Shipping an RV to Hawaii costs between $1,500 and over $12,000, influenced by size, weight, and shipping method. Small RVs (Class B models and travel trailers) typically range from $3,000 to $5,000, mid-size RVs (Class C models) from $5,000 to $7,500, and large RVs (Class A models) can cost $7,500 to $12,000 or more.
Can I bring an RV of any size to Hawaii?
You should do your research and ask questions about the size of the RV you are bringing to Hawaii. Not all roads in Hawaii are RV-friendly. Places like the Big Island have narrow roads or weight limits, but that's not to say RVs don't go there. Common RVs you'll find in Hawaii are converted VW buses, Class B RVs, and other types of RVs. Vehicles of these sizes provide enough legroom and help you maneuver when accessing remote beaches and steamy jungles.
Preparing for Shipping
To prepare your RV for shipping, make sure everything inside is properly secured. That means sealing all the cupboards shut, packing all dishes and other items in place, and making sure nothing will fall during transport.
Lock things down properly.
Please take off your household goods and put them somewhere secure. While out at sea, the waves and boat motion could cause minor damage to your recreational vehicle. Before you hit the road in your recreational vehicle, be sure you've taken the time to secure all of your belongings and remove everything you won't need.
Estimating the Price of Haunling Your Camper
While it's simple to estimate the shipping cost of a car from port to port to Hawaii, the same is not true for an RV. Recreational vehicles and motor homes come in a wide range of sizes, and the size of the vehicle will determine how much it's going to cost to ship. An RV similar in size to a car would cost similar rates, but a large RV will set you back more.
Sending a travel trailer or motorhome to Hawaii per cubic foot could cost around $3 to $5. Therefore, dispatching a 20-foot motorhome from the West Coast of the US could cost over $6000.
Discuss With A Transport Company
Talk with a shipping company and provide them with the specifications of your RV, including the length, width, and approximate weight and you'll get an accurate cost estimate of what you'll spend for hauling.
Time to Ship A Mobile Home to Hawaii
Generally, shipping an RV to Hawaii will take no longer than sending a car. That means if there are no delays during transit, you can expect moving from port to port to take between 5 and 9 days, depending on where in California you are leaving from and where you arrive in Hawaii. There are ports out of places like Texas as well, but the trip is lengthier and generally more expensive when delivery from locations farther east.
Enjoy year-round camping
To many people, it's more than worth the effort and cost to ship an RV to Hawaii. There are some camping opportunities, and many people enjoy placing RVs right on private land and enjoying the year-round camping conditions. Hawaii is an excellent place for anyone to live, and it's a good place to own an RV, too.
Work with A-1 Auto Transport
Traveling throughout Hawaii in your RV is possible if you work with the right company. A-1 Auto Transport can have your RV shipped safely to the Big Island of Hawaii where you can enjoy traveling the islands and having fun. We've shipped for several customers, so we can handle yours successfully, too. For quick service, you can call an RV shipping pro on the phone at (888) 230-9116 or fill out our online quote form.
Relevant Statistics
- Over 500 RVs are shipped to Hawaii annually from the mainland United States.
- The average cost of shipping an RV to Hawaii is $4,800.
- Approximately 85% of RV owners who are hauling their vehicles to Hawaii choose the port of Honolulu.
- On average, it takes 10-14 days for an RV to be shipped from the mainland to Hawaii.
- More than 90% of RVs shipped to Hawaii are used for vacation purposes by tourists and locals alike.
General Facts
- It is possible to ship an RV to Hawaii from the mainland United States.
- Some companies specialize in transporting RVs to Hawaii via cargo ships.
- The process involves preparing the RV for transport, securing it inside a shipping container, and then loading it onto a cargo vessel.
- Moving an RV to Hawaii can be an alternative to driving it across the country and then taking it on a ferry.
- The cost of shipping an RV to Hawaii varies depending on factors such as the size and weight of the vehicle, as well as the departure and arrival ports.
Popular Campgrounds
Some of the popular campgrounds for RVs in Hawaii are:
- Kaopuiki Campground
- Hedonistic Hawaii Eco-Community
- Whittington Beach Park
- Isaac Hale Beach Park
- Punaluu Black Sand Beach Park
- Kalupa State Recreation Area
- Ho Okena Beach Park
- Mahuka Beach Park and more
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship an RV to Hawaii?
As of August 10, 2026, current market evidence places many West Coast-to-Hawaii RV shipments at about $4,000-$10,000, with very large or unusually handled units running higher. Overall dimensions, weight, departure and arrival ports, and ocean loading method drive most quote differences. Matson and Pasha price RVs or oversized vehicles individually rather than at standard passenger-vehicle rates, so exact measurements matter. A1's RV shipping cost guide explains the main pricing inputs before you request a shipment-specific quote.
Can you ship a motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, or Airstream to Hawaii?
Yes. You can ship motorhomes and towable RVs to Hawaii, but the ocean arrangement depends on the unit's dimensions and whether it is self-powered. Pasha directs RVs and trailers to its oversize cargo team, while Matson also quotes RVs separately from standard automobiles. Pasha's standard passenger-vehicle dimensions stop at 21 feet 8 inches long, 8 feet wide, and 7 feet high, so many RVs require specialized handling. A1's travel trailer shipping guide covers the mainland transport side for towable units.
How long does it take to ship an RV to Hawaii?
From a California terminal, RV shipping to Hawaii typically takes about 10-21 days port-to-port, although the ocean crossing itself can be shorter after the vessel sails. Pasha currently lists roughly 5 days to Honolulu and 7 days to Kahului or Hilo after departure from San Diego. Sailing schedules, oversize loading, unloading, and terminal release account for much of the remaining time. If the RV starts inland or on the East Coast, add the separate ground-transport period needed to reach the California port.
What is the process for shipping an RV from the mainland to Hawaii?
Shipping an RV from the mainland to Hawaii starts with confirming its exact dimensions and weight so the ocean carrier can assign the correct service and terminal. Matson handles oversized cargo from Long Beach or Oakland to Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului, or Nawiliwili, while Pasha's oversize network uses National City with service to Honolulu, Kahului, and Hilo. You then complete the carrier's documents and preparation requirements before terminal delivery and sailing. A1's RV transport service can help coordinate the mainland ground-transport portion.
How should I prepare an RV for shipping to Hawaii?
Prepare an RV for Hawaii ocean shipping by removing loose personal belongings, cleaning the unit, and correcting leaks or mechanical problems before terminal delivery. Pasha's current vehicle rules require no more than one-quarter tank of fuel, no personal belongings, and a vehicle that can roll, brake, and steer without leaking fluids. RVs with propane or alternative-fuel systems should be discussed with the carrier's oversize team before drop-off because special handling may apply. Keep the required keys and shipment documents ready for terminal processing.
Are there Hawaii-specific laws for RVs once they arrive?
Yes. Registration, safety inspection, and camping rules depend on the island and county where you will use the RV. On Oahu, an out-of-state vehicle must obtain either an out-of-state permit or Hawaii registration within 30 days of arrival, and the process includes a Hawaii safety inspection. State-managed campsites require reservations and permits, and Hawaii DLNR generally limits stays at one campsite to five consecutive nights unless that location has a shorter limit. Check the destination county's motor-vehicle and campground rules before planning extended RV use.
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