At the end of 2022, tourism rates to Hawaii nearly recovered, reaching a 95% recovery rate compared to 2019. Today, more than 700,000 people visit the Hawaiian islands monthly.
As travel restrictions have all but disappeared in the US, Americans are on the move again. Affordable flights from the West Coast to Hawaii can be found throughout the year, making it easy to get to Hawaii.
But the high cost of car rentals is always a big shock to travelers who touch down on the islands for the first time.
If you’re heading to Hawaii, you might want to ship your car to give yourself a guaranteed ride. And if you’re moving to the islands, either short-term or long-term, you’ll definitely want to ship your car to Hawaii, since buying something or renting will be cost-prohibitive.
Keep reading below to learn how long car shipping takes, and what to expect.
Air Freight Shipping
This is the quickest way to transport your car over to Hawaii, but it is also the most expensive method. The largest cargo planes can hold upwards of 80 vehicles at a time, with many smaller planes maxing out at 12 vehicles.
This is almost never done by consumers but is an option.
It usually takes only a few days for your vehicle to arrive in Hawaii once it has been dropped off at the air freight shipping company. However, keep in mind that if you choose this method, you will need to pay for extra services such as customs clearance, taxes, and paperwork.
Container Freight Shipping
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, then container shipping might be a good option for you. Large cargo ships are heading back and forth from the Mainland to Hawaii constantly. And these ships can house massive amounts of cargo, including thousands of cars at a time, lowering the cost for you.
This method is so efficient because shipping companies load vehicles into shipping containers. They strap them down for safety, which makes it easy for cranes to load and stack containers, maximizing cargo space.
Since your car is in a container, it’s able to arrive at nearly any port in the world, Hawaii included. However, this method is more popular for those shipping numerous cars, such as manufacturers.
Generally, it can take anywhere from 7-21 days for your car to arrive by sea freight shipping. There may be additional taxes to pay upon arrival, but your shipping company should let you know about this beforehand.
With this method, it’s harder to provide guaranteed delivery dates, so you may need to be a bit more flexible when choosing this method.
Roll-on/Roll-off Shipping
Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) is another popular option when it comes to shipping cars overseas. You (or your car shipping company) will drop the car off at the port. Someone will drive it up a ramp and onto the vessel.
Since cars aren’t placed in containers, cargo carriers can’t stack them, so these ships aren’t able to maximize shipping space. Still, this might be one of the most affordable car shipping options to Hawaii. And it’s the most popular method for individuals who are shipping just one or two cars.
RORO shipping isn’t available everywhere, as ports that can accept these shipments are limited. But Hawaii is one such place where this method works.
RORO shipping can take anywhere from 1-3 weeks before your car arrives in Hawaii safely and securely. The good news with this method is the benefit of a guaranteed arrival date, so you know exactly when you’ll have your vehicle in Hawaii.
As with other options mentioned above, additional fees may apply upon arrival in Hawaii including customs clearance and taxes that must be paid before receiving possession of your vehicle again.
Preparing to Ship Your Car
Before your vehicle can be shipped, there are certain steps that must be taken in order to get it ready for transport. First and foremost, all personal items must be removed from the vehicle before it is shipped. Shipping providers won’t accept liability for items left inside a vehicle.
Additionally, any fuel left in the tank should not exceed 1/4 full (as per Coast Guard regulations).
You’ll also need to check with your insurance company about coverage while transporting your vehicle overseas; Some companies may require additional coverage for vehicles being shipped by air or on a ship.
Lastly, make sure that your vehicle has been serviced before shipping since breakdowns during transport can lead to hefty repair bills once it reaches its destination.
Work With a Door to Door Car Shipping Service
There’s a lot to consider when shipping your car to Hawaii. Unless you’ve done it before, it can seem overwhelming trying to navigate the complexities and options for shipping a car.
At Luxy Transport, we make things as simple as possible for you. Not only will we get your car to Hawaii as fast and safely as possible, but we’ll transport it from your door on the mainland to your door in Hawaii, be it a home, office, or hotel.
We’ll compare all available shipping options and present you with the most affordable, reliable, and fastest options, so you know exactly what you are getting. Plus, you’ll receive GPS tracking capabilities so you know exactly where your vehicle is at all times.
Start Comparing Car Shipping Options Today
Ready to ship your car and get to Hawaii to enjoy the sun, sand, and natural beauty of the islands?
If you’re going to be in Hawaii for a while, the best thing you can do is bring your own vehicle as opposed to renting one during your stay. When done properly, it can be an easy way to get your vehicle where you need it fast, safely, and surprisingly affordable.
Whether you are moving to Hawaii or spending a season there, you’ll benefit from bringing a car versus renting one. Contact Luxy Transport today and start comparing door-to-door shipping options today.