Moving to Hawaii: What It Costs to Ship a Car and Household Goods
Relocating to Hawaii is a dream for many, but the logistics and cost of shipping a vehicle and personal belongings can feel overwhelming. The good news? Proper planning allows you to manage the process smoothly and avoid unnecessary expenses. Shipping costs vary depending on what you're moving, how far you're shipping from, and your chosen services.
What Affects the Cost of Shipping to Hawaii?
Several key factors impact your total shipping cost. For cars, expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,500, depending on your starting location and whether you choose port-to-port or door-to-port delivery. Shipping from the West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles or Seattle) will be more affordable than shipping to inland states like Texas or Florida. Household goods are priced by volume and weight. A small one-bedroom apartment’s worth of items might cost between $3,000 and $6,000 to ship.
You can reduce costs by consolidating your move into a single container or opting for shared shipping if you don’t have a full load. But keep in mind that convenience, speed, and flexibility often come with a higher price tag.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle and Belongings
Proper preparation is essential to prevent damage and meet shipping guidelines. Clean your car inside and out, take photos of its current condition, and remove all personal belongings. You’ll also need to ensure it’s in working condition (unless arranged otherwise) and has less than a quarter tank of fuel. Pack household items securely in boxes and clearly label fragile items. If you’re using container shipping, your mover will likely recommend or provide a detailed inventory list.
Transit Time and Scheduling Expectations
The typical transit time for shipping a car to Hawaii ranges from 7 to 14 days. Household goods may take 10 to 21 days, depending on the shipping company’s schedule and port availability. Delays can occur, especially during peak moving seasons or due to weather. That’s why it’s best to schedule your move at least 4–6 weeks in advance, particularly if you’re coordinating vehicle and household shipments.
Delivery and Pickup in Hawaii
Once your vehicle arrives at the port, typically Honolulu, Hilo, or Kahului, you or an authorized person must present valid ID and paperwork to pick it up. Household goods are usually delivered directly to your residence or a nearby unloading point, depending on accessibility. Be sure to scrutinize everything upon delivery. If any items or your vehicle show signs of damage, document it immediately and notify the carrier to start a claims process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car and household goods to Hawaii?
Shipping both together typically costs $6,500 to $12,000 when using a 20- or 40-foot container. A single car generally runs $1,500 to $2,500, while household goods account for most of the bill based on volume, weight, and port access. Costs rise when you’re far from West Coast ports or shipping a larger SUV or truck. Many shippers bundle vehicle and household items to reduce handling and terminal fees. For current car pricing ranges, see the car shipping cost guide.
How long does it take to ship a car and household goods to Hawaii?
Door-to-port and port-to-door timelines normally total 12 to 21 days, while ocean transit alone from the West Coast averages 7 to 14 days. Household-goods containers sometimes take slightly longer because of customs screening, fumigation checks, and loading windows. Delays increase during winter swells in the Pacific or peak PCS moves. Planning pickup several days before your preferred sailing date helps avoid missing a vessel departure.
What factors influence the total cost of shipping to Hawaii?
Key drivers include distance to the departure port, container size, total cubic footage of household goods, and the vehicle’s weight and class. Full-service pickup, difficult property access, and transporting from the East Coast can increase pricing significantly. Seasonal demand and fuel adjustments also affect Hawaii sailings. Carriers use DOT and maritime port guidelines when calculating surcharges, so quotes often change monthly.
Can I ship my car and household goods together to Hawaii?
Yes, you can, and it is often more cost-efficient. Most carriers require the car to be secured first, with boxed goods loaded around it and nothing packed inside the vehicle. The container must meet FMCSA and port safety rules, and some items may be restricted. Availability varies by carrier, so booking early helps ensure container space. You can compare alternatives, including dedicated vehicle-only options like the enclosed auto transport service.
Is it cheaper to use roll-on/roll-off (RORO) for the car and ship household goods separately?
Often yes. RORO for the vehicle typically costs $1,200 to $1,800, making it one of the cheapest ways to ship a car to Hawaii when compared to adding the car to a container. Household goods can then travel in a smaller LCL (less-than-container-load) shipment, which sometimes reduces your total spend by avoiding a full container. RORO does not allow personal items inside the vehicle, and schedules are less flexible than container service.
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