Nexus Auto Transport is our pick for best car shipping companies in Hawaii, thanks to its proven reliability, competitive pricing, and extensive island coverage. In fact, that balance of cost and quality is why Nexus tops our list of top car shippers in the industry overall.
Key Takeaways
- Average cost: Car shipping to Hawaii typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000
- Two main ocean methods: Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) is budget-friendly, while enclosed container offers greater protection at a higher price
- Port logistics matter: Port-to-port saves money. Door-to-door service adds convenience but can increase cost and time.
- Island and season impact pricing: Origin port, destination island, and peak season demand can shift quotes by hundreds of dollars
Why You Can Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint
Our mission at FreightWaves Checkpoint is to provide readers with data-driven, unbiased car shipping information and company reviews.
- We evaluated 2,400 car shipping companies nationwide using a proprietary rating system focused on pricing, services, availability, and customer satisfaction.
- We analyze verified consumer feedback to identify recurring pain points and praise.
- Our editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it’s current, accurate, and useful.
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8 Best Hawaii Car Shipping Companies
We know that the right car shipper for you depends on your budget, timeline, and vehicle type. Keep reading to see if Nexus Auto Transport or another one of our other recommendations for Hawaii car shippers is the best fit for your needs.
- Our Overall Pick: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for Fixed Pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Long Distances: Montway Auto Transport
- Most Budget-Friendly: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Discounts: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Customer Service: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for Easy Online Booking: uShip
- Best Vehicle Protection: Ship A Car Direct
Comparing the Best Hawaii Car Shippers
| Company | Best For | Cost | BBB Rating | Door-to-Door | Guaranteed Delivery | Price-Matching | GPS Tracking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus Auto Transport | Overall | $2,585–$3,095 | A+ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | Fixed pricing | $1,700-$2,400 | A+ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Montway Auto Transport | Long-distance shipping | $1,599–$2,349 | A+ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Navi Auto Transport | Budget-friendly shipping | $1,500–$2,500 | N/A | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| SGT Auto Transport | Discounts | $2,649–$3,749 | B | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Easy Auto Ship | Customer service | $1,600–$3,100 | A+ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| uShip Marketplace | Online booking | Varies by contractor | A+ | Varies by contractor | ✗ | Varies | Varies |
| Ship A Car Direct | Vehicle protection | $1,600–$3,000 | A+ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
Best Overall: Nexus Auto Transport
Nexus Auto Transport is our top overall pick for shipping your vehicle to Hawaii. In addition to maintaining a stellar reputation in the industry — including an A+ BBB rating and over half a million customers served to date — Nexus is well-versed in Hawaii car shipments.
They offer services to and from Honolulu, Hilo, Lahaina, Kailua, and Kailua-Kona, with average delivery timelines of eight to 19 days.
Read our full Nexus Auto Transport review
Nexus Auto Transport Pros & Cons
Pros
- Services 5 Hawaiian ports
- Interisland shipping available
- GPS tracking
- Door-to-port shipment option
Cons
- Higher pricing than other Hawaii car shippers
- No port-to-port options
Nexus Auto Transport Cost
Nexus Auto Transport provides instant online quotes, though Hawaii shipments typically require a quick call with a representative to confirm rates and port logistics. Pricing generally ranges from $1,500-$3,750, depending on the vehicle type and shipping method. Nexus also offers discounts for military members, students, and multi-vehicle bookings.
Here’s a look at what you can expect to pay to ship your car to Hawaii with Nexus Auto Transport. Pricing is based on a 2023 Nissan Altima in working condition using standard roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) service:
| Mainland Distance | Estimated Cost (RoRo) |
|---|---|
| 500 miles | Approx. $2,200 |
| 1,000 miles | Approx. $2,600 |
| 1,500 miles | Approx. $3,000 |
Note: Costs are estimates based on Nexus Auto Transport’s published Hawaii shipping data and average U.S. transport rates. Actual quotes may vary by origin port, vehicle size, and time of year.
Nexus Auto Transport Services
- RoRo and enclosed container shipping
- Door-to-door shipments
- Expedited shipping
- Classic car shipping
- Real-time GPS
Best for Fixed Pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
One of the biggest concerns for many drivers is getting quoted a good price to ship their car to Hawaii, but then getting charged a higher rate upon delivery. This isn’t a problem with Sherpa Auto Transport, thanks to their Price Lock Promise.
Essentially, once you agree to a quote from Sherpa, your price is locked in. You won’t pay a penny more, even if Sherpa’s own shipping costs increase. Add in strong reviews from thousands of customers, and shipping with Sherpa can give you much-needed peace of mind for getting your vehicle to Hawaii.
Read our full Sherpa Auto Transport review
Sherpa Auto Transport Pros & Cons
Pros
- Guaranteed pricing
- Clean car guarantee
- Ships motorcycles to & from Hawaii
- No upfront deposit
Cons
- No online quotes for Hawaii shipments
- Must call for shipment updates
Sherpa Auto Transport Cost
Sherpa Auto Transport reports typical Hawaii shipments in the range of approximately $1,700-$2,400, with higher-range rates (around $3,000) from major East Coast origins.
Here’s a look at what you can expect to pay to ship a 2023 Nissan Altima to Hawaii with Sherpa Auto Transport using standard roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) service:
| Mainland Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 500 miles | Approx. $1,650 |
| 1,000 miles | Approx. $2,050 |
| 1,500 miles | Approx. $2,400 |
Note: These estimates are derived from Sherpa’s published cost ranges. Actual quotes may vary by origin, vehicle type, season, and service method.
Sherpa Auto Transport Services
- RoRo and container shipping
- Door-to-door shipping
- Port-to-port shipping
- Clean car guarantee
- Motorcycle shipping
- Expedited shipping
Best for Long Distances: Montway Auto Transport
Shipping to Hawaii often involves more than just port-to-port shipping. Most drivers prefer that a car transport company also get their vehicle from their home to the port. With one of the best reputations in the industry, Montway Auto Transport is a great choice when you need long-distance shipping to Hawaii.
Part of Montway’s success in this area comes from their large network of over 15,000 shipping partners. This helps ensure that you’ll find reliable and timely shipping service from your home to a port, and from that port to Hawaii — and at a reasonable price.
Read our full Montway Auto Transport review
Montway Auto Transport Pros & Cons
Pros
- Online quotes
- Ships classic cars, ATVs, & inoperable vehicles
- GPS tracking
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
Cons
- Price lock only lasts 30 days
- $249 cancellation fee
Montway Auto Transport Cost
Montway Auto Transport states that Hawaii car shipments often range from $1,500–$2,100 for standard sedan routes from West Coast ports; final cost depends on region, vehicle size, and additional services.
Here’s an example of estimated rates for a 2023 Nissan Altima shipped via RoRo with Montway Auto Transport:
| Mainland Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 500 miles | Approx. $1,600 |
| 1,000 miles | Approx. $1,900 |
| 1,500 miles | Approx. $2,100 |
Note: Estimated costs reflect Montway’s published Hawaii-shipping range. Quotes will vary by pickup port, island destination, vehicle size, and shipping method.
Montway Auto Transport Services
- Door-to-port Hawaii service
- Port-to-port shipping
- Expedited service
- Motorcycle & ATV shipping
- Classic car transport
- Oversized truck transport
Most Budget-Friendly: Navi Auto Transport
Shipping a car to Hawaii can be expensive, so it’s nice to have budget-friendly options like Navi Auto Transport available. With typical costs between $1,500 and $2,500, you can generally depend on Navi is one of the cheapest car shipping options to Hawaii. The company also offers affordable prices if you need to ship your car to a port, instead of dropping it off at a port yourself.
Even better, you can enjoy these affordable prices no matter which island you want to ship your car to. Navi Auto Transport services all of the major Hawaiian islands, including Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, and even Molokai.
With average delivery times of seven to 14 days, you can also count on them to deliver your car quickly.
Read our full Navi Auto Transport review
Navi Auto Transport Pros & Cons
Pros
- Competitive pricing for car shipments to Hawaii
- No deposit required
- Services all major Hawaiian islands
- Quick delivery timelines
Cons
- Cancellation fee of $149 if a driver has already been assigned
- No guaranteed delivery option
Navi Auto Transport Cost
Navi Auto Transport offers some of the lowest standard sedan rates for Hawaii shipments, typically ranging from $1,500–$2,500 depending on pickup location, vehicle size, and service method. Discounts may apply for military, seniors, students and online bookings.
Here’s what a 2023 Nissan Altima might cost to ship to Hawaii with Navi Auto Transport using roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) service:
| Mainland Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 500 miles | Approx. $1,500 |
| 1,000 miles | Approx. $2,000 |
| 1,500 miles | Approx. $2,500 |
Note: These estimates are based on Navi Auto Transport’s published range and typical cost factors. Actual quotes vary by distance, port logistics and season.
Navi Auto Transport Services
- Door-to-door transport
- Port-to-port shipping
- Guaranteed pickup
- GPS tracking
- Motorcycle shipping
- Classic and luxury car transport
Best for Discounts: SGT Auto Transport
If you’re looking for discounts to help make shipping your car to Hawaii more affordable, SGT Auto Transport is a great option. The company is known for offering a wide range of deals, including seasonal promotions. Military and student discounts are generally always available, but SGT also periodically offers deals like discounts for booking on Sunday, making it easy to save even more on your shipment.
SGT Auto Transport offers door-to-port and port-to-port services for Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. While this covers the most popular islands, it means you’d need to use another company if you wanted to ship your car to Lanai or Molokai. SGT’s estimated shipping times to Hawaii also tend to be on the longer end, ranging from 20-30 days depending on your ports.
Read our full SGT Auto Transport review
SGT Auto Transport Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price-match policy
- Online quotes
- Exact pickup date option
- 24/7 customer service
Cons
- No door-to-door delivery in Hawaii
- Only services 4 Hawaiian islands
SGT Auto Transport Cost
SGT Auto Transport’s Hawaii shipping prices generally fall between $2,649–$3,749 for standard sedan routes, though active discounts may reduce that. Their pricing tends to run higher due to added services or longer origin distances.
Here’s an estimate for shipping a 2023 Nissan Altima to Hawaii with SGT Auto Transport using standard RoRo service:
| Mainland Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 500 miles | Approx. $2,400 |
| 1,000 miles | Approx. $3,000 |
| 1,500 miles | Approx. $3,600 |
Note: Estimates are based on SGT Auto Transport’s published cost window. Actual pricing will vary by origin, vehicle type, additional services and timing.
SGT Auto Transport Services
- Door-to-port shipping
- Port-to-port shipping
- GPS tracking
- Guaranteed pickup
- Express shipping
- Top-load placement option
- Price-match guarantee
Best Customer Service: Easy Auto Ship
Shipping your car all the way to Hawaii can be stressful, which is why getting quality customer service from a company like Easy Auto Ship can make a big difference! The company is highly regarded for its customer service, with free online quotes, live chat, and helpful assistance throughout the shipment.
Easy Auto Ship services all of the major Hawaiian islands, and even offers inter-island shipping to get your car from one island to another. With affordable prices on its door-to-door shipments and faster shipping times (often under 10 days), Easy Auto Ship offers a streamlined approach to getting your car to Hawaii.
Read our full Easy Auto Ship review
Easy Auto Ship Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fast shipping (often 8-10 days)
- Interisland shipping
- Expedited pickup option
- Free rental car when delivery is delayed
Cons
- No guaranteed pickup
- No online shipment tracking
Easy Auto Ship Cost
Easy Auto Ship offers rates typically in the $1,500–$3,100 range for shipping sedans to Hawaii, with flexible terms and faster shipping available at the higher end. Military discounts and optional upgrades may affect final cost.
Here are some estimated costs to ship a 2023 Nissan Altima to Hawaii with Easy Auto Ship using roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) service:
| Mainland Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 500 miles | Approx. $1,600 |
| 1,000 miles | Approx. $2,200 |
| 1,500 miles | Approx. $2,900 |
Note: These cost estimates reflect Easy Auto Ship’s published pricing band and typical sedan shipping patterns. Actual quotes will vary by origin, seasonality and service level.
Easy Auto Ship Services
- Door-to-door shipping
- Interisland shipping
- Motorcycle transport
- RV and boat shipping
- Expedited shipping
Best for Easy Online Booking: uShip Marketplace
uShip isn’t a car shipper — they're an online marketplace where you can get quotes from a wide range of carriers. uShip’s system lets you put in basic information about your vehicle shipment, after which, you get customized bids from carriers on their platform. This lets you compare services, delivery timelines, prices and other information in one convenient location.
uShip’s platform also gives you customer reviews that can help you select the best carrier to get your car to Hawaii. With so many carriers in their network, this also makes it easy to find someone who fits your preferred pickup date range, or who can get your vehicle to your Hawaiian destination.
Read our full uShip Marketplace review
uShip Marketplace Pros & Cons
Pros
- Secure payment system
- Multiple quotes & delivery timelines on one platform
- Can also book shipping for belongings
- Up to $500 reimbursement for damage or loss
Cons
- Must create an account to get quotes
- Carrier services quality can vary
uShip Marketplace Cost
uShip Marketplace pricing varies widely based on carrier bids and booking timing, with typical ranges around $1,800–$3,000 for Hawaii sedan shipments. Payment is processed through the platform once you select a carrier.
Estimated shipping rates for a 2023 Nissan Altima using uShip Marketplace to Hawaii.
| Mainland Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 500 miles | Approx. $1,800 |
| 1,000 miles | Approx. $2,400 |
| 1,500 miles | Approx. $3,000 |
Note: Rates through uShip vary significantly by carrier and timing. These estimates are illustrative based on common posting ranges. Final quotes depend on selected carrier, bid competition and scheduling.
uShip Marketplace Services
- Shipment tracking
- All-risk protection
- Ship with Confidence Guarantee (up to $500)
- Door-to-door shipping
- Port-to-port shipping
- Boat transport
- Motorcycle shipping
Best Vehicle Protection: Ship A Car Direct
Getting your car to Hawaii won’t do much good if it doesn’t arrive in one piece! With Ship A Car Direct’s damage-free guarantee, this doesn’t have to be a concern. The company prides itself on providing white glove service at every step of the way so your vehicle arrives in the same condition that it left. With its damage-free guarantee, Ship A Car Direct provides $500 in gap coverage toward your car’s deductible if it arrives damaged.
The company is so committed to vehicle protection that it offers a Damage Protection app for iPhone and Android. With this app, you can quickly document your car’s condition before and after its Hawaii shipment, making it easy to identify and report any damage.
Read our full Ship A Car Direct review
Ship A Car Direct Pros & Cons
Pros
- Damage-free guarantee
- Lower rates if you're flexible with delivery dates
- Wide carrier network
- Easy online quote tool
Cons
- No GPS tracking
- Non-binding estimates
Ship A Car Direct Cost
Ship A Car Direct offers flexible pricing, with standard sedan Hawaii shipments typically costing $1,500–$3,000 depending on scheduling and service level. Choosing non-urgent booking or less direct routing may lower cost.
Take a look at some example pricing for shipping a 2023 Nissan Altima to Hawaii with Ship A Car Direct using RoRo service:
| Mainland Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 500 miles | Approx. $1,500 |
| 1,000 miles | Approx. $2,200 |
| 1,500 miles | Approx. $2,900 |
Note: Estimates are based on Ship A Car Direct’s pricing framework and typical vehicle shipping patterns to Hawaii. Actual rates vary based on dates, vehicle, and logistics.
Ship A Car Direct Services
- Door-to-door shipping
- Port-to-port shipping
- Damage-free guarantee
- Online quote tool
- Expedited shipping
Hawaii Car Shipping Tips
- Plan in advance. Space on ships to Hawaii fills quickly, especially during the summer months. Book your transport at least three to four weeks — but optimally, two months — ahead of time to secure your preferred dates.
- Get multiple quotes. Always get auto transport quotes from at least three top-rated shippers. Some companies will even price match competitors, helping you lock in the lowest rate.
- Ask about available discounts. Military, student, and seasonal promotions are common among car shippers and can save you hundreds on your final bill. You can start by using our car shipping calculator.
- Prep your car. Clean your car thoroughly before shipment. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture inspects vehicles for insects, soil, and plant matter on arrival. Also remove all personal items to comply with maritime regulations.
- Gather your documents. Have your government-issued ID, vehicle title and registration, insurance documents, booking number, and keys ready for the shipper
- Take photos. After cleaning your car, take detailed pictures of its condition. This protects you in the event of damage during transit.
- Confirm pickup and drop-off details. Verify your carrier’s pickup location, port schedule, and drop-off procedure well before your vehicle ships
FAQ
Are there seasonal differences in Hawaii car shipping prices?
Yes, Hawaii car shipping costs can rise during peak demand seasons, such as summer and early winter, when more people relocate or ship vehicles. Booking your shipment at least a month in advance during these times can help you secure better rates and availability.
What’s the difference between port-to-port and door-to-port service for Hawaii shipments?
Port-to-port shipping requires you to deliver your car to a mainland port and pick it up at the destination port in Hawaii, making it the more affordable option. Door-to-port service adds convenience by having a carrier pick up your car from your home and deliver it to the port for you, though it costs more.
Do car shippers to Hawaii offer insurance coverage, or do I need my own policy?
Most car shipping companies include limited carrier insurance in the base price, which typically covers up to $100,000 in vehicle damage during transport. However, this may not cover personal items or minor cosmetic issues. You can purchase supplemental insurance for extra protection, especially for high-value or luxury vehicles.
What happens if my vehicle is delayed or damaged during transport?
If your vehicle is delayed or arrives with damage, contact your shipping company immediately. Most carriers require you to note damage on the delivery inspection report and file a claim within a few days. Keep photos, your bill of lading, and all documentation to support your claim.
Can I ship multiple vehicles to Hawaii in one booking?
Yes, many car shippers offer multi-vehicle shipping options with bundled pricing. Shipping multiple vehicles together can reduce your per-vehicle cost and make scheduling more efficient. Make sure to confirm that both vehicles meet the same transport and documentation requirements before booking.
Can I ship a leased or financed vehicle to Hawaii?
Yes, but you’ll need written authorization from your lienholder or leasing company before shipment. The document must confirm that the vehicle can be transported to Hawaii and list the shipper as an approved carrier. Without this approval, your car may not be accepted at the port.
Do I need to register my car in Hawaii after it arrives?
Yes, all vehicles shipped to Hawaii must be registered locally within 30 days of arrival. You’ll need your bill of lading, title, current registration, Hawaii safety inspection certificate, and proof of insurance to complete the registration process at your county motor vehicle office.
