Roll On/Roll Of Auto Transport (RORO) is the most common mode of shipping used to move motor vehicles from the mainland U.S. to the Hawaiian Islands. If that’s the first time you’re hearing the term “RORO,” it’s a method of car transport that refers to being moved in a storage area of a large ship designed to move vehicles. The name comes from way the vehicle is loaded onto the ship, which is by simply driving it into the cargo area, securing it for the trip to Hawaii, and then driving it off when it arrives—the car is “rolled on,” transported, and then “rolled off.”
Hawaii Auto Transport Price & Time Examples To Move Your Vehicle
| Shipping To/From Hawaii | cost | Distance | Estimated Time In Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville to Hawaii | $2558 | 4263 miles | 10 - 12 days |
| Local Area to St. Louis | $2457 | 4062 miles | 10 - 12 days |
| Hawaii to Chicago | $2526 | 4193 miles | 10 - 12 days |
| City Limits to Pittsburgh | $2779 | 4598 miles | 10 - 12 days |
| San Antonio to Hawaii | $2168 | 3614 miles | 8 - 10 days |
| Minneapolis to Local Area | $2350 | 3916 miles | 8 - 10 days |
About RoRo Vessels
RORO ships are large boats that are equipped with a ramp to make it easier to load cars onto the ship where they are stored for shifting, usually below the deck in a cargo hold. Using tie downs, each car is individually anchored in place so that they can safely be transported. The holding area is much like a large parking garage that is designed to hold many vehicles, sometimes as many as several hundred cars. One of the biggest advantages of using RORO ships to move your car to Hawaii is the fact that it is the least expensive option to safely relocate a car, truck or other vehicle by ocean transport.
A-1 Auto Transport is a nationwide and international car shifter with over 30 years of experience transporting vehicles. We offer FREE price quotes for all shipments, including to and from Hawaii, and our professional staff is available 24 hours a day. Call us today at 1-888-230-9116 for a FREE, no obligation estimate for RORO services to or from Hawaii!
Preparing Your Car For Roll On, Roll Off (RORO) Transport
Before your vehicle can be loaded onto the RORO carrier, there’s a few basic steps you’ll need to take in preparation, which include the following:
- Your car will need to be emptied of all personal content including luggage or boxes.
- The fuel tank should be no more than one-quarter full of gas.
- The car should be clean and make sure all dirt is removed from the wheels and undercarriage, so it will not blow onto the other cars during shipment.
- You will need to show proof of ownership as well as the title and registration prior to the car being loaded for transport.
One of the biggest advantages of using RoRo ships to move your car to Hawaii is the fact that it is the least expensive option to safely relocate a car, truck or other vehicle by ocean transport. On average, a RoRo ship will carry up to 300 cars per shipment.
If you live close to the port you can drive your car there yourself otherwise you can arrange highway transfer with the auto relocating business. Door-to-door delivery can be easily arranged for when the vehicle reaches Hawaii saving you the trouble of traveling to the port to collect it. When you choose a business to relocate your vehicle to Hawaii via RORO they should also be able to handle the overland transit from the mainland to the port and from the port to its final destination in Hawaii.
Car Shipping Resources
Hawaii Auto Transport - Learn more about our car shifting services and delivery options to and from Hawaii from our official shipping page, as well as other companies that deliver vehicles in the area.
Military POV Shipping To Hawaii - Are you a member of the military in need of car hauling services for your POV to Hawaii? We’ve got a great service for you too that includes a military discount! Click on the link to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is roll on roll off shipping when shipping your car to Hawaii?
Roll-on/roll-off shipping moves a vehicle between the mainland and Hawaii by driving or moving it onto a specialized vessel, securing it to the vehicle deck, and unloading it at the destination port. The method avoids putting a standard car inside a freight container and is widely used for cars, SUVs, and other wheeled cargo. Standard vehicle bookings usually require a car that can roll, steer, and brake safely, although some carriers have separate procedures for inoperable vehicles.
How much does roll on roll off shipping to Hawaii cost?
As of September 21, 2026, current market pricing for a standard sedan shipped from a California or West Coast port to Honolulu is about $1,500-$1,800. Recent published examples place Long Beach or Oakland-to-Honolulu service near $1,600-$1,700, with larger vehicles and neighbor-island destinations costing more. Vehicle dimensions, origin port, destination island, and any inland trucking account for most quote differences. A1's RoRo shipping cost guide explains the main pricing components.
How long does Hawaii car transport take using RoRo service?
For a West Coast-to-Hawaii RoRo shipment, plan on roughly 7-14 days for practical port-to-port timing, although the direct vessel leg can be shorter on some sailings. Pasha currently lists about five days from San Diego to Honolulu and about seven days to Hilo or Kahului after departure. Terminal processing, sailing schedules, and connections to another island can extend the usable delivery window, while adding mainland pickup commonly pushes the full shipment into the 14-30 day range.
What documents are required for Hawaii auto transport by sea?
Hawaii vehicle-shipping documents depend on which direction the car is traveling, but you should expect to provide your booking information and proof of ownership or registration. For Hawaii-to-mainland shipments, carriers may also require the current title, current registration, lienholder authorization when applicable, and authorization if someone other than the registered owner delivers the vehicle. Vehicles leaving Hawaii must also meet applicable agricultural inspection requirements, so the car should be clean and its compartments accessible before port drop-off.
Can a non-running vehicle be shipped to or from Hawaii using RoRo?
A non-running vehicle may be accepted on some Hawaii ocean services, but standard RoRo service normally expects a vehicle that rolls, brakes, and steers safely. Pasha currently lists special inoperable-vehicle handling with an additional $500 fee and identifies dedicated in-op procedures at Honolulu, so acceptance must be arranged before delivery to the terminal. A vehicle that cannot meet the assigned carrier's loading requirements may need different equipment or another transport method. A1's inoperable auto transport guide covers the ground-transport side of a non-running move.
Which ports handle roll-on/roll-off vehicle shipping between the mainland and Hawaii?
Hawaii RoRo vehicle service is concentrated around West Coast gateways and major Hawaiian ports. Matson publishes roll-on/roll-off wheeled-freight service between Long Beach and Oakland and the Hawaii ports of Honolulu, Kahului, and Hilo. Pasha also publishes vehicle service to Honolulu, Hilo, and Kahului through its mainland terminal network. The exact port matters because sailing frequency and neighbor-island connections can change the total schedule. A1's Hawaii car shipping guide covers the broader mainland-to-islands process.
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