How to Ship a Car to Hawaii: 2026 Complete Guide (Costs, Matson vs Pasha)

Last updated: September 22, 2026

How to Ship a Car to Hawaii: Complete 2026 Guide (Costs, Process, Matson vs Pasha)

Shipping a car to Hawaii is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when relocating to the islands. With costs ranging from $1,790 to $2,600+ depending on your vehicle and route, understanding the process, comparing carriers, and preparing properly can save you thousands of dollars and major headaches.

This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about shipping your vehicle to Hawaii—from choosing between Matson and Pasha to registering your car after arrival.

Quick Navigation

• 2026 Shipping Costs by Route & Carrier
• Matson vs Pasha: Complete Comparison
• Should You Ship or Buy in Hawaii?
• Step-by-Step Shipping Process
• How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
• Hawaii Registration & Safety Inspection
• Military PCS Car Shipping
• Frequently Asked Questions

2026 Car Shipping Costs to Hawaii

Here’s what you’ll actually pay to ship a standard vehicle to Hawaii in 2026:

Important: These are base rates for standard vehicles (sedans/small SUVs under 21’8″ long × 8′ wide × 7′ high).

Oversized Vehicle Surcharges

Expect to pay $200-800+ extra for:

• Lifted trucks (over 7′ tall)
• Large SUVs (Suburban, Expedition, Tahoe)
• Extended cab/long bed trucks (over 21’8″ long)
• Vans (Sprinter, Transit, etc.)
• Luxury/exotic vehicles (may require enclosed shipping – call for quote)

Additional Costs to Budget

• Port fees: $50-150 (pickup/drop-off fees)
• Expedited shipping: +$200-400 (faster vessel assignment)
• Enclosed container: +$1,000-2,500 (protects from salt spray, rarely needed)
• Door-to-port transport: $200-600 if you can’t drive to the port yourself
• Hawaii safety inspection: $25-75 (required within 30 days of arrival)
• Hawaii registration: $45-150 (annual, weight-based)
• Hawaii insurance: Typically higher than mainland (get quotes early)

Real-world total cost: Plan for $2,100-2,900 all-in for a standard car, including fees and Hawaii registration.

Matson vs Pasha: Complete 2026 Comparison

Two carriers dominate Hawaii car shipping: Matson and Pasha Hawaii. Here’s how they stack up:

User Consensus (Reddit/Forums 2025-2026)

Pasha wins on:

• Price (often $50-150 cheaper)
• Customer service (more responsive, easier to reach)
• San Diego origin (Matson doesn’t serve San Diego)
• Direct shipping to Maui/Hilo (Matson routes through Honolulu first)

Matson wins on:

• Sailing frequency (more weekly departures)
• Speed (faster ocean transit on average)
• Availability (easier to book on short notice)
• Reputation (A+ BBB, longer track record)

Recommendation: Get quotes from BOTH carriers. Prices fluctuate seasonally, and booking availability varies. Most people choose whichever offers the best combination of price + desired sailing date.

Contact Information

• Matson: 1-800-4-MATSON (1-800-462-8766) | matson.com/ship-your-car
• Pasha Hawaii: pashahawaii.com/vehicle-shipping

Should You Ship Your Car or Buy in Hawaii?

This is the first question everyone asks. Here’s how to decide:

Ship Your Car If:

• ✅ Your car is worth $8,000+ and in good condition
• ✅ You’re moving long-term (2+ years) or permanently
• ✅ Your car is paid off or nearly paid off (easier to insure/register)
• ✅ You have a specialty vehicle (truck, 4WD, specific features hard to find in Hawaii)
• ✅ Hawaii used car market is $3,000+ more than your shipping cost + car value
• ✅ You’re military PCS (government often covers shipping)

Buy in Hawaii If:

• ✅ Your car is worth less than $6,000 or has high mileage (100k+ miles)
• ✅ You’re moving short-term (under 2 years) or uncertain about staying
• ✅ Your car has mechanical issues (won’t pass Hawaii safety inspection)
• ✅ You have an active car loan with mainland lien (complicates Hawaii registration)
• ✅ You want a right-hand-drive JDM import (popular in Hawaii, rare on mainland)
• ✅ Shipping cost + car value > comparable Hawaii used car price

2026 Hawaii Used Car Market Reality

Hawaii used car prices are 10-30% higher than mainland due to:

• Limited inventory (island market)
• High shipping costs baked into dealer prices
• Salt air corrosion (reduces supply of good-condition cars)
• High demand from military/transplants

Example: A 2018 Honda Accord worth $18,000 on the mainland might cost $20,000-22,000 in Hawaii. Shipping your own costs ~$1,900-2,000, so you’d save $1,800-4,000 by shipping (plus you keep a car you know the history of).

When It’s Close: Run the Numbers

Total cost of shipping:

• Shipping: ~$1,790 (Honolulu) / ~$2,600 (outer islands)
• Port fees: $100
• Hawaii registration: $100
• Safety inspection: $50
• Total: ~$2,100-2,800 depending on island

Alternative: Buy in Hawaii:

• Used car price premium: $2,000-5,000+ vs comparable mainland car
• Unknown mechanical history
• Potential rust/salt damage (Hawaii climate)

Break-even: If your car is worth $6,000+ and reliable, shipping usually makes financial sense.

Step-by-Step Car Shipping Process (2026)

6-8 Weeks Before Your Move

1. Get quotes from Matson and Pasha – Prices and availability change; compare both
2. Decide ship vs buy – Run the numbers (see above)
3. Check your car loan status – Contact lender if you have an active loan (you’ll need a lien release letter for Hawaii registration)
4. Book your shipment – Reserve a spot on a vessel (summer is peak season, book early)
5. Pay deposit – Most carriers require 50% upfront

2-4 Weeks Before

1. Gather documents:
   • Vehicle title (must be in your name; no liens OR lien release letter from lender)
   • Vehicle registration
   • Driver’s license
   • Proof of insurance
   • Booking confirmation from carrier
2. Get a pre-shipment inspection – Document existing damage with photos/video (critical for claims)
3. Clean your car thoroughly – Inside and out (carriers inspect; dirty cars may be rejected)
4. Remove all personal items – Empty the car completely (carriers prohibit personal belongings)
5. Drain gas to 1/4 tank or less – Fire safety requirement

Week of Drop-Off

1. Final prep:
   • Disable car alarm (or carrier won’t accept it)
   • Retract/secure antenna
   • Remove toll tags (E-ZPass, FasTrak)
   • Check tire pressure
   • Ensure car is driveable (dead battery = rejection)
2. Drop off at port – Arrive during designated hours (typically 7am-3pm weekdays)
3. Inspection – Carrier inspects car, documents condition, issues Bill of Lading
4. Keys – Leave one key with carrier; take a photo of odometer reading

Ocean Transit (6-18 Days)

1. Track your vessel online – Both Matson and Pasha offer vessel tracking
2. Wait for arrival notification – Carrier emails when car arrives in Hawaii
3. Arrange pickup within 4 days – Storage fees ($50-150/day) kick in after free period

Arrival in Hawaii

1. Pick up at Hawaii port – Bring ID, Bill of Lading, payment for final balance
2. Inspect for damage – Check thoroughly BEFORE signing release (document any damage immediately)
3. Drive away – You can drive on mainland plates for up to 30 days

Within 30 Days of Arrival

1. Get Hawaii safety inspection ($25-75 at any inspection station – required before registration)
2. Register in Hawaii – Visit DMV with:
   • Safety inspection certificate
   • Mainland title
   • Proof of Hawaii residency
   • Hawaii insurance card
   • $45-150 registration fee (weight-based)
3. Get Hawaii license plates – DMV issues on the spot

How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping (Critical Checklist)

Carriers WILL reject your car if you don’t follow these rules:

✅ Required Before Drop-Off

• Clean car inside and out – USDA/agriculture inspection; dirty cars rejected
• 1/4 tank of gas or less – Fire safety regulation (carriers check)
• Remove ALL personal items – Glove box, trunk, seats—EVERYTHING (not insured; carriers reject cars with items inside)
• Disable car alarm – Must be permanently off (carrier won’t accept beeping cars)
• Retract or remove antenna – Prevents damage during loading
• Working battery – Car must start and drive (no dead batteries)
• Functional brakes and steering – Inoperable cars require special arrangements

📸 Strongly Recommended

• Photo/video documentation – Take detailed photos of all sides, close-ups of existing damage, odometer reading (critical for insurance claims)
• Note existing damage on Bill of Lading – Don’t sign until damage is documented
• Remove custom accessories – Removable items (GPS, radar detector, bike racks) should be taken off
• Check tire pressure – Properly inflated (carrier may drive your car short distances)
• Secure loose parts – Tape down convertible tops, secure spoilers, etc.

❌ Prohibited Items (Will Cause Rejection)

• Personal belongings (clothes, boxes, equipment)
• Firearms or ammunition
• Hazardous materials (cleaning supplies, propane, gas cans)
• More than 1/4 tank of gas
• Aftermarket parts not properly secured
• Active car alarm systems

What Happens If Your Car is Rejected?

• You lose your booked sailing slot
• You may forfeit your deposit
• You’ll have to rebook (potentially weeks later during busy season)
• You may incur storage fees if car is at port

Bottom line: Follow the rules precisely. Carriers are strict because they’re shipping hundreds of vehicles—they won’t make exceptions.

Hawaii Car Registration & Safety Inspection (2026)

Once your car arrives, you have 30 days to complete Hawaii registration. Here’s the process:

Step 1: Get Hawaii Auto Insurance

Required BEFORE registration. Hawaii requires:

• Liability coverage: Minimum $20,000/$40,000 bodily injury, $10,000 property damage
• No-fault personal injury protection (PIP): Mandatory in Hawaii

Cost: Hawaii insurance is typically 10-40% more expensive than mainland. Get quotes from:

• GEICO Hawaii
• State Farm Hawaii
• Progressive
• AAA Hawaii
• Island Insurance

Step 2: Safety Inspection (Required)

Hawaii requires annual safety inspections. First inspection must be done within 30 days of arrival.

What they check:

• Brakes, tires, lights, horn, windshield wipers
• No cracks in windshield
• Exhaust system (no excessive noise or emissions)
• Seat belts functional
• No check engine light (must pass emissions in some counties)

Cost: $25-75

Where: Any licensed inspection station (gas stations, repair shops—look for “Safety Check” sign)

Pro tip: Get inspection done before flying to Hawaii if possible (some mainland inspection stations will do Hawaii inspections for $50-100, saves time on arrival).

Step 3: Register at Hawaii DMV

Required documents:

• Hawaii safety inspection certificate (from Step 2)
• Vehicle title (original, not a copy)
• Hawaii driver’s license OR proof of Hawaii residency (lease, utility bill)
• Hawaii insurance card
• If financed: Lien release letter OR lien holder information

Cost: $45-150 depending on vehicle weight

Where: County DMV offices:

• Oahu: Honolulu (Kapalama), Windward (Kaneohe), Waianae, Kapolei
• Maui: Wailuku, Lahaina, Hana
• Big Island: Hilo, Kona
• Kauai: Lihue, Hanapepe

Wait times: Expect 1-3 hour waits at Oahu DMVs (arrive early; some offices allow appointments).

You’ll receive: Hawaii license plates and registration sticker immediately

Special Case: Active Car Loan

If you still owe money on your car:

1. Contact your lender – Tell them you’re moving to Hawaii
2. Request a lien release letter OR provide Hawaii DMV with lien holder info (they’ll note it on registration)
3. Some lenders require title transfer – Work with DMV to process correctly

Military PCS Car Shipping to Hawaii

Active-duty military members have additional options and benefits:

Government-Paid Shipping (TMO/PPO)

• Eligibility: Active duty on PCS orders to Hawaii
• Coverage: Government pays for one vehicle per household (via contracted carrier, often Matson)
• Process: Coordinate through your base Transportation Management Office (TMO) or Personal Property Office (PPO)
• Timeline: Book 6-8 weeks in advance (government contracts move slower)

Partial Reimbursement (MALT)

• If you ship privately: You may be reimbursed mileage for driving car to port (MALT rate: ~$0.22/mile)
• Not full reimbursement: Covers only the drive to/from port, not ocean shipping cost

Multiple Vehicles

• Government covers one vehicle
• Second vehicle: Pay out of pocket ($1,790-$2,600 depending on island) OR sell before moving

Hawaii Vehicle Registration Exemptions (Military)

• Active duty maintains home-of-record registration: You can keep your mainland plates/registration (don’t have to register in Hawaii)
• Must have: Military ID + PCS orders showing Hawaii as temporary duty station
• Benefits: Avoid Hawaii registration fees + annual safety inspections
• Requirement: Maintain valid mainland registration + insurance

Military Resources

• Base TMO/PPO: Schedule shipping, ask about contracted carriers
• Military OneSource: Free moving assistance – militaryonesource.mil
• USAA: Competitive Hawaii auto insurance rates for military members

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to ship a car to Hawaii in 2026?

$1,790 base rate from California to Honolulu via Matson (effective June 2026); outer-island ports (Hilo, Kahului, Nawiliwili) run $2,600. Add $200-800 for oversized vehicles and ~$300 in port fees + Hawaii registration. Total real-world cost: $2,100-2,900. Always get a current Pasha quote to compare.

How long does it take to ship a car to Hawaii?

Ocean transit: 6-18 days depending on route and carrier (California to Honolulu averages 7-12 days). Total door-to-door: 2-4 weeks including drop-off scheduling, ocean transit, and pickup.

Is Matson or Pasha better for shipping cars to Hawaii?

Both are reputable. Pasha is often slightly cheaper and has better customer service reviews. Matson has more frequent sailings and faster transit times. Get quotes from both—prices fluctuate seasonally.

Can I put personal belongings in my car when shipping to Hawaii?

No. Carriers strictly prohibit personal items. Your car must be completely empty (glove box, trunk, seats). Violating this rule can result in rejection at the port or confiscation of items.

Do I need to drain my gas tank completely?

No, but you must have 1/4 tank or less. This is a fire safety regulation—carriers check and will reject cars with more than 1/4 tank.

What if my car gets damaged during shipping?

Document ALL existing damage with photos/video before drop-off. Note any damage on the Bill of Lading. Inspect thoroughly at Hawaii pickup BEFORE signing the release form. File claims immediately—most carriers have a 24-48 hour claim window.

Can I ship a car with a cracked windshield?

Yes, you can ship it, but you’ll need to fix it before passing Hawaii’s safety inspection (required for registration within 30 days).

Should I ship my car or sell it and buy in Hawaii?

Ship if: Your car is worth $8,000+, you’re moving long-term (2+ years), and it’s in good condition. Buy in Hawaii if: Your car is worth under $6,000, has mechanical issues, or you’re moving short-term. See detailed analysis above.

Do military members get free car shipping to Hawaii?

Yes—active duty on PCS orders get one vehicle shipped free via government contract (through TMO/PPO). Coordinate 6-8 weeks in advance. Second vehicles must be shipped at personal expense.

Can I ship a non-running car to Hawaii?

Yes, but it costs extra ($200-500 surcharge) and requires special arrangements. The car must still have functioning brakes and steering for safe loading/unloading.

How much does Hawaii car registration cost?

$45-150/year depending on vehicle weight. Plus one-time safety inspection ($25-75). Total first-year cost: $70-225.

Can I drive in Hawaii with mainland plates?

Yes, for 30 days after arrival. After that you must register in Hawaii OR (if active-duty military) maintain valid mainland registration + carry PCS orders showing Hawaii as temporary duty.

Final Tips for a Smooth Car Shipping Experience

1. Book 6-8 weeks in advance – Summer (May-September) is peak season; availability is limited
2. Get quotes from both Matson and Pasha – Prices and dates vary; compare both
3. Document everything with photos/video – Before drop-off and at Hawaii pickup
4. Empty your car completely – No exceptions; carriers reject cars with personal items
5. 1/4 tank gas maximum – Fire safety rule is strictly enforced
6. Disable car alarm permanently – Must be off for entire shipping duration
7. Arrive early at port – Drop-off hours are limited (typically 7am-3pm weekdays)
8. Get Hawaii insurance quotes BEFORE arrival – You’ll need it for registration within 30 days
9. Budget $2,000-2,500 total – Shipping + fees + Hawaii registration
10. Track your vessel online – Both carriers offer tracking; check before flying to Hawaii

Shipping a car to Hawaii is straightforward if you follow the rules, plan ahead, and prepare your vehicle properly. With this guide, you’ll avoid common mistakes and ensure your vehicle arrives safely in paradise.

More Hawaii Moving & Living Guides

• How to Ship Household Goods to Hawaii (2026 Guide)
• How to Ship a Car to Hawaii: Costs & Process (2026)
• Moving to Hawaii with Pets: Quarantine & Direct Release
• Preschools in Hawaii: Costs, Waiting Lists & Top Programs
• Business Casual in Hawaii: What to Wear at Work
• Hawaiian Pidgin Slang: 100+ Words & Phrases
• Aloha Attire: What to Wear for Weddings & Events

This guide was last updated September 22, 2026, with current Matson and Pasha pricing, Hawaii DMV requirements, and military PCS shipping procedures. Rates and policies change frequently—always get current quotes before booking.

2026 Car Shipping to Hawaii: Cost Updates

Rates and logistics have shifted since early 2026. Three things to know before booking.

Matson base rates updated June 2026

Matson published new base rates effective June 7, 2026: $1,790 for a standard vehicle from any California or Oakland port to Honolulu, and $2,600 to outer-island ports (Hilo, Kahului, Nawiliwili). Fuel surcharges and port fees are additional. These represent a meaningful increase from 2025 rates. Always request an all-in quote rather than relying on base rate alone—and get a Pasha quote to compare before committing.

Build in buffer time for transit delays

Weather patterns and port scheduling can push actual arrival beyond published transit windows. Contact your carrier’s booking agent the day before vehicle drop-off to confirm the sailing status and current estimated arrival at the destination port.

New-resident registration deadline

Hawaii law (HRS §286-41) requires new residents to register their vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency. Late fees apply if the window is missed. Full procedure—safety inspection, title transfer, plates, and first-year registration—is covered in our Hawai’i DMV registration guide; budget $300–$500 all-in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to ship a car or buy one in Hawai’i?

Shipping a paid-off mainland car almost always makes financial sense. Honolulu dealer listings typically show comparable used vehicles priced $3,000–$5,000 above mainland equivalents, plus Hawaii’s 4.712% GET tax. At current Matson rates, shipping a standard car from California to Honolulu runs approximately $1,900–$2,000 all-in (base rate + port fees + registration). The math shifts if the vehicle is over 8–10 years old, has high mileage, or the move originates from the East Coast (longer rail-plus-ocean transit adds cost).

Can my car carry household items inside it?

A small amount, yes — most carriers allow up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk if they’re inventoried and the doors aren’t sealed (Matson’s rule per their published policy). Don’t try to stuff the back seat — they will refuse the shipment dockside.

What about military PCS shipments?

Active-duty PCS to Hawai’i continues to be covered by DoD-paid HHG shipment plus one POV. Move.mil is the official portal; the 2026 BAH update for Honolulu households was published in January and affects what you can claim against temporary lodging while waiting on car delivery.

For the broader context of relocating to Hawai’i, our complete moving guide covers what to expect across housing, schools, jobs, and the first 90 days. If you’re shipping household goods alongside the car, our shipping guide goes deeper on container vs. LCL options and 2026 freight rates.