Island auto transport
How to Ship a Car to Hawaii
Door-to-door vehicle transport to every populated Hawaiian island. We coordinate the mainland truck, the ocean sailing and the island delivery in one seamless move.
Shipping a car to Hawaii is not like a mainland move. The vehicle crosses the Pacific on a roll-on/roll-off vessel, which means timing, paperwork and port coordination matter as much as the truck ride. Enterprise Auto Transport handles the entire chain: mainland pickup, port delivery, ocean booking, and final door-to-door delivery on the island.
We ship to Hawaii Island, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai and Lanai. Every populated island is covered. Whether you are relocating, sending a car to family, or moving a classic or luxury vehicle, we quote the full move up front — no hidden port fees or surprise terminal charges.
The four stages of a Hawaii move
- 1
Mainland pickup
A vetted semi-truck carrier picks up your vehicle at your door, office or dealership. We use the same soft-tie system and photo inspection we use on every other move.
- 2
Port delivery
The truck delivers to the West Coast port — typically Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle or Tacoma depending on your route and sailing schedule.
- 3
Ocean transit
Your vehicle sails on a roll-on/roll-off car carrier. Transit across the Pacific usually takes 5–10 days depending on the island and carrier.
- 4
Island delivery
A local carrier meets the vessel at the destination port and completes door-to-door delivery. You inspect and sign the final bill of lading.
Island pages: to and from each island
Oahu
Honolulu Harbor
The Gathering Place · ocean transit 5–9 days
Car shipping to OahuMaui
Kahului Harbor
The Valley Isle · ocean transit 7–12 days
Car shipping to MauiHawaii Island
Hilo Harbor and Kawaihae Harbor
The Big Island · ocean transit 8–14 days
Car shipping to Hawaii IslandKauai
Nawiliwili Harbor
The Garden Isle · ocean transit 8–13 days
Car shipping to KauaiMolokai
Kaunakakai Harbor
The Friendly Isle · ocean transit 10–18 days including the inter-island barge leg
Car shipping to MolokaiLanai
Kaumalapau Harbor
The Pineapple Isle · ocean transit 10–18 days including the inter-island barge leg
Car shipping to LanaiNiihau: Privately owned and closed to the public. There is no commercial harbor or vehicle service. Kahoolawe: Uninhabited reserve managed by the state. No residents, no roads network and no vehicle transport.
Before you book
- Book 3–6 weeks ahead for peak summer and winter relocation seasons
- Remove all personal items — ocean carriers prohibit household goods inside vehicles
- Leave no more than a quarter tank of fuel
- Disable or remove toll transponders — we are not responsible for tolls incurred in transit
- Wash the vehicle so the inspection photos show existing condition clearly
- Have the title, ID and lienholder authorization ready
- $250,000 cargo coverage on open carriers
- $1,000,000 cargo coverage on enclosed carriers
- Licensed & bonded · USDOT #2273104 · MC #774106
- Owner Operated
- A+ rated with the BBB
Timeline
Typical Hawaii shipping timeline
Mainland to port
1–7 days
Pickup and overland transport to Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle or Tacoma.
Ocean crossing
5–10 days
Roll-on/roll-off vessel sailing to the destination island port.
Port to door
1–3 days
Local carrier pickup at the port and delivery to your address.
Guam
Shipping beyond Hawaii? We also serve Guam
Guam is a U.S. territory reached through the same West Coast port coordination process. Because the move crosses an international customs zone, paperwork is more detailed and transit times are longer. Call us for a firm Guam quote and a complete customs checklist.
West Coast port · customs documentation · marine cargo insurance · island-side delivery
FAQ
Hawaii car shipping questions
How long does it take to ship a car to Hawaii?
Plan on 2–4 weeks total. Mainland pickup and port delivery take 1–7 days depending on distance to the West Coast. Ocean sailing adds 5–10 days. Island-side delivery is usually 1–3 days after the vessel arrives.
Which Hawaiian islands do you ship to?
We ship to every populated island: Hawaii Island, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai and Lanai. Niihau is privately owned and Kahoʻolawe is uninhabited, so neither accepts regular vehicle transport.
Do I have to drop my car at the port?
No. Door-to-door service is available on both ends. If you prefer, you can also drop the vehicle at a mainland terminal or meet the local carrier at the destination port to save on local delivery fees.
Can I ship personal items inside the car?
No. Ocean carriers and cargo insurance strictly prohibit household goods inside the vehicle. The car must be empty except for a spare tire, jack and standard floor mats.
Is my vehicle insured during the ocean crossing?
Yes, but the coverage structure differs from a mainland-only move. Marine cargo insurance covers the ocean leg. We provide the certificate and explain exactly what is covered before you book.
Can you ship inoperable or oversized vehicles to Hawaii?
Yes, but it requires advance notice. Non-running vehicles need winch or lift-gate loading and may face tighter sailing schedules. Oversized trucks and lifted vehicles cost more and must be measured accurately.
What documents do I need?
A clear title or lienholder authorization, valid ID, and a signed bill of lading. If someone else drops off or picks up the vehicle, they need a notarized power of attorney plus their ID.
Can military members ship a POV to Hawaii?
Yes. We work with active duty, reserve and retired service members on PCS orders. We can coordinate with a spouse or designated adult holding power of attorney.
Ready to ship your vehicle to Hawaii?
Open and enclosed semi-truck carriers, door-to-door delivery and a coordinator who answers the phone.