Introduction
Ship a car from Hawaii to the mainland can sound like a logistical nightmare, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re relocating, buying a car remotely, or sending a vehicle to a family member, car shipping from Hawaii has become streamlined with the right planning and trusted transport partners like MBM Logistics. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of how to ship a car from Hawaii to the mainland stress-free, covering the legal, logistical, and financial aspects so you can stay in control of your move.
Why Ship a Car from Hawaii?
There are many reasons to ship a car from Hawaii to the mainland:
- Relocating for work or school
- Military PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders
- Selling or buying a car from the islands
- Sending a vehicle to a family member
- Long-term travel or returning after living abroad
Whatever the reason, shipping a car from Hawaii is often more practical and cost-effective than selling and buying new on the mainland.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Ship a Car from Hawaii
1. Choose a Port
Most vehicles ship out of major Hawaiian ports like Honolulu (Oahu), Kahului (Maui), Hilo (Big Island), or Nawiliwili (Kauai). Your destination on the mainland might be Los Angeles, Oakland, Seattle, or even Houston.
2. Prepare Your Vehicle
- Clean the car inside and out
- Remove all personal belongings
- Check for leaks and mechanical issues
- Leave only ⅓ tank of gas
- Disable alarms
These steps help prevent issues during inspections and transport.
3. Choose the Right Shipping Method
- Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo): Cheapest and most popular option. Vehicle is driven onto a ferry.
- Container Shipping: Offers more protection, ideal for luxury or classic cars.
- Enclosed Ground Transport: Once your vehicle reaches the mainland, opt for enclosed delivery to its final destination.
4. Work with a Trusted Partner
At MBM Logistics, we partner with certified ocean carriers and licensed mainland carriers to coordinate door-to-door transport. We help with:
- Port scheduling and booking
- Vehicle inspection reports
- Insurance coverage
- Mainland delivery coordination
5. Understand the Costs
Shipping a car from Hawaii can cost anywhere between $1,100 to $2,500 depending on:
- Vehicle size and weight
- Port of departure and delivery location
- Enclosed vs. open transport on the mainland
Use our instant quote tool here to get a transparent estimate.
Documents You’ll Need
To ship a car from Hawaii, have these ready:
- Vehicle registration
- Title or lien holder authorization
- Valid photo ID
- Booking confirmation
If you’re shipping someone else’s car, you’ll also need a notarized letter of authorization.
How MBM Logistics Makes It Easy
With MBM Logistics, shipping a car from Hawaii becomes a white-glove experience. Here’s what we offer:
- ✅ End-to-end service coordination
- ✅ Experience with military PCS and college relocations
- ✅ Enclosed mainland delivery for exotic and classic vehicles
- ✅ Real-time tracking and customer support 24/7
We specialize in ensuring your vehicle arrives safe, on time, and without stress.
FAQs About Shipping a Car from Hawaii
How long does it take to ship a car from Hawaii to the mainland?
- Typically 7–14 days from port to port, and up to 21 days door-to-door depending on distance.
Can I ship my car with stuff inside?
- No. U.S. maritime regulations prohibit personal belongings in the vehicle.
Is my car insured during transit?
- Yes. MBM Logistics includes insurance coverage and inspection reports before and after loading.
Final Thoughts
Ship a car from Hawaii with confidence by choosing a trusted provider like MBM Logistics. Our streamlined process ensures you get full visibility, protection, and peace of mind from the island to your driveway. Whether you’re a student, military member, retiree, or relocating professional, we’re here to make shipping your vehicle smooth and stress-free.
📦 Ready to ship? Get your free quote now and let MBM Logistics take the wheel.
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