How Much to Ship a Car from Florida to Hawaii

Florida to Hawaii is one of the most searched car shipping routes. See what it costs from Miami, Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville to Honolulu, Kahului, Hilo and Kona, how long it takes, and how to book safely.

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

Shipping a standard sedan from Florida to Hawaii costs about $2,800–$4,575 with ocean and truck transport. Miami to Honolulu runs about $2,850–$3,925 and takes 16–23 days. Enclosed or container shipping costs $4,050–$7,325.

  • Transit time: 15–30 days, depending on the cities and sailing schedule.
  • Cheapest time: outside summer PCS season.
  • How it ships: ocean sailing plus mainland trucking; port-to-port is cheapest.
Average cost, sedan
$2,800–$4,575Estimate, depends on cities
Transit time
15–30 daysIncluding sailing
Route
Ocean + truckScheduled sailings
Container or enclosed
40–60%Over standard price
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Three ways to move your car to Hawaii

Compare independent companies, let our own licensed team handle it, or check a quote you already have.

Full Service

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Full Service is our own licensed brokerage. Our team books a vetted carrier for your Florida to Hawaii move and handles the details for you. Shown separately from TrustScore rankings.

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See FMCSA-checked brokers and carriers that serve Florida to Hawaii, ranked by TrustScore with verified reviews. Companies can't pay to change their score.

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How your car gets there

The journey from Florida to Hawaii

Every car shipped to Hawaii crosses the ocean on a scheduled sailing, with trucking on the mainland side.

  1. TruckMiamiYour car is trucked to Long Beach, or you drop it off yourself.Pickup · Eastern Time
  2. ShipLong Beach or OaklandDrop-off and inspection before loading. Sailings run on fixed schedules.Cutoff times
  3. ShipOcean crossingYour car travels as roll-on cargo or in a container.About 5–7 days at sea
  4. TruckPort of HonoluluUnloading and inspection on arrival.Pickup window
  5. Delivery or port pickupCollect at the port or have it delivered to your door.Delivery · Hawaii Time

Sailings to Hawaii arrive in Honolulu. Maui, the Big Island and Kauai are reached by inter-island barge, which adds several days.

What to expect

Your shipment, day by day

A typical Miami to Honolulu shipment booked with flexible dates.

  1. Day 0

    Book and verify

    Compare quotes, check the company's USDOT or MC number, and confirm the price and deposit in writing.

  2. 1–2 weeks before

    Sailing booked

    Your car is booked on a sailing. Missing the port cutoff can push it to the next ship.

  3. Drop-off day

    Inspection and loading

    You and the port agent note any existing damage on the Bill of Lading before the car is loaded.

  4. +16–23 days

    At sea

    Your car crosses the Pacific on a scheduled sailing, plus trucking time on the mainland.

  5. Delivery

    Inspect and sign

    Check the car against the pickup report before signing. Note new damage on the Bill of Lading.

Port or door?

Port-to-port vs door-to-door

The biggest price decision on an ocean route is who moves the car to and from the ports.

Port to port

$1,500–$2,200
You drop off at
Long Beach or Oakland
You collect at
Honolulu
Best for
Lowest price
Transit
10–14 days

Door to door

$2,850–$3,925
Pickup
Your address in Florida
Delivery
Your address in Hawaii
Best for
Convenience
Transit
18–27 days

Prices are estimates for a standard sedan between Miami and Honolulu. Military members on PCS orders may be entitled to have a vehicle shipped by the government, so check your orders before booking.

Both ends of the trip

Leaving Florida, arriving in Hawaii

Before drop-off in Florida

What ocean carriers check at the port.

  • Clean the car inside and out. Hawaii's agricultural rules don't allow soil, plants or insects. A dirty undercarriage can be refused at the port.
  • Leave a quarter tank or less. Ocean carriers limit fuel for safety.
  • Empty the car. Most ocean carriers don't allow personal items, apart from standard equipment like a spare tire.
  • Bring your paperwork. Expect to show your title or registration, photo ID and, if the car is financed, a letter from your lender authorizing the shipment.

After delivery in Hawaii

For new Hawaii residents. Confirm current rules with the county motor vehicle office (Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui or Kauai County).

  • Get a Hawaii safety inspection. Cars shipped from the mainland need one before they can be registered.
  • Register with your county. Hawaii registration is handled by the county motor vehicle office on each island.
Timing

Best time to ship a car from Florida to Hawaii

Sailings fill up fastest during summer moving and military PCS season.

Dec–Feb

Winter

Lower demand

Most sailing space

Fewer moves mean easier booking.

Mar–May

Spring

Moderate

Bookings pick up

Book sailings several weeks ahead as moving season begins.

Jun–Aug

Summer

Peak

Military PCS and moving season

June to August fills sailings fastest. Book as early as you can.

Sep–Nov

Fall

Moderate

Space opens up

Demand eases after the summer PCS season.

Ready to ship your car from Florida to Hawaii?

Let our Full Service team book a vetted carrier for you, or check any company with the Red Flag Checker before you pay a deposit.

Questions

Florida to Hawaii car shipping FAQ

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

Shipping a standard sedan from Florida to Hawaii costs about $2,800–$4,575 with ocean and truck transport, depending on the cities. Miami to Honolulu is about $2,850–$3,925. Enclosed or container shipping costs about $4,050–$7,325.

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

Most cars arrive 15–30 days after drop-off, depending on the cities, sailing schedule and port handling. Book several weeks ahead, since sailings run on fixed schedules.

Is port-to-port or door-to-door cheaper?

Port-to-port is cheaper because you handle the drive to and from the ports yourself. Door-to-door adds trucking on one or both ends but saves you the trips.

Can I pack personal items in my car?

Usually not. Most ocean carriers require the car to be empty apart from standard equipment like a spare tire and jack. Ship household goods separately.

Does my car need to be cleaned before shipping?

Yes, for Hawaii. Cars must be free of soil, plants and insects to protect the islands from invasive pests. A dirty car can be turned away at the port until it's washed.

Will the military ship my car?

Service members on PCS orders may be entitled to have a vehicle shipped by the government. Check your orders and transportation office before booking a private shipment.

Is it cheaper to ship a car from Hawaii to Florida?

It can be. Prices depend on how many cars are moving in each direction, so the reverse trip may cost more or less. Compare prices on our Hawaii to Florida page.

Do I need to register my car in Hawaii after moving?

Yes. New Hawaii residents need to title and register their vehicle with the county motor vehicle office (Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui or Kauai County). Hawaii requires a periodic safety inspection. Cars shipped from the mainland need one before registration.

Related routes and guides

How we estimate prices. Prices, distances and transit times on this page are estimates for a standard sedan, based on route distance, typical carrier rates, ocean freight rates, seasonal demand and the extra cost of enclosed transport. Quotes from individual companies can be higher or lower. Hawaii registration details come from the county motor vehicle office (Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui or Kauai County).