hilo, Kahului or Nawiliwili.
For prices based on your actual dates, request your free quotes here and compare carriers side by side.
Oahu is the cheapest and fastest island to reach, because the ships unload in Honolulu. The other islands cost more and take longer because of the barge from Honolulu. Matson charges the same ocean price for any regular passenger car, but vehicles longer than 21 feet 8 inches, wider than 8 feet or taller than 7 feet need a special quote. A car that doesn't run adds about $150 to $300 on the truck leg. Our guide to what affects your auto transport quote covers the rest. Shipping an electric car or plug-in hybrid? Complete the form on this page or call 1-800-590-6492 before you book, because Matson has suspended EVs on its ships.
The ships sail all year, so the sea leg is rarely the holdup. Winter snow can slow the truck on I-70 in the Rockies, and summer is the busiest moving season for Hawaii, so book the sailing early. Read more about seasonal auto transport prices.
Average Cost & Time to Ship from Colorado to Hawaii
Distances below are road miles from Colorado to the Port of Long Beach, California. The trip by sea is extra. 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver, CO to Honolulu, HI | ~1,030 mi | 2-4 Weeks | $2,525 - $3,025 | Get Quote |
| Colorado Springs, CO to Pearl City, HI | ~1,100 mi | 2-4 Weeks | $2,550 - $3,075 | Get Quote |
| Aurora, CO to Hilo, HI | ~1,045 mi | 5-7 Weeks | $3,350 - $3,850 | Get Quote |
| Fort Collins, CO to Kailua, HI | ~1,090 mi | 2-4 Weeks | $2,550 - $3,075 | Get Quote |
| Lakewood, CO to Waipahu, HI | ~1,025 mi | 2-4 Weeks | $2,525 - $3,025 | 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? The truck and the ship both need to be booked, so start early. Compare free quotes now or call 1-800-590-6492.
Colorado to Hawaii Auto Transport Challenges & Tips
Shipping a car from Colorado to Hawaii takes two very different legs: a truck over the Rockies to Long Beach and a ship across the Pacific. Most delays come from lining the two up, and from the extra barge to the outer islands. Here's what to plan for.
Electric Cars Are Hard to Ship
Matson has suspended new and used electric cars and plug-in hybrids on its ships. If you drive an EV or plug-in hybrid, call us before you book so we can talk through your options.
Long Waits for the Outer Islands
Matson says cars for Hilo, Kahului and Nawiliwili take 33 to 45 days from the mainland sailing, because they ride a monthly barge from Honolulu. Plan around that if you are moving to the Big Island, Maui or Kauai.
I-70 Through the Rockies
West of Denver, I-70 climbs to more than 11,000 feet at the Eisenhower Tunnel and crosses Vail Pass. Winter storms bring chain laws and closures, and rockslides can close Glenwood Canyon.
Tip: Clean It and Empty It
Ships to Hawaii want cars clean and empty, and Hawaii is strict about invasive species, so wash off any mud or soil before pickup. Ship the car with no personal items unless your carrier agrees in advance.
Tip: Register Within 30 Days in Hawaii
On Oahu, a car shipped from the mainland needs Hawaii registration or an out-of-state permit within 30 days of arrival. Get a safety inspection first, then bring your out-of-state registration, the shipping bill of lading showing the VIN and the inspection form to a city registration office.
Tip: Prepare Your Vehicle Properly
Clean your car and remove personal items before pickup. Take date-stamped photos from every side, keep the gas tank at a quarter full or less, and check tire pressure. For a full checklist, read our article on Preparing Your Car for Transport.
Still deciding? Call 1-800-590-6492 and we can go over dates and costs, or get up to 10 free quotes in a few minutes.
Colorado to Hawaii Auto Transport Frequently Asked Questions
Plan on about 2 to 4 weeks to Oahu and 5 to 7 weeks to the other islands. The truck trip to Long Beach takes about 3 to 5 days, and Matson says its crossing from the mainland to Honolulu averages 9 to 24 days. Cars for Hilo, Maui and Kauai add a barge ride from Honolulu.
A car carrier drives it to the Port of Long Beach in Southern California. Matson then ships it to Honolulu, and cars for the other islands ride a barge from there. You pick the car up at the port on the island you are moving to.
On Oahu, you have 30 days from arrival to register the car or get an out-of-state permit. Take it for a Hawaii safety inspection, then bring your out-of-state registration, the shipping bill of lading with the VIN and the inspection form to a city registration office. Navy Region Hawaii: Vehicle Registration on Oahu
It is difficult right now, because Matson has suspended EVs and plug-in hybrids on its ships. Call us before booking an EV so we can go over what is possible.
For more frequently asked questions about auto transport, visit our Auto Transport FAQs page.
Other Routes
- Hawaii to Colorado Auto Transport
- Colorado to Arizona Auto Transport
- Colorado to Alaska Auto Transport
- Colorado to Alabama Auto Transport
- Colorado to Delaware Auto Transport
- Colorado to Connecticut Auto Transport
Helpful Links
- FMCSA SAFER System: Check a Carrier
Look up any carrier's federal operating authority, insurance on file and safety record before you book. - Hawaii Traffic Information
Federal Highway Administration links to Hawaii road conditions, traffic alerts and construction updates. - Colorado Traffic Information
Federal Highway Administration links to Colorado road conditions, traffic alerts and construction updates. - COtrip: Colorado Road Conditions
The Colorado Department of Transportation's traffic site, with live road conditions, closures, chain laws and traffic cameras on Colorado highways. - AccuWeather Hawaii
Forecasts for your delivery city, so you know if storms might slow the last leg of the trip. - AccuWeather Colorado
Check the forecast for your pickup date, since mountain snow and spring storms can affect pickup plans.
Call now at 1-800-590-6492 or complete the form on this page to find the best Colorado to Hawaii auto shipping rates and when a truck will be in your area.