How to Ship a Car to Hawaii or Alaska: Everything You Need to Know
If you’re planning a move to Hawaii or Alaska, you already know that logistics get complicated fast, especially when it comes to your vehicle. Whether you’re relocating permanently, heading out for a military PCS, or simply need your car where it can’t drive itself, shipping a vehicle to a non-contiguous state doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful.
At Lee Bowe Company, we’ve coordinated thousands of successful moves to and from these destinations. Here’s a complete, practical guide to help you plan your vehicle shipment with confidence and without surprises.
Why Ship Your Car Instead of Buying One There?
In both Hawaii and Alaska, car prices are significantly higher than on the mainland. Inventory is limited, waitlists are long, and even base-model vehicles can come with inflated premiums. If you already own a reliable vehicle, shipping is usually more affordable than buying local.
Many of our customers ship vehicles because they:
- Want to avoid the markup and limited selection in remote markets
- Are only relocating temporarily and want to bring their car back later
- Need a dependable car they already know and trust
- Are part of a military or government relocation and need to meet specific timelines
Whether you’re headed to Honolulu or Anchorage, having your own vehicle gives you immediate freedom and eliminates the hassle of trying to buy, rent, or rely on transit systems with limited coverage.
How the Shipping Process Works
Shipping a car to Hawaii or Alaska involves a mix of ground and ocean transport. While the process is similar for both states, there are key differences depending on the port, carrier, and delivery options.
1. Schedule in Advance
The earlier you book, the better your options, especially during peak months (May through September). We recommend reserving your transport at least two to three weeks in advance to ensure preferred pickup windows and carrier availability.
2. Choose the Right Route
For Hawaii, vehicles are shipped from mainland ports like Oakland, or Long Beach using roll-on/roll-off (RORO) or enclosed container transport. Most deliveries go through Honolulu, with onward service available to Maui, the Big Island, or Kauai.
For Alaska, cars are typically loaded in Seattle and shipped to Anchorage or Fairbanks using a combination of barge and rail. Lee Bowe Company offers full door-to-port and port-to-door coordination, meaning we can handle pickup from your location and manage the handoff to the ocean carrier.
3. Prepare Your Vehicle
You’ll need to clean the car inside and out, remove personal items, leave the fuel tank at a quarter or less, and provide your title and registration if required by the port. Vehicles with toll tags, alarms, or specialty equipment may require additional prep.
Need a checklist? Just ask, and we’ll email it to you directly.
4. Delivery Options
Depending on the location and carrier, you may pick up the vehicle at a port or schedule final delivery to your home. We provide real-time updates and clear communication at every step so you’re never left wondering where your car is, or what’s next.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Hawaii or Alaska?
Rates are influenced by:
- Distance from your origin to the departure port
- Port choice and final delivery location
- Vehicle size and weight
- Time of year (peak seasons drive up demand)
- Whether you choose RORO or enclosed container shipping
- Required lead time (last-minute moves can increase cost)
We don’t offer flat-rate pricing because no two shipments are the same, but we do offer fast, accurate quotes with zero pressure.
Ports We Serve
Hawaii:
Honolulu (Oahu), Hilo (Big Island), Kahului (Maui), Nawiliwili (Kauai)
Alaska:
Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kodiak (limited access, available on request)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting too long to book can mean missing your preferred ship date, especially during the busy summer months or PCS season.
Don’t leave personal items in the car. Ports and carriers will refuse the vehicle if anything is left inside.
Make sure your carrier is licensed and insured. Always verify FMCSA registration and ask for proof of cargo coverage. Some Ports also require special certifications/ clearances such as a TWIC card.
Choose the right port. Dropping off at the wrong terminal or requesting delivery to a remote island or town can lead to unexpected costs and delays.
Always document your vehicle’s condition with photos prior to pickup.
Why Lee Bowe Company?
We’re not just a broker—we’re a partner in the process. Our team coordinates every phase of the move, from the initial quote to final delivery. We don’t subcontract and disappear. We will stay with you.
Our network includes fully insured carriers, veteran drivers, and trusted port partners who understand the demands of shipping to non-contiguous states.
You’ll have a single point of contact, clear pricing, and fast responses whenever you need support.
Whether you’re shipping one personal vehicle or managing a fleet move, we can handle it—without the drama.
Get Started Today
Shipping your vehicle to Hawaii or Alaska doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right partner, it’s just another box checked off your move list.
Request a quote now or contact us to speak with a transport coordinator. We’ll help you build the best route, timeline, and delivery plan to get your car where it needs to go, and do so quickly, safely, and with zero guesswork.