How to Ship Car to Kauai from California?
The culture of Hawaii allows all sorts of lifestyles as there is much to do and see, making it a tremendous tourist hub as well as a popular destination for retirees and those looking for a more relaxed lifestyle.
Kauai or "Garden Isle" is the oldest islands in the Hawaii chain of islands. It is the 21st biggest island in US and the 4th largest in Hawaii. It is home to the Waimea Canyon State Park. Moving here can be an adventure especially when you come from California.
The rates for shipping a car to Kauaifrom California are based on several different factors such as the type of vehicle, pickup and destination location, timeframe as well as the type of relocating itself. The prices are usually subjected to alterations based on the size of the car – whether it’s a 4-wheel drive, a roof rack and so forth. There is an additional charge if the vehicle is inoperable. Most companies offer reliable and affordable transportation service (door to door and terminal to terminal) which is going to fit your budget.
- You can get quotes from auto transport services in advance in order to prepare for the pricey shipping from the island to the mainland and it’s pricier the other way around. This is why you might want to plan ahead and get as many quotes as you can in order to compare and find a good company that provides you a quote suitable for your range.
- You may need shifting services more than once. If you want to be completely independent throughout your traveling, you may need to relocate a car more than once.
As long as the vehicle is loaded on the ship, the transportation time is roughly about five days on the sea. The vehicles are offloaded which takes about 3-5 days. Once this is done, the shifting agent picks it up within 1-3 business days and if you’ve booked door-to-door, the auto transport service will need another 1-3 day to deliver it. If you are looking to get an estimate on the cost of moving, an average quote would be around $1,700-$1780 from California to Honolulu and to Kauai.
Method of Hauling
Most cars are shifted to Kauai by being placed in a watertight garage underneath the deck of the ship. Often, containers are not used to load the automobiles. Naturally, this is up to the operation, and you can learn this technique.
You must prearrange and prepay for the use of a fully enclosed container in order to have your vehicle transported. The distance between the car's location and the port determines whether a 20- or 40-foot container is more cost-effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Kauai?
Shipping a car from California to Kauai typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,200, depending on port selection (usually Oakland or Long Beach), vehicle size, transport method, and time of year. Costs rise during summer and early winter when Hawaii-bound freight volumes peak. Larger SUVs, lifted trucks, and vehicles with modifications may add $100 to $300. Terminal availability at Nawiliwili Harbor on Kauai and distance to your drop-off point also influence pricing. For a deeper breakdown of pricing variables, see the car shipping cost guide.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Kauai?
Most vehicles reach Kauai in 7 to 14 days after departing a California port. Transit time includes staging at the mainland terminal, vessel schedule alignment, ocean travel, and unloading at Nawiliwili Harbor. Shipments may take slightly longer during storm season (December through March) or when vessels run at capacity. Distance to the port from your California pickup address also affects scheduling if using a carrier to move the vehicle to the terminal.
What is the process for shipping a car to Kauai from California?
The process starts with booking your transport, completing documentation, and delivering the vehicle to the assigned California port. Cars must be clean, under a quarter tank of fuel, and free of personal belongings under FMCSA and port security rules. After inspection, your vehicle is placed in a RORO vessel or container for transit to Kauai. At arrival, you present identification, release forms, and pay any remaining port fees before pickup. Many customers pair ground pickup with Hawaii transport using a door to door transport service.
Should I choose RORO or container shipping to Kauai?
RORO is the most common and cost-effective method for Kauai shipments, offering straightforward loading and predictable weekly schedules from major California ports. Container shipping costs more, but it provides added protection for valuable, modified, or low-clearance vehicles—especially useful for classic vehicles or cars sensitive to ocean exposure. Weather on the Pacific route during winter can make container transport appealing for high-value cars. For maximum protection, some shippers compare it with enclosed auto transport.
What documents are required to ship a car from California to Kauai?
You’ll need the vehicle title or lienholder authorization, a valid photo ID, port release forms, and booking confirmation. Lienholders often require written approval before the vehicle can leave the mainland. Ports in California may also request registration and proof of ownership to meet security screening guidelines set by port authorities and DOT regulations. Ensuring all documents match exactly with your booking name helps prevent delays at drop-off.
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