Texas to Hawaii Auto Transport

Shipping a car from Texas to Hawaii typically ranges $1,700 to $2,700, depending on distance to West Coast ports, vehicle size, and whether you use open or enclosed transport on the mainland. Costs also rise in peak summer and PCS season. Texas vehicles usually move by truck to Los Angeles or Oakland before ocean transit to Honolulu or Hilo. Sedans run on the lower end; large SUVs or lifted trucks trend higher. For mainland leg estimates, see the car shipping cost guide.

Most customers see total timelines of 10–20 days. The Texas mainland leg is generally 3–7 days, while the ocean crossing averages 7–12 days depending on vessel schedules. Congestion at West Coast ports and weather delays near Honolulu or Hilo can add time. Rural Texas pickups may also take longer to dispatch. Using door pickup with terminal drop on the West Coast can shorten wait times.

The process includes mainland carrier pickup, transport to a West Coast port, vehicle inspection, and ocean freight to Hawaii. Most shippers require clean vehicle condition, no household goods, and specific fuel limits. Pickup windows in Texas run 24–72 hours, after which your vehicle is loaded for the port. You can choose door-to-door on the mainland using the service.

Yes. Carriers typically require a government-issued ID, vehicle registration, title or lienholder authorization, and a signed shipping release. Hawaii ports enforce strict agricultural inspections, so the vehicle must be fully cleaned inside and out. Lienholders often need 5–7 days to issue written approval. The DOT and FMCSA require all carriers to hold active operating authority and insurance.

Inoperable vehicles can be shipped, but expect added fees for winching or forklift loading, and fewer carriers accept them for the Texas-to-port leg. The vehicle must roll, brake, and steer for most ocean carriers. If it cannot, specialized handling is required and schedules may be limited. For alternatives that calculate additional handling, see the cost guide.

Enclosed transport is available for the mainland portion and is often used for luxury, exotic, and collector vehicles. Enclosed carriers offer liftgate loading, low-suspension handling, and added weather protection before reaching the West Coast port. It adds $300–$800 depending on route and timing. Learn more.

The biggest price drivers are distance to the port, vehicle size, carrier type, seasonality, fuel pricing, and shipping to islands beyond Oahu. Trucks and SUVs take more deck space, raising rates. Summer, PCS, and holiday surges increase demand. Mainland routing from cities farther from Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio requires longer truck legs. Ocean carriers adjust fuel surcharges frequently, which shifts pricing month to month.