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.

(239) 273-4649 Get a free quote

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

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

Free instant quote

Hawaii Island transport quote

No obligation. A real coordinator replies within one business hour.

Pickup location

Delivery location

Preferred pickup date

Service type

Seasonal booking window

Snowbird routes fill fast. Booking three to six weeks ahead helps us secure priority dispatch with our preferred carrier network. Lead times shown are estimates, not guarantees.

Vehicle year, make and model

Vehicle type

Transport level

Does the vehicle run?

Full name

Phone

Anything else we should know? (optional)

I have shipped with Enterprise Auto Transport before. Check this box so we can prioritize your dispatch through our preferred carrier network.

Email me the Auto Transport Quote Checklist (PDF). A coordinator will attach it to your quote reply — you can also download it instantly on the next page.

Fraud alert: confirm you are contacting the real Enterprise Auto Transport.

Other companies may use our name in ads. Our only official phone and email are:

(239) 273-4649 support@enterpriseautotransport.com

If someone gives you different contact info, report it here.

Your details are never sold or spammed.

$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

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 pay a deposit.

FAQ

Hawaii Island car shipping questions

Should I ship to Hilo or Kawaihae?

Deliveries in Hilo, Puna, Volcano and Hamakua go through Hilo Harbor. Kona, Waikoloa, Waimea and the South Kohala resorts are served through Kawaihae. We pick the port that puts your car closest to the door.

Can you ship a car from Hawaii Island back to the mainland?

Yes. Westbound and eastbound moves use the same chain in reverse: we collect the vehicle on Hawaii Island, deliver it to Hilo or Kawaihae Harbor, book the ocean sailing, then dispatch a mainland semi-truck carrier for door delivery once the vessel discharges on the West Coast.

Can I leave belongings in the vehicle?

No. Ocean carriers and the marine cargo policy prohibit household goods, boxes and loose items. The car travels empty apart from the factory spare, jack and floor mats.

Do I need to remove my toll transponder?

Yes. Remove or fully disable any toll transponder before pickup. Enterprise Auto Transport is not responsible for tolls or transponder charges incurred while a vehicle is in transit.

What paperwork is required?

A clear title or a lienholder authorization letter, photo ID matching the shipper, the signed bill of lading, and a notarized power of attorney if someone else is releasing or receiving the vehicle.

Other islands