Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Houston, Texas to Hawaii

The cheapest way to ship a car to Hawaii is to drive it to a port on the West Coast and have it transported by a RORO (roll-on, roll-off) ship. This typically costs between $800 and $1,500.

It's often worth shipping your car to Hawaii if it's reliable, newer, or you have sentimental attachment, as mainland cars are 15-20% cheaper than Hawaii's marked-up prices, but selling and buying a used local car can be better if your current car is old, rusty, or has high mileage due to Hawaii's salty air and different market. Costs range from roughly $1,000 to $2,500+ for port-to-port shipping from the West Coast, with door-to-door adding significantly more, but factor in the hassle, rust potential, and Hawaii's specific registration/insurance rules.

Driving is usually cheaper for shorter distances (under 500 miles), but for long cross-country moves (over 1,000 miles), shipping can become comparable or even cheaper when factoring in your time, food, lodging, and significant vehicle wear-and-tear, making driving less cost-effective despite lower upfront gas costs. The decision balances direct fuel savings against the hidden costs and time commitment of a long drive, with shipping offering convenience and preserving your car's mileage and condition.