The Big Island · Hilo / Kawaihae
Car Shipping To & From Hawaii Island
Hawaii Island has two cargo harbors. Hilo serves the wet east side, and Kawaihae serves the Kona and Waimea side. Choosing the correct port matters — the drive between them is roughly two hours, and the wrong pick adds cost and days.
Hilo Harbor and Kawaihae Harbor
Destination harbor
8–14 days
Ocean transit
Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma
Mainland load ports
Shipping a car to Hawaii Island
We route the vehicle to whichever harbor is closest to your delivery address, then a Big Island carrier handles the final leg to Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa, Waimea, Volcano or Hilo.
Shipping a car from Hawaii Island to the mainland
Big Island departures are the longest of the island lanes. Book three to six weeks out, especially November through January and again in the spring relocation window.
Sailing frequency: Weekly service split between the east and west side ports.
Delivery areas on Hawaii Island
- Hilo
- Kailua-Kona
- Kawaihae
- Waimea
- Waikoloa Village
- Captain Cook
- Kealakekua
- Honokaa
- Pahoa
- Keaau
- Volcano
- Naalehu
- Ocean View
- Holualoa
Ocean service to Hawaii Island
We book Hawaii Island vehicles on the scheduled ocean services that call Hilo Harbor and Kawaihae Harbor. Pricing on this page follows the published port-to-port ocean rate for Hilo Harbor and Kawaihae Harbor, with our $299 broker fee included in the total. Electric vehicles are placed on an EV-approved sailing, which carries its own tariff and stowage rules.
Gas & hybrid vehicles
Service to Hilo Harbor and Kawaihae Harbor
Electric vehicles
EV-approved service to Hilo Harbor and Kawaihae Harbor via Honolulu
What it costs to ship a car to Hawaii Island in 2026
Indicative door-to-door totals for a standard running sedan on an open mainland carrier plus the ocean leg. Each total is built on the published port-to-port ocean rate for Hilo Harbor and Kawaihae Harbor (currently $1,950 – $2,600 for a standard passenger vehicle) and already includes our flat $299 broker fee. SUVs, trucks and oversized vehicles price higher, and an enclosed mainland leg adds roughly 40–60%.
$2,000 – $2,650
From the West Coast
$2,700 – $3,300
From the Midwest / Texas
$3,100 – $3,850
From the East Coast
Both Hilo and Kawaihae are served; the harbor closest to your delivery address usually prices best. Totals include the ocean rate and the $299 broker fee. The $299 broker fee is inside the totals above, not added at booking. Ranges are estimates only — fuel, vessel space and your exact addresses set the final number. See the full Hawaii cost breakdown.
What to know about this lane
- Tell us your delivery town first — it decides whether we book Hilo or Kawaihae
- Longest ocean leg of the main islands; build extra buffer into your schedule
- Non-running vehicles need winch or lift-gate handling arranged in advance
Prepare your vehicle
- Empty the vehicle — no household goods, boxes or loose items are permitted on the ocean leg
- Leave roughly a quarter tank of fuel
- Turn off and remove toll transponders — we are not responsible for tolls charged in transit
- Wash the car so inspection photos clearly show existing condition
- Disable alarms and provide one working key
- Have the title or lienholder authorization and photo ID ready
- $250,000 cargo coverage on open carriers
- up to $2,000,000 cargo coverage on enclosed carriers
- Licensed & bonded · USDOT #2273104 · MC #774106
- Owner Operated
- BBB Accredited Business | A+ Rating
Rates
Hawaii Island prices by vehicle type
Hawaii Island — what each vehicle type costs
West Coast terminal to Hawaii Island harbor. Ranges reflect current published ocean tariffs for the measured size bucket, plus our flat $299 broker fee in the total column.
| Vehicle type | Size bucket | Ocean rate | EV ocean rate | Port-to-port total with our fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car / sedanCamry, Accord, Civic, 3 Series, Model 3 | Up to about 193 in long and 71 in tall | $1,950 – $2,600 | $2,450 – $3,250 | $2,250 – $2,900 |
| Crossover / small SUVRAV4, CR-V, Equinox, Q5, Model Y | Up to about 195 in long and 72 in tall | $2,185 – $2,910 | $2,745 – $3,640 | $2,485 – $3,210 |
| Mid-size SUV / wagonHighlander, Explorer, Grand Cherokee, 4Runner | Up to about 200 in long and 74 in tall | $2,340 – $3,120 | $2,940 – $3,900 | $2,640 – $3,420 |
| Minivan / passenger vanOdyssey, Sienna, Pacifica, Carnival | Up to about 205 in long and 70 in tall | $2,420 – $3,225 | $3,040 – $4,030 | $2,715 – $3,525 |
| Full-size SUVTahoe, Suburban, Expedition, Escalade, Sequoia | Up to about 226 in long and 77 in tall | $2,615 – $3,485 | $3,285 – $4,355 | $2,910 – $3,785 |
| Pickup truck — standard cab and bedF-150, Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, Tacoma | Up to about 232 in long and 78 in tall | $2,690 – $3,590 | $3,380 – $4,485 | $2,990 – $3,885 |
| Crew cab / long bed / heavy dutyF-250, Ram 2500, Silverado 2500 crew cab, mega cab | About 233 – 250 in long, up to 80 in tall | $3,025 – $4,030 | $3,800 – $5,040 | $3,320 – $4,330 |
| Lifted, dually, or cargo vanLifted trucks, oversized tires, dually rear axle, Transit / Sprinter | Over 250 in long or over 80 in tall — measured at the terminal | $3,470 – $4,630 | $4,360 – $5,785 | $3,770 – $4,925 |
Included in the total
- • Port-to-port ocean transport on a fully enclosed roll-on/roll-off vessel
- • Our flat $299 broker fee, already included in the total column
- • Booking paperwork, sailing selection and terminal drop-off instructions
- • Photo-documented condition report at drop off and at pickup
Quoted separately
- • Mainland door-to-port trucking to the West Coast terminal (quoted separately)
- • Island door delivery from the harbor (quoted separately unless your quote says door-to-door)
- • State and county taxes, harbor fees and fuel adjustments in effect at sailing
- • Cleaning or agricultural re-inspection if the vehicle fails the soil inspection at the terminal
Ocean pricing to Hawaii is set by measured vehicle size, not by make or model. The terminal measures overall length, width and height at drop off, including anything bolted on — roof racks, light bars, bull bars, lift kits, oversized tires, bed racks and hitch-mounted carriers all move a vehicle into the next size bucket. Give us the year, make, model and any modifications and we quote the correct bucket up front instead of surprising you at the port.
Battery-electric vehicles ship on an EV-approved vessel service with its own ocean tariff, state-of-charge limits and stowage rules. EV totals run roughly $500 – $700 above the comparable gas or hybrid rate, and the $299 broker fee is still included. Tell us the vehicle is electric when you request your quote so we price the correct sailing the first time.
Measurements
How each vehicle type is measured — and what qualifies
Ocean pricing is set by the size the terminal measures, not by the make and model. Check your vehicle against the limits below before you book, and note the extra rules that apply to electric vehicles.
Length
Park on level ground and measure bumper to bumper, including a hitch, spare tire carrier, ladder or anything protruding. Do not use the manufacturer spec sheet — measure the vehicle as it will arrive.
Height
Measure from the ground to the highest fixed point: roof rack crossbars, light bar, antenna base, camper shell or roof tent. Fold or remove anything you can. Air suspension should be at normal ride height.
Width
Measure across at the widest point, mirrors included. Fender flares, dually rear axles and wide off-road tires all count. Mirrors that fold flat can be measured folded if they stay folded at drop off.
- Max length
- 193 in (16 ft 1 in)
- Max height
- 71 in (5 ft 11 in)
- Max width
- 80 in including mirrors
Eligible when
- • Drives on and off the vessel under its own power
- • At least 4 in of ground clearance, or declare it as low clearance for ramp boards
- • No more than a quarter tank of fuel at the terminal
- • One working key and remote handed to the terminal
What moves it to the next size bucket
- • Roof box, bike rack or ski rack — remove it or you are quoted as a crossover
- • Lowered suspension or a front splitter under 4 in needs low-clearance handling
- Max length
- 195 in (16 ft 3 in)
- Max height
- 72 in (6 ft 0 in)
- Max width
- 80 in including mirrors
Eligible when
- • Factory roof rails are fine; crossbars and cargo boxes are not
- • Runs and drives, brakes and parking brake functional
- • Tires at correct pressure and no spare mounted on the rear door
What moves it to the next size bucket
- • Cargo box or roof tent moves it to mid-size SUV pricing
- • Rear-mounted spare or hitch cargo tray adds to measured length
- Max length
- 200 in (16 ft 8 in)
- Max height
- 74 in (6 ft 2 in)
- Max width
- 80 in including mirrors
Eligible when
- • Third-row seating and factory towing packages are accepted
- • Aftermarket bumpers and winches must be declared in advance
- • No cargo, tools or household goods inside — the terminal will refuse it
What moves it to the next size bucket
- • Light bar, safari rack or roof tent adds height and re-buckets the vehicle
- • Over 33-inch tires typically lifts height past 74 in
- Max length
- 205 in (17 ft 1 in)
- Max height
- 70 in (5 ft 10 in)
- Max width
- 80 in including mirrors
Eligible when
- • Passenger and mobility conversions are accepted with a working ramp or lift secured
- • Wheelchair lifts must be stowed and locked before drop off
- • All rear seats installed or removed — no loose seats in the cargo area
What moves it to the next size bucket
- • Raised fiberglass roof conversion becomes a cargo-van class quote
- • Hitch carriers and rear ladders add measured length
- Max length
- 226 in (18 ft 10 in)
- Max height
- 77 in (6 ft 5 in)
- Max width
- 80 in including mirrors
Eligible when
- • Stock ride height with factory or same-diameter replacement tires
- • Running boards, step bars and factory roof rails are included in the bucket
- • Air suspension must be left in normal ride height, not raised
What moves it to the next size bucket
- • Any lift kit, even 2 in, moves the vehicle to the oversize bucket
- • Roof racks with crossbars usually push height past 77 in
- Max length
- 232 in (19 ft 4 in)
- Max height
- 78 in (6 ft 6 in)
- Max width
- 80 in including mirrors
Eligible when
- • Standard cab or extended cab with a standard bed, stock height
- • Tonneau covers are fine; hard camper shells are measured for height
- • Bed must be empty — tool boxes may stay if bolted in and empty
What moves it to the next size bucket
- • Crew cab or long bed moves you to the heavy-duty bucket
- • Bull bar, bed rack, headache rack or antenna mast adds measured size
- Max length
- 233 – 250 in (19 ft 5 in – 20 ft 10 in)
- Max height
- 80 in (6 ft 8 in)
- Max width
- 84 in including mirrors and flares
Eligible when
- • Crew cab, mega cab, long bed and 3/4- or 1-ton heavy duty accepted
- • Fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitches may stay if they sit below bed-rail height
- • Dual rear wheels must be declared — the width band changes
What moves it to the next size bucket
- • Over 250 in long or over 80 in tall is quoted as oversize
- • Flatbed conversions and service bodies are measured individually
- Max length
- Over 250 in — measured at the terminal
- Max height
- Over 80 in — measured at the terminal
- Max width
- Over 84 in — measured at the terminal
Eligible when
- • Lifted trucks, duallys, cargo vans and high-roof Sprinter/Transit vans
- • Total height including racks, light bars and antennas must clear the vessel deck
- • Photos of the vehicle with a tape measure at the tallest point speed up the booking
What moves it to the next size bucket
- • Anything over 96 in tall may need a specific sailing with a high deck
- • Non-running oversize vehicles need winch service at both ends
Electric vehicle requirements
- • State of charge must be between roughly 30% and 50% at terminal drop off — a full battery is refused on most EV sailings
- • The vehicle must ship on an EV-approved vessel service, which sails less often than standard roll-on/roll-off
- • Charge port must close and latch; aftermarket charge-port modifications must be declared
- • No aftermarket or damaged battery packs, and no vehicle with an open battery recall or a dashboard battery fault
- • Charging cables and adapters travel in the frunk or trunk only if the terminal allows them — otherwise ship them separately
- • Transport mode (Tesla), tow mode or neutral hold must be demonstrable so the vehicle can be moved on deck
- • Plug-in hybrids follow the same charge-level rule; conventional hybrids ship on standard sailings
- • EV ocean tariffs run roughly $500 – $700 above the comparable gas rate for the same measured size bucket
Not accepted on a standard sailing
- • Active fuel, oil or coolant leaks
- • Damaged or unsecured lithium battery packs, including in EVs and plug-in hybrids
- • Vehicles loaded with household goods, tools or personal belongings
- • Propane, fuel cans, ammunition, aerosols or any hazardous material on board
- • Salvage or fire-damaged vehicles without prior terminal approval
- • Vehicles that cannot be steered or braked, unless booked as non-running with winch service
Coverage
Insurance and handling on Hawaii Island moves
$250,000 open coverage
Standard open-carrier moves on the mainland legs carry $250,000 in cargo coverage. We send the certificate before dispatch, every time.
$1,000,000 enclosed coverage
Collector, exotic and luxury vehicles ride enclosed on the mainland leg with up to $1M in coverage and padded soft-tie strapping over the tires — never chains on the frame.
Marine cargo on the ocean leg
The Pacific crossing is covered by the ocean carrier's marine cargo policy. We explain exactly what it does and does not cover before you book.
Ocean booking details
Hawaii ocean service, documents and pricing
Book now to receive a $50 Aloha Spirit Web Discount
Applied to qualifying mainland-to-Hawaii and Hawaii-to-mainland bookings made online or by phone. Ask your coordinator to confirm the discount before your booking agreement is signed.
Pricing on this page follows the published ocean rates for the island and harbor you are shipping to. Our flat $299 broker fee is already included in every total shown — it is never added after booking. Mainland door-to-port trucking and island door delivery are quoted separately unless your quote states door-to-door.
Direction
Mainland to Hawaii
Origin service
Drop off — Los Angeles, CA
Destination service
Pickup — Honolulu
Active military?
Ask about the active military member discount
Required documents — shipping to Hawaii
- Signed booking agreement
- Title OR bill of sale OR vehicle registration (must be current at the time of sailing)
- Military orders (if applicable)
- Registered owner must be present at drop off
- If the owner is not present, we require a notarized authorization letter or Power of Attorney
Someone else dropping the vehicle off?
Use our release / authorization letter. Print it, complete it, and have it notarized before drop off.
Get the release formShipping options
Standard service
From $1,369 total — $1,070 ocean rate + $299 broker fee
Standard vehicle transport between the California and Hawaii ocean terminals — San Diego, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Honolulu (Oahu), Hilo (Big Island) and Kahului (Maui). Autos, trucks, SUVs and minivans sail safely aboard fully covered roll-on/roll-off vessels.
Premium service
From $4,099 total per standard unit — $3,800 ocean rate + $299 broker fee
Sail on the voyage of your choice with guaranteed availability at destination — or 75% of the ocean shipping fees are refunded. Premium service must be booked over the phone, so call us and we will arrange it with the ocean carrier for you.
California pickup & delivery
Flat rate — $299 broker fee already included
An easy flat-rate residential pickup and delivery service for California customers. We arrange pickup or delivery at your California residence to or from the closest ocean terminal.
Active military member discount
Available — discount applied before the $299 broker fee
Active duty service members shipping a POV qualify for a military discount. Have your orders ready and let your coordinator know when you request the quote.
Cancellation policy
We understand circumstances may arise that change your travel plans. For this reason an existing reservation can always be rolled to a future voyage without penalty. If you wish to cancel the entire ocean reservation, a $75 processing fee is deducted prior to your refund.
FAQ
Hawaii Island car shipping questions
Should I ship to Hilo or Kawaihae?
Can you ship a car from Hawaii Island back to the mainland?
Can I leave belongings in the vehicle?
Do I need to remove my toll transponder?
What paperwork is required?
Other islands
We ship to every populated Hawaiian island
Oahu
Honolulu Harbor
Ocean transit 5–9 days
View island pageMaui
Kahului Harbor
Ocean transit 7–12 days
View island pageKauai
Nawiliwili Harbor
Ocean transit 8–13 days
View island pageMolokai
Kaunakakai Harbor
Ocean transit 10–18 days including the inter-island barge leg
View island pageLanai
Kaumalapau Harbor
Ocean transit 10–18 days including the inter-island barge leg
View island pageReady to ship your vehicle to Hawaii Island?
Open and enclosed semi-truck carriers, door-to-door delivery and a coordinator who answers the phone.