Enclosed Car Transport to Hawaii
The move works in two stages: CHD sends a covered carrier for the mainland leg from your door to a West Coast port, then coordinates the ocean leg to the islands with vetted port partners.
- Covered trailer from your door to the departure port
- Ocean leg coordinated with port partners, containerized or RORO
- $2M cargo insurance coverage arranged on every load
Enclosed car transport to Hawaii works in two stages: CHD sends a covered carrier for the mainland leg from your door to a West Coast port, then coordinates the ocean leg to the islands with vetted port partners. Enclosed typically runs 40 to 60 percent more than open on the mainland leg.
Reviewed by Mike Fergusson, EVP Operations, Car Haul Direct
Why trust CHD with enclosed transport to Hawaii?
One team manages the mainland leg, the port handoff, and the ocean coordination.
FMCSA-Licensed Broker
CHD is an FMCSA-licensed auto transport broker, USDOT 4321158, coordinating carriers and port partners.
Two-Leg Coordination
One team manages mainland pickup, port handling, and ocean freight coordination in a single booking.
48-State Pickup
Enclosed pickup is available across all 48 contiguous states, wherever the car starts.
$2M Cargo Coverage
The mainland leg rides under $2M cargo insurance coverage.
1-3 Day Pickup
Metro enclosed pickups typically schedule within 1-3 days of booking.
West Coast Port Access
Departures route through Long Beach and Oakland in California and Tacoma in Washington.
Covered on Land, Coordinated at Sea
The figures that govern a CHD enclosed Hawaii move. Ocean pricing is quoted per shipment.
40-60
Percent Enclosed Premium
The typical enclosed uplift over open, on the mainland leg.
$2M
Cargo Insurance Coverage
Arranged on the mainland leg from your door to the departure port.
1-3
Day Pickup Window
Typical metro enclosed pickup after booking, anywhere in the lower 48.
7-14
Days to Honolulu
Port to port on the water from Long Beach or Oakland; neighbor islands run longer.
Hawaii enclosed shipping questions, answered
What enclosed covers, how long the water takes, and how pricing is structured.
Can a car go enclosed to Hawaii?
Mostly the mainland leg. The enclosed trailer protects your car from your door to the port, where the vehicle is securely loaded for ocean transport, typically containerized or RORO (roll-on/roll-off) depending on port partner practice. CHD coordinates both legs but does not operate the vessel.
How long does it take to ship a car to Hawaii?
Ocean windows are port to port, never a door to door total. Plan for 7-14 days on the water from Long Beach or Oakland to Honolulu, 9-16 days to Kahului or Hilo, and 10-18 days to Kailua-Kona. Add 1-3 days of mainland trucking at each end plus terminal time before the sailing.
How much does enclosed car transport to Hawaii cost?
Cost has two parts: the mainland enclosed leg, typically 40 to 60 percent more than open for the same distance, plus the ocean leg priced by port and vehicle. Ocean leg pricing to Honolulu varies by departure port and vehicle size, so it is quoted per shipment. The instant quote calculator starts the estimate.
Who ships enclosed to the islands?
Relocating Owners
Your high-value car makes the move with you, covered until port handoff.
Collectors and Enthusiasts
A classic or exotic deserves a covered trailer for a multi-thousand-mile mainland haul.
Military Families on PCS
OCONUS orders to Hawaii pair with the same two-leg coordination.
Seasonal Residents
The car winters on the islands and ships back the same way.
Services behind a Hawaii enclosed shipment
Six services across a move that changes vehicles halfway.
Enclosed Mainland Leg
A covered trailer from your door to the departure port, typically 40 to 60 percent over open.
Hawaii and Alaska Coordination
The Hawaii and Alaska transport page lays out the two-stage model this page mirrors. Open versus enclosed applies to the mainland leg.
Door-to-Port and Port-to-Door
Pickup at your mainland address, delivery at the island port. Door options are available on both ends where service allows.
Open Transport Option
A standard car can ride open to the port at the lower rate, covering the same mainland leg.
Expedited Mainland Leg
Sailing dates are fixed. Expedited transport helps when the mainland leg must hit a departure window.
Island Coverage
Arrivals include Honolulu on Oahu, Kahului on Maui, and Hilo and Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. Island delivery follows port arrival.
From your driveway to the islands
Five steps across two legs and one port handoff.
1. Get Your Quote
Start with the instant quote calculator; your coordinator prices the enclosed mainland leg plus the ocean leg.
2. Book the Enclosed Pickup
Metro pickups typically schedule within 1-3 days across the 48 contiguous states.
3. Enclosed Leg to the Port
The covered carrier delivers to Long Beach, Oakland, or Tacoma with a documented inspection.
4. Port Handoff and Ocean Leg
Port partners load the car, containerized or RORO depending on the sailing, and CHD tracks the coordination.
5. Island Arrival
Collect at the island port or arrange final delivery. Port appointments are required at pickup, so confirm your slot before you travel.
Enclosed car transport to Hawaii FAQ
How the two legs work, personal items, ports, paperwork, and non-runners.
It is a two-stage move. An enclosed carrier hauls your car to a West Coast departure port, where port partners load it for the ocean crossing, containerized or RORO depending on the sailing. CHD coordinates every step from mainland pickup to port handling to island delivery.
No. Ocean shipments generally have to travel empty, and ports can refuse a loaded vehicle. The usual trunk allowance does not apply here. Factory-installed equipment such as the spare tire and jack can stay. Remove toll transponders and leave about a quarter tank of fuel.
The enclosed trailer protects the car for the entire mainland leg. On the ocean leg, containerized sailings enclose the car fully, while RORO stows it inside the ship rather than on an open deck. Your coordinator confirms the method for your sailing.
Departures run through Long Beach and Oakland in California and Tacoma in Washington. Arrivals serve Honolulu on Oahu, Kahului on Maui, and Hilo and Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. Port-to-port, door-to-port, and port-to-door options are all available on these lanes, and port appointments are required at both ends.
General guidance: expect photo ID, the vehicle title or lienholder authorization if a lender holds the title, and booking paperwork. Registration rules after arrival are set by your Hawaii county, so check with that county directly. Requirements vary by port and sailing, so confirm the specifics with your coordinator before the sailing date.
For a high-value, classic, or collector car, yes. The mainland leg alone can cross 2,000 or more highway miles, then the car waits at a working port. The enclosed premium covers the stretch where road grime, salt air, and port exposure do the damage.
Inoperable vehicles typically add $100-$200 on the mainland leg, and ocean acceptance of non-runners varies by port and sailing, so disclose the condition upfront. The car generally must at least roll and steer for port loading. Your coordinator confirms feasibility for your specific sailing before booking.
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Get Your Hawaii Enclosed Quote
Start with the instant quote calculator on this page; a coordinator confirms the enclosed mainland leg and ocean schedule.