Cars generally cost about 15% to 20% higher in Hawaii than they do in the continental US so it is worth considering shipping your car to Hawaii. Most autos can be shipped to and from Hawaii and the U.S. mainland for under $2,000.00. Once they arrive in the state you have 14 days to transfer the registration to Hawaii with the exception of active duty military.
Things to consider
It is important to note that most shippers require certification from the lien holder that permission has been given to ship the car to Hawaii. If you have a loan on the car you are shipping you should contact the lender to see what their policy is.
Some shippers have also been known to require special prep work done such as undercoating, or steam cleaning before a car can be shipped. We highly recommend rust proofing any car coming to Hawaii as you are never far from the ocean here.
We also advise that you remove all valuable accessories from the vehicle prior to shipment as the rate of vandalism and theft is quite high for cars shipped. Also make sure to continue your insurance coverage for the duration of transport.
If you time your departure correctly, your car can be in Honolulu in about 10 days. Once in Hawaii it may take some time longer to get your car to an outer island if that is your final destination. If you plan on shipping the car to the Big Island of Hawaii you might want to inquire about the shipping time to both the Hilo and Kona piers. There can sometimes be as long as three weeks difference in arrival times by sea. The driving time however is only about 2 hours. Its worth it to make the drive to have your car three weeks earlier.