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How to Ship a Car to Hawaii: Everything You Need to Know

Moving to Hawaii or just bringing your car for an extended stay? Shipping a car across the ocean
might seem complicated, but with a little planning, it can be a smooth process. Here’s everything you
need to know to get your vehicle from the mainland to the islands without stress.

Choose How You Want to Ship Your Car
There are two main ways to transport your car to Hawaii. You can either drop it off at a port yourself or
hire a company that offers door-to-port service. The first option means you take your car directly to a
shipping port, while the second involves a company picking up your car from your location and taking
care of the rest.

Most cars are shipped using large cargo ships, either in an open area on the ship (which is the more
affordable option) or in a shipping container for added protection. Keep in mind that vehicle shipping
by container usually costs more.

Get Your Car Ready for Shipping
Before your car is loaded onto the ship, you’ll need to prepare it:
- **Clean Your Car** – Washing your car helps with the required inspection since dirt and debris can
hide damage.
- **Remove Personal Items** – Most shipping companies don’t allow anything inside the vehicle
during transport. Take out any valuables and loose items.
- **Check for Leaks** – Make sure your car isn’t leaking fluids. If the company finds a leak, they may
refuse to ship it.
- **Reduce Fuel** – Most companies require your gas tank to be no more than a quarter full. A full
tank adds unnecessary weight.
- **Disable Alarms** – If your car has an alarm system, turn it off so it doesn’t go off during transport.

Know the Costs and Shipping Time
The price to ship a car to Hawaii depends on several factors, including the distance from your starting
location to the port, the type of shipping service you choose, and the size of your vehicle. On average,
shipping takes one to three weeks, but this can vary depending on the time of year and the shipping
company’s schedule.

Pick Up Your Car in Hawaii
Once your car arrives, you’ll need to provide identification and the necessary paperwork to pick it up.
Be sure to check the vehicle for any damage before driving away.

By following these steps, you can make the process of shipping your car to Hawaii as easy as
possible.