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Shipping A Car From The Mainland To Hawaii

Published by Joe Webster.

Hawaii (HI), USA

Shipping A Car From The Mainland To Hawaii

Since Hawaii is an incorporated territory of the United States, it’s relatively easy (and affordable) to ship a vehicle there from the mainland. There are, however, a few minor requirements that you’ll have to meet that do not apply when shipping between other U.S. states, which we’ll go over in the sections below.

The most popular U.S. ports from which to ship a car to Hawaii are on the West Coast: Tacoma, Washington; Oakland, California; and Long Beach, California. (There are also shipping ports available in Anchorage and Kodiak, Alaska.) In Hawaii, these are the most frequently used ports for importing a vehicle:

  • Honolulu, Oahu
  • Hilo, Hawaii (Big Island)
  • Kawaihae, Hawaii (Big Island)
  • Kahului, Maui
  • Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai

Shipping Requirements

Before being shipped, the vehicle should be thoroughly cleaned, both inside and out. It also needs to be in good running condition since most car transport between the mainland and Hawaii involves driving the vehicle onto the storage area of a transport boat known as “RORO” or “roll on, roll off” auto shipping. Containerized shipping is the other option, in which the vehicle is secured inside a transport container and loaded onto the boat while inside the shipping container.

Looking for information about licensing and registering a vehicle you’ve shipped to Hawaii? This resource, from the Registrar of Imported Vehicles, has a wealth of information, including registration, inspection and certification standards.

Standard maintenance checks for things like the car battery, fluid levels and checking for leaks are a good idea before shipping as well. Most car transport companies will not move a vehicle that has a leak. (Non-running and inoperable vehicles can be shipped in some cases, usually at an additional charge, and arrangements should be made with the shipper ahead of time.)

Any nonpermanent components of the vehicle that can be removed should be removed before shipping your car. This can include anything from luggage racks, bike racks, GPS units, detachable car stereos, additional speakers or antennas, and any decorative, ornamental, or performance-related items.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-05nrQad2zY

Curious about the cost of shipping a car from the mainland to Hawaii? Use our online form to request a quick and FREE estimate on the cost no strings attached! Call us at the number at the top of the page with your questions!

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Required Documents For Shipping A Car To Hawaii

If you’re leasing a vehicle that you’d like to ship from the mainland U.S. to Hawaii, there may be some additional requirements. In some cases, you will not be able to import a leased car to Hawaii, but if you are eligible, you will need authorization from the lien holder.

These are the primary documents and clearances that you will need in most cases:

  • Valid license and current registration
  • Proof of ownership (title or bill of sale)
  • Authorization from lien holder (if vehicle is being leased)
  • Information about the consignee--the person who will pick up the vehicle
  • Bill of lading, which is need to register your car
  • Certificate of safety inspection

It should be noted that there are different inspection requirements that depend on the length of your stay in Hawaii. For temporary stays which do not involve a term long enough to require registration, an out-of-state permit must be applied for. For a new permanent resident of Hawaii, the vehicle must be registered within 30 days.

Click here to find location and contact information for Motor Vehicle Registration offices in Hawaii.

Call us today to learn more about transporting a vehicle to Hawaii, or if you have questions about any part of the process! We are happy to give out estimates at NO CHARGE, both over the phone and through our online form at the top right of this page!

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Joe Webster always knew the auto transport industry would be a great career option. And with decades of experience, Joe is now an established consultant for A1 Auto Transport.

Joe was born in Santa Cruz, California. During high school, Joe worked as a mechanic; a job continued to work part-time during his bachelor's degree.

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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
ShipYourCarNow LLC
1160 South Rogers Circle Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33487
NO. 025646
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F
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