
Shipping Cars To Or From Port of Hilo, Hawaii
The Port of Hilo Harbor is located on the Hawai’i Island, also known as Hawaii County, in the US State of Hawaii. As the second biggest city in Hawaii, it is a major business center, not only in Hawaii county but the entire state. It is a port of entry to the island for the purposes of trade and tourism. Hawaii Department of Transportation’s Harbors Division manages the port. Vehicles are among the major commodities shipping through this port. Read on to learn more about shipping cars to or from Port of Hilo, Hawaii.
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Port of Hilo Auto Transport Pricing & Time To Ship Your Car Examples
| Shipping To/From Port of Hilo | Cost | Distance | Estimated Time In Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas to Port of Hilo | $1697 | 2828 miles | 6-8 days |
| Port of Hilo to Phoenix | $1721 | 2851 miles | 6-8 days |
| Port of Hilo to Memphis | $2593 | 4305 miles | 10-12 days |
| Port of Hilo to New Orleans | $2599 | 4315 miles | 10-12 days |
| Port of Hilo to Chicago | $2744 | 4573 miles | 10-12 days |
| Miami to Port of Hilo | $2942 | 4903 miles | 10-12 days |
| Tucson to Port of Hilo | $3092 | 5154 miles | 12-14 days |
| Boston to Port of Hilo | $3325 | 5541 miles | 12-14 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and what type of vehicle you are shipping.

Car shipping
The Harbors Division of the Hawaii DOT operates all three piers at the port. All the three piers can receive general container cargo and vehicles. Pier 2 has a platform that is used to load and unload roll-on/roll-off (Ro/Ro) cargo. So, the port can be used to ship cars in containers and through the Ro/Ro shipping method. The port has storage facilities auto transporters use before shipping the cars.
The port is a US Customs and Border Protection designated port of entry. It has customs officers that can inspect vehicles imported into the island from overseas. Please note that vehicles shipped from the other 49 states of the US need not be inspected as they already conform to the EPA and US DOT standards.
Finding a good auto shipper
Not all US based transporters provide the services of shipping cars to or from Port of Hilo, Hawaii. There is a sea between mainland US and Hawaii. Therefore, the process of shipping to and from Hilo is more like the international car shipping process.
To find the right shipper to transport your car to or from Hawaii through Hilo:
- Find top auto transport companies on review sites such as Yelp, Consumer Affairs, BBB, and Transport Reviews.
- Find out if the car shipper you want to work with is experienced in shipping to and from Hawaii.
- Check the shippers licensing and safety records on the Federal Motor Carrier Security Authority website.
- Request quotes from several shippers to try and establish the average cost of the shipping. Never hire a shipper solely on price as a low quote could indicate poor services, and neither does a high price guarantee quality services.
- Ask about the shipper’s schedule. Often, you will find the shippers fleet is tied up in other transport jobs, such that they will take a lot of time before scheduling your shipment.
- Before hiring, make sure you ask for proof of insurance.
Car shipping services we offer
We are an experienced, licensed, and insured transport company offering affordable shipping services at the Port of Hilo. We offer three main car transportation services in Hilo:
- International car shipping. We can ship from Hilo to a long list of overseas destinations and vice versa.
- Car transportation to and from the contiguous Us states and Alaska.
- Over land car transportation within the Hawaii Island.
If you are seeking the services of shipping cars to or from Port of Hilo, Hawaii, look no further. Request a free quote on this page. For more information, call us on (888) 230-9116.
Neighborhood Areas We Serve
Our auto transport services are proud to help with your move in any of the neighborhoods you see below. And if you don't see your neighborhood listed here, don't worry because we can most likely service it.
| Kalanianaole Street | Kumau Street | Kuhio Street |
| Silva Street | Deshe Avenue |

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Port of Hilo Auto Transport?
Port of Hilo Auto Transport refers to vehicle shipping services that move cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles through Hilo Harbor on Hawaii’s Big Island. As Hawaii’s busiest commercial harbor, the port serves as a key gateway for vehicles arriving from or departing to the U.S. mainland. Most shipments combine ocean transport with local pickup or delivery services. Customers moving vehicles within Hawaii may also benefit from inter-island vehicle shipping options.
How long does it take to ship a vehicle through the Port of Hilo?
Most mainland-to-Hilo vehicle shipments take 7–14 days, although schedules vary based on departure port, vessel availability, weather conditions, and seasonal demand. Vehicles arriving from West Coast ports such as Los Angeles or Oakland often move faster than shipments originating farther inland. During peak relocation periods and holiday seasons, booking early can help secure preferred sailing dates and reduce transit delays.
How much does Port of Hilo auto transport cost?
Port of Hilo auto transport pricing generally ranges from $1,200 to $2,500+ for standard vehicles shipped between Hawaii and the mainland. Costs depend on vehicle size, shipping route, transport method, fuel prices, and delivery requirements. SUVs, oversized trucks, and expedited services usually cost more. For a better estimate, compare route distance, timing flexibility, and current market demand using a car shipping rate guide.
Can I ship a car from Port of Hilo to the mainland United States?
Yes. The Port of Hilo regularly handles vehicle shipments to and from major mainland ports. Cars are typically transported by ocean carrier and then connected to ground transportation when necessary. Before shipping, owners should provide registration information, valid identification, and ensure the vehicle meets carrier requirements. Many customers choose door-to-door auto transport to simplify pickup and final delivery after the ocean portion of the move.
What should I do before dropping off a vehicle at the Port of Hilo?
Before delivery, remove personal belongings, document the vehicle’s condition with photos, leave only about one-quarter tank of fuel, and ensure the vehicle is operational unless special arrangements have been made. Carriers may also require proof of ownership, vehicle registration, and government-issued identification. Completing these steps helps prevent delays and supports a smoother inspection process when the vehicle is received at Hilo Harbor.
Is enclosed transport available for vehicles shipped through Hilo Harbor?
Yes. While ocean transport follows carrier-specific vessel procedures, enclosed ground transportation can be arranged before departure or after arrival. This option is popular for luxury vehicles, exotic cars, classic automobiles, and collector vehicles needing added protection from road debris and weather exposure. Owners of high-value vehicles often select enclosed vehicle transport when connecting shipments between the harbor and their final destination.



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