Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Honolulu, Hawaii to San Jose, California

Driving is usually cheaper for shorter distances, but for long cross-country moves, the cost difference shrinks, and shipping can become comparable or even cheaper once you factor in gas, lodging, food, wear-and-tear, and your time, making the decision depend on distance, vehicle, your schedule, and budget. Driving saves money on carrier fees but adds wear on your car, while shipping costs more upfront but saves time, fuel, and stress.

The process of shipping a vehicle from Hawaii to California involves many steps that can impact how long it will take. Between dropping the vehicle at the port, loading it onto a cargo ship, then crossing the Pacific Ocean and docking at a California port, you can expect between 21 and 42 days.

6-9 days is standard for trips between Honolulu and California ports. From the neighbor islands, add a few more days. Eastbound cargo from Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island can take anywhere from 9 to 14 days to move from Hawaii to a California port.