Los Angeles to Hawaii Car Shipping - Budget Auto Transporter

May 18, 2023

Effortless Car Shipping: Los Angeles to Hawaii Guide

hawaii beach

Given that Hawaii and Los Angeles are close by, shipping cars between them is fairly common. The reverse option (shipping an automobile from Hawaii to Los Angeles) is equally well-liked, but there are some extra processes involved because of the norms and regulations for maritime goods.

Learn why shipping an automobile to Hawaii from Los Angeles can be a better option than renting or purchasing one once you get in the Aloha State by reading on.

Car transport from/to LA to Hawaii 

Fun in Hawaii! A lot of fun, specifically.

You've come to the perfect place if you're considering transporting an automobile from Los Angeles to Hawaii. Don't stress if you're considering exporting an automobile from Hawaii to Los Angeles; we've got that handled, too.

Shipping a car to Hawaii vs. buying a new car in Hawaii

Hawaii has some drawbacks for residents. The expense of living may be higher, to start.

In addition, Hawaii has the second-highest gas prices nationwide, according to AAA.com (as of December 10, 2019). If you want to buy a cheap car to combat the high cost of gas, you might want to think about doing so in Southern California where you'll have more possibilities and shipping your car to Hawaii from Los Angeles.

When selecting the most affordable method to ship an automobile to Hawaii, you should take all the variables into account. According to the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the average cost of a new car in Hawaii is around $31,000.00, a sum that the majority of individuals will need to finance.

Getting a car from Los Angeles to Hawaii via shipping

Here is an overview of the procedure in case you decide to ship a car to Hawaii or from Hawaii.


Getting an estimate and placing your order are the initial steps in shipping a car from Los Angeles to Hawaii. By using our online calculator, calling, or live chat, you can easily place an order and receive an immediate pricing quote.

2. Get your car ready

The next step is to get your car ready for shipping. Here are a few things you may need to do in advance to get you started:
  • No personal things allowed, although floor mats, child car seats, spare tires, jacks, and driver's manual can be shipped.
  • The car needs to be spotless both inside and out (no dirt allowed).
  • The car needs to be in working order and not have any fluid leaks.
  • The vehicle's emergency brake must be functional.
  • No windshields or windows have chips or cracks.
  • The car must only have a quarter tank of gas. Important information: If your car has more than 1/4 tank of gas, the port will turn it away.
  • Only for electric cars, the battery needs to be fully charged.
3. The car is picked up

We make arrangements for the mainland pickup of your car. You can pick up your car from the appropriate port once it has arrived in Hawaii, passed inspection, and been declared legal by customs.

You can ship your vehicle from Los Angeles to Hawaii's ports of Kauai, O'ahu, Maui, or the Big Island. When the shipment is planned with the oceanic carrier or vessel firm, Budget Auto Transporter will give you the vessel booking number, which you will need to pick up your vehicle.

How to ship a car from Hawaii to Los Angeles

You must leave your car at the port if you need to carry it from Hawaii to Los Angeles. From the ports in Kauai (Lihue), O'ahu (Honolulu), Maui (Kahului), and the Big Island of Hawaii (Hilo), you can ship your vehicle from Hawaii to Los Angeles.

Keep in mind that this is not the same as shipping an automobile from Los Angeles to Hawaii, where you would pick it up at the port in Hawaii. Instead, you'll drop it off at one of the aforementioned ports and have the option of port-to-port or port-to-door shipment.

1. Schedule and get your car ready

Getting a price and placing your order are the first steps in shipping a car from Hawaii to Los Angeles. You should have the following items on hand:

  • Vehicle year, 
  • Make, and model
  • Vehicle color
  • Complete VIN (vehicle identifying number)
  • Number on the license plate, if applicable

2. Leave the car at the port

Dropping off your car at one of the ports in Kauai (Lihue), O'ahu (Honolulu), Maui (Kahului), or the Big Island of Hawaii (Hilo) is the next step for you.

The following are some items you should bring:

  • Order confirmation number from the local auto transport company you booked with and the vessel booking number.
  • Keys to your vehicle, including the remote to unlock and control the alarm system.
  • Vehicle title or lien holder authorization letter (if applicable), allowing you to transport the vehicle overseas.
  • Power of attorney (if needed) for situations where the registered owner cannot personally drop off the vehicle at the port.
  • Current registration document.
  • Valid government-issued photo ID.
3. Delivery

The delivery process comes last. Keep in mind that there are two choices available when shipping an automobile from Hawaii to Los Angeles.

A. Convenient Port-to-Door Service: Effortlessly Shipping Your Car from Hawaii to Los Angeles

Experience the ultimate convenience with our Port-to-Door service, tailored specifically for transporting your car from the breathtaking islands of Hawaii to the bustling city of Los Angeles. Here's how it works: simply drop off your vehicle at the designated port, and we'll take care of the rest. Our dedicated drivers will ensure the safe transportation of your vehicle, delivering it as close to your specified location on the mainland as safety and regulations allow. In the rare event that the delivery location isn't accessible to a large truck, we'll coordinate a nearby meeting point where your vehicle can be loaded and unloaded with ease.

Leave the hassle to us while you focus on ensuring someone is present at the delivery location on the mainland to receive your treasured vehicle. With our Port-to-Door service, you can enjoy a seamless and worry-free car shipping experience, knowing that your valuable possession is in reliable hands.

B. Streamlined Port-to-Port Service: Simplifying Car Shipping between Hawaii and Los Angeles

For those seeking flexibility and proximity to the port, our Port-to-Port service is the ideal choice. Here's how it works: you drop off your vehicle at one of the conveniently located ports in Hawaii. Depending on your residential location, we offer the option to pick up your vehicle from one of the mainland ports we arrange shipping from. It's worth considering this option primarily if you reside in close proximity to the mainland ports, ensuring a more accessible and efficient retrieval of your vehicle.

When shipping a car from Los Angeles to Hawaii, no additional paperwork is required. However, if you're transporting a car from Hawaii to Los Angeles, it's important to note that additional paperwork and procedures are likely necessary. Our knowledgeable team will guide you through the required documentation, making the process as smooth as possible.

Choose our trusted Port-to-Door or Port-to-Port services, tailored to meet your specific needs, as we take care of the logistics and ensure a hassle-free car shipping experience for you.

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