Nexus Auto Transport is our pick for best car shipping company in Hawaii, thanks to its proven reliability, competitive pricing, and extensive island coverage. In fact, the company’s balance of cost and quality is why Nexus tops our list of top car shippers in the industry overall.
7 Best Hawaii Car Shipping Companies
The right car shipper for you depends on your budget, timeline, and vehicle type.
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- We evaluated 2,400 car shipping companies nationwide using our proprietary rating system focused on pricing, services, availability, and customer satisfaction.
- We analyze verified consumer feedback to identify recurring pain points and praise.
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Best Overall: Nexus Auto Transport
Nexus Auto Transport is our top overall pick for shipping your vehicle to Hawaii. Nexus maintains a stellar reputation in the industry, including an A+ BBB rating, and has served over half a million customers to date.
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 five Hawaiian ports
- Inter-island 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
While Nexus Auto Transport provides instant online quotes, Hawaii shipments typically require a 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 pricing based on a 2023 Nissan Altima in working condition using roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) service:
| Mainland Distance | Estimated Cost (RoRo) |
|---|---|
| 500 miles | $2,200 |
| 1,000 miles | $2,600 |
| 1,500 miles | $3,000 |
Note: 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
If you’re worried about getting quoted a good price but then getting charged a higher rate upon delivery, you can breathe easy with Sherpa Auto Transport. Their Price Lock Promise means that once you agree to a quote from Sherpa, your price is locked in.
Add in strong reviews from thousands of customers, and shipping with Sherpa can give you 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
- No GPS, must call for shipment updates
Sherpa Auto Transport Cost
Typical Hawaii shipments are approximately $1,700-$2,400, with higher-range rates (around $3,000) from major East Coast origins.
Here’s what you can expect to pay to ship a 2023 Nissan Altima to Hawaii using roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) service:
| Mainland Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 500 miles | $1,650 |
| 1,000 miles | $2,050 |
| 1,500 miles | $2,400 |
Note: 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
Most Budget-Friendly: Navi Auto Transport
With typical costs between $1,500 and $2,500, Navi is one of the cheapest car shipping options to Hawaii. The company offers affordable prices if you need to ship your car to a port instead of dropping it off at a port yourself.
Navi Auto Transport services all of the major Hawaiian islands, including Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, and Molokai, with average delivery times of seven to 14 days.
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 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 using roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) service:
| Mainland Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 500 miles | $1,500 |
| 1,000 miles | $2,000 |
| 1,500 miles | $2,500 |
Note: 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
SGT Auto Transport is known for offering a wide range of deals. Military and student discounts are generally always available, but SGT also periodically offers deals like discounts for booking on Sunday.
SGT Auto Transport offers door-to-port and port-to-port services for Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. You’ll need to choose another company if you want to ship your car to Lanai or Molokai. SGT’s estimated shipping times to Hawaii tend to be on the longer end, ranging from 20-30 days.
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 four Hawaiian islands
SGT Auto Transport Cost
SGT Auto Transport’s Hawaii shipping prices generally fall between $2,649–$3,749 for standard routes, though discounts can reduce that.
Here’s an estimate for shipping a 2023 Nissan Altima to Hawaii using RoRo service:
| Mainland Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 500 miles | $2,400 |
| 1,000 miles | $3,000 |
| 1,500 miles | $3,600 |
Note: 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 Vehicle Protection: Ship A Car Direct
Ship A Car Direct 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 offers a Damage Protection app for iPhone and Android, so you can quickly document your car’s condition before and after its shipment. This makes 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
Standard Hawaii shipments typically cost $1,500–$3,000 depending on scheduling and service level.
Here’s example pricing for shipping a 2023 Nissan Altima to Hawaii using RoRo service:
| Mainland Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 500 miles | $1,500 |
| 1,000 miles | $2,200 |
| 1,500 miles | $2,900 |
Note: 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
Best Customer Service: Easy Auto Ship
Easy Auto Ship 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 offers inter-island shipping to get your car from one island to another. With faster shipping times that are 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 to Hawaii, with flexible terms and faster shipping available at the higher end.
Here are some estimated costs to ship a 2023 Nissan Altima to Hawaii using roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) service:
| Mainland Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 500 miles | $1,600 |
| 1,000 miles | $2,200 |
| 1,500 miles | $2,900 |
Note: Actual quotes will vary by origin, seasonality and service level.
Easy Auto Ship Services
- Door-to-door shipping
- Inter-island shipping
- Motorcycle transport
- RV and boat shipping
- Expedited shipping
Best for Easy Online Booking: uShip Marketplace
uShip isn’t a car shipper, it’s an online marketplace where you can get quotes from a wide range of carriers. After you put in basic information about your vehicle shipment, uShip will deliver customized bids from carriers on their platform. This lets you compare services, delivery timelines, customer reviews, and prices in one convenient location.
With so many carriers in their network, it’s easy to find a company that fits your preferred pickup date range.
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 shipments. Payment is processed through the platform once you select a carrier.
Here are estimated shipping rates for a 2023 Nissan Altima:
| Mainland Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 500 miles | $1,800 |
| 1,000 miles | $2,400 |
| 1,500 miles | $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
Comparing the Best Hawaii Car Shippers
| Company | Best For | Cost | BBB (Better Business Bureau) Rating | Door-To-Door | Price-Matching | GPS Tracking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus | Overall | $2,585–$3,095 | A+ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Sherpa | Fixed pricing | $1,700–$2,400 | A+ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Navi | Budget-friendly shipping | $1,500–$2,500 | N/A | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| SGT | Discounts | $2,649–$3,749 | B | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ship A Car Direct | Vehicle protection | $1,600–$3,000 | A+ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Easy Auto Ship | Customer service | $1,600–$3,100 | A+ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| uShip Marketplace | Online booking | Varies by contractor | A+ | Varies by contractor | Varies | Varies |
Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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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
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 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 price-match competitors. You can start by using our car shipping calculator.
- Ask about available discounts. Military, student, and seasonal promotions are common among car shippers.
- Prep your car. Clean your car thoroughly before shipment. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture inspects vehicles for insects, soil, and plant matter on arrival. 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. 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. This is 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 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.
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.
