Shipping a car from San Diego to Hawaii is one of the most unique and exciting auto transport challenges in the entire USA. Unlike standard mainland shipping routes, getting your vehicle from Southern California to the Hawaiian Islands involves a specialized process that goes well beyond simply loading a car onto a truck. At Rapid Auto Shipping, we handle this route regularly and understand every detail of what it takes to get your vehicle safely across the Pacific — from the port in San Diego all the way to your chosen Hawaiian island.
Whether you’re relocating from San Diego to Honolulu, heading to Maui for an extended stay, or sending a vehicle to a family member on the Big Island, this complete cost guide will walk you through everything you need to know before booking your San Diego to Hawaii car shipment in 2026.
Understanding the San Diego to Hawaii Shipping Route
Shipping a car from San Diego to Hawaii is fundamentally different from mainland auto transport. Your vehicle does not travel by truck the entire way — instead, it is transported overland to a departure port, loaded onto a cargo vessel, and shipped across the Pacific Ocean to its destination port in Hawaii. From there, it is either delivered to your door or picked up at the receiving terminal depending on your chosen service.
The most common departure port for San Diego to Hawaii car shipping is the Port of San Diego or the nearby Port of Los Angeles in Long Beach. Hawaiian receiving ports include Honolulu on Oahu, Kahului on Maui, Hilo or Kawaihae on the Big Island, and Nawiliwili on Kauai. The ocean crossing alone covers approximately 2,400 miles of open Pacific water, making this one of the longest and most specialized auto transport routes in the entire USA.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from San Diego to Hawaii in 2026?
Pricing for San Diego to Hawaii car shipping is influenced by several factors including your chosen shipping method, vehicle size, destination island, and current market conditions. Here is a realistic breakdown of what to expect with Rapid Auto Shipping in 2026.
Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping is the most popular and affordable method for shipping a car from San Diego to Hawaii. With RoRo shipping, your vehicle is driven directly onto the cargo vessel and secured in the ship’s vehicle deck for the ocean crossing. It is safe, efficient, and widely used for standard running vehicles. RoRo shipping from San Diego to Hawaii typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 for a standard car or SUV depending on your destination island.
Container Shipping is the premium option for customers who want maximum protection for their vehicle during the ocean crossing. Your car is loaded into a dedicated shipping container — either alone or shared with other vehicles — and sealed for the entire journey across the Pacific. Container shipping offers superior protection from salt air, moisture, and the elements during transit. Prices for container shipping from San Diego to Hawaii generally range from $1,500 to $2,500 or more depending on whether you choose a shared or dedicated container and your specific destination island.
In addition to the base ocean freight cost, customers should budget for additional fees including port handling charges, vehicle preparation requirements, documentation fees, and destination port charges. These additional costs typically add $200 to $500 to the overall shipping price depending on your specific situation.
8 Key Factors That Affect the Cost to Ship a Car from San Diego to Hawaii
Understanding what drives pricing on this specialized route helps you plan your budget accurately and avoid unexpected costs.
1. Shipping Method — RoRo vs. Container Your choice between Roll-on Roll-off and container shipping is the single biggest pricing factor on the San Diego to Hawaii route. RoRo is more affordable but offers less protection. Container shipping costs more but provides superior security and weather protection during the open ocean crossing.
2. Destination Island The island you’re shipping to directly affects your total cost. Honolulu on Oahu is the most frequently serviced destination and typically carries the lowest rates due to high shipping volume. Less frequently serviced islands such as Kauai, Lanai, and Molokai may carry higher freight costs due to lower carrier frequency and additional inter-island logistics.
3. Vehicle Size and Weight Larger and heavier vehicles take up more space on the cargo vessel and cost more to ship. Standard sedans and compact SUVs are the most affordable to transport. Full-size trucks, large SUVs, extended vans, and oversized vehicles will carry higher shipping rates due to their increased footprint on the carrier.
4. Vehicle Condition Your vehicle must be in running condition for RoRo shipping, as it needs to be driven on and off the cargo vessel. Non-running or inoperable vehicles require container shipping, which adds to the overall cost. Before booking, confirm your vehicle’s operational status with Rapid Auto Shipping so we can recommend the right shipping solution for your situation.
5. Port Fees and Documentation Shipping a car from San Diego to Hawaii involves more paperwork and port handling than standard mainland auto transport. Customers should budget for port processing fees, vehicle inspection requirements, and documentation costs at both the departure and receiving ports. Rapid Auto Shipping walks every customer through these requirements to ensure a smooth and compliant shipping process.
6. Seasonal Demand Like all auto transport routes across the USA, San Diego to Hawaii car shipping experiences seasonal pricing fluctuations. Peak demand periods — including summer relocation season and military PCS move cycles — can push prices higher and reduce carrier availability. Booking your shipment at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance is strongly recommended, especially during busy periods.
7. Insurance Coverage All shipments with Rapid Auto Shipping include standard cargo insurance coverage. However, customers shipping high-value, luxury, or collector vehicles may want to consider additional insurance coverage for the ocean crossing portion of the journey. We can help you understand your coverage options and recommend the right level of protection for your specific vehicle.
8. Speed of Service Standard ocean freight schedules operate on regular departure cycles, and booking in advance gives you the best choice of departure dates and the most competitive pricing. If you need your vehicle shipped on a tighter timeline, expedited options may be available but will carry a premium over standard scheduling rates.
What to Expect During the Shipping Process
Shipping a car from San Diego to Hawaii with Rapid Auto Shipping follows a clear and well-organized process. First, we provide your free, transparent quote based on your vehicle details, preferred shipping method, and destination island. Once booked, we coordinate overland transport of your vehicle to the departure port in San Diego or Long Beach. Your car is then inspected, documented, and loaded onto the cargo vessel for the ocean crossing.
Transit time for the ocean portion of the journey from San Diego to Hawaii is typically 5 to 7 days depending on the destination island and vessel schedule. Upon arrival at the Hawaiian port, your vehicle clears customs and port processing before being delivered to your door or made available for pickup at the receiving terminal.
Throughout the entire process, Rapid Auto Shipping keeps you informed with regular updates and our dedicated support team is available seven days a week to answer any questions.
Why Choose Rapid Auto Shipping for San Diego to Hawaii Car Shipping?
Rapid Auto Shipping is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured USA-based auto transport company with extensive experience coordinating vehicle shipments to Hawaii from ports across California. We handle every detail of the process — from overland pickup to port coordination to final delivery on your chosen island — so you never have to navigate the complexities of overseas auto transport alone.
Our customers trust us for transparent pricing, zero hidden fees, expert guidance through every step of the process, and dedicated customer support that is always just a phone call away.
Get Your Free San Diego to Hawaii Car Shipping Quote Today
Now that you understand exactly what it costs and what to expect, getting started is simple. Request your free, no-obligation quote from Rapid Auto Shipping today and let our experienced team handle every mile — and every wave — between San Diego and Hawaii.