Vehicle Auto Shipping
4.7 (67,926 reviews)

Big Island, HI Car Shipping

  • Shipping a car to the Big Island costs $1,600–$2,700, with RoRo service from West Coast ports offering the lowest rates.
  • Total transit takes 10–21 days, as vehicles route through Honolulu first before inter-island barge transfer to Hilo or Kawaihae.
  • Vehicles must pass a USDA inspection at the mainland departure port; personal items and fluid leaks disqualify a car from boarding.
Last updated May, 09 2026
Quote Calculator
No Surprises, Just Savings: Verified Carriers, Instant Quotes, and Best Price Guarantee!
Best price guarantee: save 20% compared to other companies with our local partner carriers!
Customer Images
7790 people shipped using A-1 Auto Transport last week
Big Island, HI Car Shipping

Car Transport Big Island Near Me

The Big Island, also known as Hawaii Island, is the largest in Hawaii. With a population of nearly 190,000 people and an area of more than 4000 square miles, it is the most oversized island in the United States and more significant than all the other isles of Aloha State combined. The Big Island is among the most beautiful places in HI, with spectacular waterfalls such as Akaka Falls and several botanical Gardens, including Aloha State, Tropical Botanical Garden, and Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens.

Agriculture, including crops such as macadamia nuts, flowers, papaya, tropical vegetables, and coffee beans, is vital to the area's growing economy. However, most of the economy is due to tourism, and there are several beautiful resorts on the island, such as North Kona and South Kohala. Those living on the island enjoy beautiful black sand beaches, horseback riding, sailing, snorkeling, and other water sports.

You can visit the Go Hawaii website for more information on things to do on the Big Island.

Pinned

New Deals are now available for shipping all types vehicles using our vetted reliable shippers. Compare price estimates & Unlock up 25% off.

Big Island Auto Transport Pricing & Time To Ship Your Car Examples

Last Updated: a few hours ago
Quick Answer: Shipping a car in Big Island, HI costs around $1,550 and takes 7–10 days.
Seasonal insight: Summer shipments to Hawaii peak, slightly extending delivery timelines.
See local transport rates and delivery estimates in the table below.

Shipping To/From Big IslandCostDistanceEstimated Time In Transit
Phoenix to Big Island$17302892 miles6-7 days
Local Area to Dallas$23373895 miles8-10 days
The Area to Kansas City$24584097 miles10-12 days
Local Delivery to Detroit$29384880 miles10-12 days
The City to Cleveland$29764944 miles10-12 days
Miami Beach to Big Island$31375195 miles12-14 days
New York to City limits$31795298 miles12-14 days
Boston to Local Area$33405582 miles12-13 days

*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle you are shipping.

Is Your Car Ready for Shipment?

Shipping to the Big Island of Hawaii can seem like a very overwhelming task to undertake. Keep these key points in mind to make sure that you and your motor vehicle are ready for overseas transport:

  • Before your car is shipped, you must thoroughly inspect it for signs of damage, including chipped paint, dents or dings, or other impairments. The vehicle should also be washed and all areas well cleaned, as US customs will not allow dirty cars to be shipped to Hawaii.
  • Although Aloha State is part of the United States, all personal items must be removed from the vehicle before being sent per the regulations of United States customs. If individual items are left inside the vehicle, customs agents can deny the vehicle for haulage.
  • All motor vehicles dispatching to Hawaii must be operable. Vehicles that do not run are ineligible for shipment. The car must be in good mechanical condition and clean, with no cracks or breaks in the windshield, and the emergency brake must work. The fuel in the car security system should be no higher than a quarter tank, or the alarm must be disabled.
A-1 Auto Transport Ships Worldwide.
Get a Free, No Obligation to Buy, Auto Shipping Quote.
Get my free quote now
or call us to do it for you:

Areas We Serve

Our auto transport services are proud to help you move in any of the neighborhoods listed below. If your neighborhood is not listed here, don't worry—we can most likely service it.

KeauhouKuakini HeightsWaiākea-Uka
OokalaKuhio VillagePu‘u‘eo
PāpaʻaloaAlii KaiHōnaunau
Pu‘uanahuluKopuafarmlotsPuna
White Sands Beach Estates  
red semi truck

Professional Auto Transport

Truthful Transport Inc. Car Shipping Services

Truthful Transport is a leader in the car shipping industry and is licensed and fully insured. It has been in business since 2010 and is family-owned and operated. It ships to all states in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, and your motor vehicle can be delivered to your new location on the Big Island. It offers safe shipping at the lowest prices available. It provides discounts for military personnel, auto dealerships, college students, and AAA members.

4800 North Federal Hwy. Suite 100 B

Boca Raton, FL

855-744-7878

Hawaii Car Transport

Car Transport makes motor vehicle shipping seamless and stress-free when you need to ship a car, SUV, truck, motorcycle or heavy equipment. They offer great rates and the fastest delivery possible to the Big Island. All shipments to Hawaii are easily tracked via convenient online tracking software, and all services are fully licensed, bonded, and insured.

Bethpage, NY

808-445-6695

white carrier

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ship a car to the Big Island?

Vehicles are shipped to the Big Island via ocean freight, typically departing from major West Coast ports like Long Beach or Oakland. Most cars arrive at the Port of Hilo or Kawaihae, depending on your final destination. Transport options include roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels and container shipping. 

How long does it take to ship a car to the Big Island?

The total shipping time usually ranges from 10 to 21 days, depending on your pickup location and the shipping schedule. Vehicles typically travel to Honolulu first before being transferred to the Big Island via inter-island barge. Weather and port delays can affect timing, so it’s best to plan ahead. For faster service, consider our expedited auto transport options.

What is the cost of Big Island car shipping?

Shipping a car to the Big Island typically costs between $1,600 and $2,700, depending on the type of transport, vehicle size, and pickup location. RoRo service is generally more affordable than container shipping. 

Can I have my car picked up from my home on the mainland?

Yes. A1 Auto Transport offers door-to-port service, where your car is picked up from your home and delivered to the departure port. From there, it’s shipped to the Big Island. This is ideal for long-distance moves or if you prefer to avoid driving to the port. Learn more about our door-to-door transport service.

Which port should I ship to on the Big Island?

The Big Island has two main ports: Hilo on the east side and Kawaihae on the west. The best choice depends on your destination. Hilo is ideal for residents in Hilo, Puna, and Volcano areas, while Kawaihae serves Kona, Waimea, and the Kohala Coast. If you're not sure which port fits your route, speak with your shipping coordinator.

Can I ship a non-running vehicle to the Big Island?

Yes, but special arrangements must be made. Non-operational vehicles require equipment like winches or forklifts to load and unload, which increases the cost. Be sure to disclose your car’s condition upfront so the correct equipment and carrier can be scheduled. For details, check out our inoperable auto transport options.

Mike Carter
Used them twice already
★★★★★

I’ve now shipped two cars using this company, both from Washington. Each time, the customer service was really responsive and easy to work with. They took the time to explain the whole process so I knew what to expect. Pricing lined up with going straight to the shipper and was competitive with others too. 

Steven Morales
Everything went without issues
★★★★★

I recently shipped my SUV from the Big Island over to California and the whole process was pretty much flawless. The info they gave upfront was clear, so when shipping day came everything was ready and there were no hiccups. When I picked up the vehicle, it was clean and no damage at all. 

Amanda Lopez
They handled most of it
★★★★★

It was honestly really easy, and the rate was about $200 cheaper than other companies I checked. They picked up the car and kept me posted when it was ready. I didn’t have to do much besides empty the car and set up pickup. They handled the rest, which I appreciated. 

Cynthia Brooks
Way easier than expected
★★★★★

Very easy to work with and the instructions for shipping from the mainland to the Big Island were clear. The driver kept me updated through texts, calls, and emails, which helped a lot. My vehicle even showed up earlier than I expected. I thought shipping a car would be complicated, but it really wasn’t. Just a smooth experience overall.

Recently featured on USA Today

“A1 Auto Transport became synonymous with top-notch service delivery, unfailing punctuality and constantly preoccupied with customer satisfaction.

See Article
Share this content on social media for a chance to get up to 20% off your next shipment.
Copy link
Joe Webster
Written ByJoe Webster
Connect with Joe Webster on facebookConnect with Joe Webster on linkedin
Dave loved the fast delivery Dave C.
★★★★★
Dave loved the fast delivery
My relocation to Chicago was fast, smooth and without any delay thanks to A1 Auto.
Courtney enjoyed the honest guidance Courtney J.
★★★★★
Courtney enjoyed the honest guidance
Just what you need when trusting someone with your wheels! Kudos to this company!
Jeff enjoyed the fair price Jeff D.
★★★★★
Jeff enjoyed the fair price
Moved my ride hassle-free with these folks.Fair pricing, no surprises. Definitely recommend them!
Maria enjoyed the special care and safety Maria L.
★★★★★
Maria enjoyed the special care and safety
Huge thanks to the movers – they were meticulous with my car. Love these guys.

Visit our social, and see what our clients are saying about us:

Ship Your Vehicle With A-1 Auto Today
Customer Images
7790 people shipped using A-1 Auto Transport last week
Scratch-Free Guarantee
Vetted Carriers
Transparent Costs

Our Partners:

Better Business Bureau Accredited
FMCSA Member
INC. 500 Member
VeriSign Secured
AMSA Member

A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F