Key takeaway: Matson charges $1,790 to ship a standard car from the West Coast to Honolulu, and $2,600 to Hilo, Kahului or Nawiliwili (Matson, rates effective June 7, 2026). Matson isn’t accepting electric cars or plug-in hybrids. Numbers checked October 30, 2026.
Mainland to Hawaiʻi
| Route (Matson, standard car) | One way | Transit time |
|---|---|---|
| Long Beach or Oakland → Honolulu | $1,790 | 9–24 days after sailing |
| Long Beach or Oakland → Hilo, Kahului or Nawiliwili | $2,600 | 33–45 days, includes a barge from Honolulu |
| Honolulu → Long Beach or Oakland | $1,020 | |
| Neighbor islands → West Coast | $1,990.01 |
Sources: Matson rates; Matson FAQ. Standard car is up to 21’8″ long, 8′ wide, 7′ high.
That’s an $810 premium to the neighbor islands, the same island gap you’ll see in groceries and gas. Pasha Hawaii, the other main carrier, quotes rates individually, and serves Honolulu weekly and Hilo and Kahului every other week (Pasha Hawaii). If you drive an EV or plug-in hybrid, check with Pasha or another carrier, since Matson has suspended them.
Between islands
| Young Brothers, one way from Honolulu | Small (up to 2,500 lb) | Medium (2,501–4,000 lb) | Large (4,001–6,500 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| To Kahului, Nawiliwili, Molokaʻi or Lānaʻi | $356.38 | $434.36 | $628.78 |
| To Hilo or Kawaihae | $399.00 | $486.29 | $703.90 |
Source: Young Brothers Local Tariff No. 5-A.
Young Brothers raised rates 25.75% on January 1, 2026 and another 3% on July 1, and a 2026 state law allows up to 5% more a year for three years (Civil Beat). Shipping between two neighbor islands adds 25%, because the cargo goes through Honolulu (Young Brothers).
When your car arrives
- You have 30 days to register the car in Hawaiʻi or get a $5 out-of-state vehicle permit, which keeps your mainland plates valid until they expire (City and County of Honolulu; County of Kauaʻi).
- You need a Hawaiʻi safety inspection first, plus Hawaiʻi insurance and the bill of lading showing your arrival date.
- Registration fees depend on the car’s weight and your county. See our car costs guide. Maui’s steps are on the County of Maui site.
Sources
- Matson: car shipping cost and payment
- Matson: car shipping FAQ
- Pasha Hawaii: autos
- Young Brothers: Local Tariff No. 5-A
- Young Brothers: vehicle cost
- Civil Beat: interisland shipping rates rise July 1
- City and County of Honolulu: out-of-state vehicles
- County of Kauaʻi: out-of-state vehicles
- County of Maui: out-of-state registration