Last reviewed: October 17, 2026 · Checked against the carrier sources listed at the end
Your car can’t be driven to the mainland, so it crosses the Pacific on a ship. Two ocean carriers take personal vehicles from Hawaii, and each has strict rules about paperwork and preparation. Getting these right is the difference between a smooth drop-off and being sent home to vacuum again.
Key takeaways
- Matson and Pasha Hawaii both ship personal vehicles from Honolulu and the neighbor-island ports to the West Coast.
- Bring the title or lien paperwork, current registration and photo ID. Each carrier’s exact list is below.
- Both require a quarter tank of gas or less, a clean car and no personal belongings inside.
- Matson does not accept electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids.
- Neighbor-island cars usually connect through Honolulu, which adds weeks.
Ship it or sell it?
Start with this question. If your car is older, has high miles, or is worth less than shipping plus a few weeks of renting a car on the mainland, selling locally may make more sense. If it’s newer, paid off, or hard to replace, shipping usually wins. Get a current shipping quote from both carriers before you decide; we don’t publish prices because they change often.
The two carriers at a glance
| Matson | Pasha Hawaii | |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii ports | Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului, Nawiliwili | Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului, Nawiliwili |
| Mainland ports for cars | Long Beach, Oakland | San Diego (check Pasha for other terminals) |
| Fuel | Below 1/4 tank | 1/4 tank or less |
| Electric vehicles | Not accepted, including plug-in hybrids | Ask Pasha when you book |
| Published transit time | About 9–24 days from Honolulu; about 33–45 days from neighbor islands | Confirm with Pasha for your sailing |
Documents to bring
Matson
- Vehicle title and registration. For cars leaving Hawaii, Matson cites Hawaii statute 286-57.
- Your booking number and photo ID at pickup
- Someone else picking up? Email Matson their name and a photo of their license beforehand.
- Have a loan? Ask your lender and Matson what they need before you book.
Pasha Hawaii
- Booking agreement signed by the registered owner
- Registration that is current through the ship date
- Title or bill of sale matching the VIN, or a lien authorization letter from your lender
- Company car: a letter from a company officer. Military: military ID.
- Owner can’t drop off? A notarized authorization or power of attorney
How to prepare the car
- Run the tank down to a quarter or less.
- Wash the outside and vacuum the inside. Matson requires the interior to be completely dry, so don’t shampoo the carpets the day before.
- Empty it. Remove everything, including from truck beds and toolboxes. Generally only the spare tire, jack, owner’s manual, floor mats and secured child seats may stay.
- Check it runs. Pasha requires the car to roll, brake and steer, with no fluid leaks.
- Photograph it from every side, inside and out, with the date, before drop-off.
- Windshield damage? Matson needs to approve chipped or cracked windshields individually.
Shipping from Maui, Kauai or the Big Island
Both carriers serve Kahului, Nawiliwili and Hilo, but neighbor-island cargo usually connects through Honolulu, which is why Matson’s estimates are longer. Some people drive onto an inter-island barge first. Young Brothers carries cars between the islands only; it doesn’t ship to the mainland. Book with them at least two weeks ahead, with no more than a quarter tank.
Timing your car with your move
Most people drop the car off one to two weeks before they fly, and rent a car on each end. Pasha says pickup is available no sooner than two days after the ship arrives. Budget for a rental and for getting from your new home to the port.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to ship a car from Hawaii?
Matson publishes roughly 9 to 24 days from Honolulu and 33 to 45 days from the neighbor islands, counted from the sail date. Your actual time depends on sailing schedules, so confirm when you book.
Can I pack boxes in my car?
No. Both carriers require the car to be empty apart from a few listed items. Ship your belongings separately.
Can I ship an electric car from Hawaii?
Matson doesn’t accept electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids. Ask Pasha about its current policy when you book.
What if I still owe money on the car?
Pasha accepts a lien authorization letter from your lender in place of the title. Request it early: lenders can take time to send one.
Keep planning
Sources
- Matson: Shipping a vehicle (FAQ)
- Pasha Hawaii: Shipping your vehicle (FAQ)
- Young Brothers: FAQ
- Young Brothers: Company overview
Carrier rules and schedules change. Always confirm requirements directly with the carrier when you book.
