Written by: Madeline Blake
Date:

Shipping a car from Hawaii to California can be quite a complex and costly process that requires careful planning and preparation. As an island state located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is thousands of miles away from the continental United States. This distance means that shipping a car from Hawaii to California involves a number of logistical challenges and expenses. Including ocean freight charges, port fees, customs duties, and transportation costs to and from the ports of departure and arrival. In this article, we will explore the various factors that can affect the cost of shipping a car from Hawaii to California. Verified Movers are here to tell you everything you need to know in order to have a smooth and hassle-free transport experience.

Shipping a car from Hawaii to California – What are your options?

There is more than one way to go about shipping a car from Hawaii to California. Some are more reliable than others, but the prices vary as well. The way your car is shipped across the ocean is usually determined by the size and type of your vehicle. Here are the 3 choices you have for shipping your vehicle from Hawaii to California.

a first step in the process of shipping a car from Hawaii to California where the car is parked near containers
The cost of shipping a car from Hawaii to California will vary depending on the option you choose.

1. Roll On Roll Off (RORO) Shipping

Your car is loaded on a roller and tied down within the ship’s hold. It gets rolled off the ship once it reaches Hawaii. A fantastic, inexpensive option for transporting vehicles across oceans. The best choice if you need to stick to a strict schedule or budget. But make sure you employ interstate movers in California to avoid any mishaps.

2. Container Shipping

Shipping your car in a container will shield it from the weather and the surrounding surroundings. The vehicle is enclosed in a container with many other cars for safe transport. Also, if you follow this route, you will have access to the trunk’s inner space. The one catch is that the container must be completely full before it can be sent out. Your car’s loading aboard a ship bound for Hawaii might take some time.

3. Private Shipping Container

If you own a luxury or otherwise distinctive vehicle like an old timer, for example, this is a great option for transporting it. In addition to your car, you may also pack the container full of other belongings and ship them with you from Hawaii to California. Obviously, it’s the most expensive shipping choice available. Which brings us to our next point where we will explain exactly how these costs are calculated.

A man standing next to a car
The safest, but also the most costly method of shipping a car from Hawaii to California is a private shipping container.

How much would it cost to transport your vehicle from Hawaii to California?

There are a few more things you’ll need to consider in order to obtain a ballpark figure for the cost of shipping a car from Hawaii to California.

  • Your preferred mode of transportation (i.e., open carrier auto transport or enclosed auto transport)
  • The vehicle’s condition (running or inoperable)
  • Any modifications to the car
  • The last docking spot (southern or northern Hawaii)

Shipping an automobile from California to Hawaii may cost anything from $1,300 (Port-to-Door) to around $2,200. (Door-to-Port). The easiest way to determine exactly how much it will cost to ship your automobile to California is to use a car shipping calculator that most reliable cross country movers in Hawaii will have displayed on their websites. It is best to ask for 3 or 4 free quotes from different companies before you make any further moves.

How long does it take to ship a car from Hawaii to California?

The distance between Hawaii and California is around 1,000 miles, therefore it will take about two to three days to get your car there. On a typical day, a carrier will cover roughly 500 kilometers. Therefore, it is difficult to estimate the precise delivery time. Travel time and weather conditions are only two of the many variables that might alter the scheduled delivery date and time. Whichever shipping option you choose, make sure to have auto transport insurance before scheduling the move.

red car ready for shipment
The whole process of shipping a car from Hawaii to California can take up to 2 weeks.

The process of transporting a car from Hawaii to California usually takes between 7 and 14 days. Because you will also need to prepare your car for shipment. Moreover, the Pacific’s unpredictability means that we can’t always prevent minor delays. But, make sure to choose a reliable company so they will take every precaution to safeguard your car during the transportation process. Once a company sends your car, they let you know when you can expect it to arrive and they usually provide you with a tracking app so you can locate your car on your phone at any moment.

While shipping a car is not cheap, you can minimize the expenses

The cost of shipping a car from Hawaii to California can vary significantly depending on a range of factors such as the size and weight of the vehicle, the distance between the ports of departure and arrival, and the specific shipping method and carrier is chosen. However, with careful planning and preparation, it is possible to minimize your shipping expenses and ensure a safe and efficient transport process. Some tips for reducing your costs include choosing the right shipping method, selecting a reputable and experienced shipping company, and properly preparing your vehicle for transport. By taking these steps and working with trusted professionals, you can successfully transport your car from Hawaii to California and enjoy the benefits of having your vehicle with you on the mainland.