Essential Guide to Hawaii to California Car Shipping

Guide to Hawaii to California Car Shipping

Shipping a car from Hawaii to California sounds complicated—until you’ve got a clear game plan.

Let’s face it—moving a car across the Pacific isn’t your average road trip. Whether you're relocating, helping family, or bringing a vehicle stateside after a purchase, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

That’s why this guide exists.

We’re breaking down Hawaii to California car shipping in plain English—step by step, no guesswork. From port drop-off to delivery in California, we’ll show you what to expect, what to prep, and how AmeriFreight fits into keeping it all smooth.

What you’ll learn in this guide

No fluff—just the key stuff you need to know:

• How Hawaii to California car shipping works

• What to prep and when

• How AmeriFreight helps

Overview

Shipping a car from Hawaii to California involves several key steps and considerations, primarily because it requires ocean freight transport. The process typically involves getting the vehicle to a port in Hawaii, arranging ocean shipping, and then receiving the vehicle at a California port. The final land transport is the responsibility of the owner.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping

Ensure your car is in good working condition, clean inside and out, and that personal belongings are removed. This step is crucial for inspection and preventing damage claims during transit.

Choosing an Ocean Freight Carrier

Select a reputable ocean freight company, such as Matson, that specializes in car shipping between Hawaii and California. This ensures experienced professionals handle your vehicle.

Transporting to a Hawaii Port

Arrange transport to get your vehicle to the designated port in Hawaii. This might involve driving it yourself or using a local transport service.

Receiving Your Vehicle in California

Plan to pick up your vehicle at the California port upon arrival or arrange additional transport to its final destination. This will likely require coordination with the ocean freight carrier and a separate auto transport company.

Other Notable Considerations

Documentation

Prepare all necessary paperwork, including vehicle registration, title, and shipping documents. This is essential for a smooth shipping process and customs clearance.

Why shipping from Hawaii is different

Most people think shipping a car is just booking a truck. But Hawaii’s a whole different ballgame. You've got ports, ocean freight, mainland delivery, and many moving parts that don’t always talk to each other.

And if even one part of the process gets missed? Delays. Confusion. Extra costs.

How Hawaii to California car shipping works

Here’s how the process goes, start to finish. 

1. Drop your car off at the Hawaii port

You’ll bring your vehicle to a port location—usually Honolulu. This part’s on you, but AmeriFreight can walk you through what to expect.

Note: AmeriFreight does not book ocean freight. You’ll need to schedule that separately with a trusted carrier. (We’ve got some solid recs if you need them.)

2. Your car ships across the ocean

Once the ocean freight carrier takes over, your vehicle gets loaded onto a boat headed for California. Most deliveries go to Long Beach or Oakland.

Timeframes can vary depending on carrier schedules, weather, and the ports' busyness. But we’ll talk more about timing in a bit.

3. AmeriFreight takes over on the mainland

Once your car hits the California port, AmeriFreight steps back in. We’ll pick it up from the dock and move it to its final destination using one of our vetted carriers.

Depending on where you're going, we can usually deliver door-to-door—as long as the street is accessible for a transport truck.

Main shipping ports

If you’re wondering where your car’s going to ship from—or land—here’s a quick breakdown of the main ports:

Hawaii departure ports:

• Honolulu

• Nawiliwili

• Kahului

• Hilo

California arrival ports:

• Long Beach

• Oakland

• Los Angeles

• San Diego

The specific ports used can depend on your shipping provider and schedule, but most vehicles coming from Hawaii land in Long Beach or Oakland.

What to do before you ship your car

A little prep goes a long way. Here’s what you’ll need to have ready:

• Paperwork: Bring your vehicle title, registration, and a government-issued ID.

• Clean it out: Your car needs to be clean (inside and out) and empty, with no personal items.

• Fuel level matters: Keep it to ¼ tank or less for safety during ocean and overland transport.

• Take photos: Before drop-off, snap a few clear shots of your car—just in case you need them later.

• If your vehicle is electric, ensure the battery is between 45% and 65%—not full, not empty—just proper.

• Talk to both companies. AmeriFreight handles the mainland leg, and your ocean freight carrier handles the Hawaii-to-California part. Keeping both sides in sync helps things go smoothly.

Timing and cost: what to expect

Let’s talk real expectations—because shipping a car from Hawaii to California isn’t overnight, and it’s not one-size-fits-all either.

How long does it take

Most shipments take somewhere between 21 and 42 days. It all depends on:

• Ocean carrier schedules

• Weather conditions

• Port congestion

• Your pickup and delivery locations

Example: Traveling by sea alone from Honolulu to Long Beach might take 10–12 days, while shipments from Nawiliwili to Oakland could run 15–18 days, depending on the schedule. Booking ahead can help you avoid long wait times.

What it might cost

Pricing usually ranges between $1,000 and $3,500, based on:

• Distance from the California port

• Your car’s size and weight

• Time of year

• Transport type (open or enclosed)

Choosing open transport is typically the more budget-friendly option. Just a reminder—AmeriFreight doesn’t guarantee delivery dates, but we’ll keep you updated every step of the way.

What AmeriFreight handles (and what it doesn’t)

Let’s clarify who does what, so there’s no confusion later.

What AmeriFreight takes care of:

• Carrier matching: We help you choose the right transport type (open or enclosed) based on your needs and budget.

• Mainland transport: We handle everything from the California port to your final destination—using carriers we’ve already vetted for safety and reliability.

• Support and coordination: Need help figuring out the timing or next steps? We’re here to help.

What AmeriFreight doesn’t cover:

• GPS tracking: We don’t offer real-time vehicle tracking during shipping. But you’ll always have updates through our team and your career contact.

• Guaranteed delivery dates: We don't promise exact arrival times because ports and weather can be unpredictable.

• Ocean freight: A separate company handles that part. You’ll book it separately, but we can suggest trusted options.

Tips to avoid common shipping mistakes

Here’s how to keep things running smoothly.

• Book early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Schedules fill up fast, especially with ocean freight carriers.

• Double-check your documents: Make sure your title, ID, and registration are ready to go—and match what’s on the shipping forms.

• Know who’s doing what: AmeriFreight handles the mainland transport. Your ocean freight carrier handles the Hawaii-to-California leg. Keep both in the loop.

• Prep your car the right way: Clean it inside and out. No personal items. Less than a quarter tank of gas. Take photos before drop-off.

• Stay on top of pickup and delivery times: Communicate with both AmeriFreight and your ocean freight provider so you’re not left guessing where your car is.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Car shipments take 21 to 42 days, depending on your departure and arrival ports, ocean carrier schedules, and weather conditions. 

How much does it cost to ship a car from Hawaii to California?

On average, it costs between $1,000 and $3,500. The final price depends on your vehicle's size, the transport type (open vs. enclosed), and how far you are from the California port.

What ports do people use to ship cars between Hawaii and California?

The main ports in Hawaii include Honolulu, Kahului, Nawiliwili, and Hilo. In California, standard arrival ports are Long Beach, Oakland, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

Does AmeriFreight handle the whole shipping process?

AmeriFreight handles the mainland transport once your vehicle arrives in California. You'll need to book your ocean freight separately, but we can recommend reliable carriers to work with.

What documents do I need to ship my car? 

You must bring your vehicle title, registration, and a government-issued ID. Double-check with your ocean freight carrier too—they may have additional requirements.

How should I prepare my car before shipping?

• Wash the car and remove all personal items

• Leave no more than ¼ tank of gas

• Take photos of your vehicle before drop-off

• Make sure the car is in working condition

• If electric, keep the battery between 45% and 65%

Let’s make Hawaii-California car shipping easy.

Moving a car across the ocean can feel like a lot—but it doesn’t have to be. When you know what to expect and who to rely on, the process gets way simpler.

AmeriFreight is here to help with mainland transport. Once your vehicle lands in California, we handle the rest—getting it to your home with trusted carriers and clear communication. We don’t book ocean freight, but we can point you to companies that do it well.

Got questions about how it all works? Not sure where to start?

Let’s talk it through.

• Need help planning your shipment? Contact us.

• Ready to get your vehicle to California? Start your quote.