Shipping a Car To or From Hawaii: Matson vs. Pasha vs. Alternatives

Written by a couple who've made this move both directions.

There are only two Hawaii car shipping companies that run vehicles between Hawaii and the continent. These companies include Matson and Pasha Hawaii. Everything else advertised is a broker coordinating with one of those two companies.

This post will cover both directions for shipping to Hawaii and shipping off-island. The carrier landscape is the same for either way. The only thing that differs are the ports and pricing. We’ll compare Matson vs Pasha, RoRo vs container shipping, and how to choose the right one for your situation.

Also read: Shipping Your Car and Belongings From Hawaii: What It Costs

Quick Answer

Matson and Pasha Hawaii are the only two carriers that ship vehicles between Hawaii and the continent. Matson tends to have more frequent sailings with stronger tracking tools while Pasha tends to price slightly lower on some routes. The alternatives that you may come across in advertisements for Hawaii car shipping companies (SGT Auto Transport, Hawaii Car Transport, AmeriFreight) are brokers that coordinate with one of the two carriers.

Key Takeaways

• Matson and Pasha Hawaii are the only two Hawaii car shipping companies that operate actual ocean freight vessels for vehicles between Hawaii and the mainland
• Standard car shipping runs $1,200–$2,500 depending on direction, vehicle size, and route
• RoRo (Roll-On/Roll-Off) shipping is generally more affordable but leaves the car exposed to salt air. Container shipping costs more but offers better protection
• Companies like SGT Auto Transport, Hawaii Car Transport, and AmeriFreight are brokers, not carriers. They arrange mainland pickup and connect you to Matson or Pasha
• Booking 4–6 weeks ahead matters most during peak season (May–August)

Matson vs. Pasha: The Only Two Real Carriers for Hawaii Car Shipping Companies

Although you may see a lot of companies pop up in the search results or in Instagram / Facebook ads, there are only two companies that actually operate vessels. These include Matson and Pasha Hawaii.

Matson is Hawaii’s largest shipper and has been operating since 1882. Departure ports include Oakland, Long Beach, and Tacoma. Arrival ports include Honolulu, Kahului (Maui), Hilo and Kawaihae (Big Island), and Nawiliwili (Kauai).

Pasha Hawaii is the second carrier and departs from San Diego and Oakland. Island ports are the same as Matson. Pasha tends to have slightly lower prices on some routes and offer both RoRo and enclosed container options.

It is helpful to get quotes directly through each of their official sites: matson.com and pashahawaii.com. Anything else claiming to be a carrier is typically a broker or third party.

Standard Pricing Range

The pricing for most standard cars runs between $1,200-$1,700. SUVs and trucks are priced higher based on length, and oversized vehicles are individually quoted. When we shipped our car to Hawaii, we paid around $1,300 (that was several years ago), and most recently the cost of shipping our car to the continent was $1,020. Both ways were with Matson.

What “Alternatives” Actually Means: Brokers, Not Carriers

If you don’t live near a West Coast port to ship your car from the continent to Hawaii, then you will need to transport your vehicle yourself or with a third-party to the port, then your car will be shipped via ocean freight.

When you come across “alternative” companies being advertised such as SGT Auto Transport, Hawaii Car Transport, or AmeriFreight Auto Transport (just a few examples), they are brokers that coordinate the mainland-to-port leg. They often get discounted rates from Matson and Pasha from bulk volume.

Asking a broker to book directly with Matson can sometimes save $100-$200. If you choose to use a broker, be sure they are legit by verifying them. A legitimate broker can always tell you what the name of the carrier and vessel that will handle the ocean leg.

RoRo vs. Container Shipping

RoRo stands for Roll-On/Roll-Off. It means a car is driven onto the vessel and secured on an open deck. It is a more affordable option but your car will be exposed to salt air and weather during transit.

Container shipping is when a car is loaded into an enclosed container. It costs more, but it offers better protection for your vehicle. It is worth considering if you have a newer, high-value, or classic vehicle. Do keep in mind that salt air corrosion is something to consider either direction, especially if your vehicle is staying in Hawaii long-term.

Ports to Know, Both Directions

The mainland departure ports include Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, San Diego, and Seattle/Tacoma. Hawaii ports are Honolulu (Oahu), Kahului (Maui), Hilo, and Kawaihae (Big Island), and Nawiliwiii (Kauai). Honolulu is the primary and most common port.

If you’re shipping to Hawaii from somewhere inland that isn’t near a West Coast port, a broker can typically coordinate the first inland leg.

How to Choose Between Matson, Pasha, and a Broker

If you live close to a West Coast port and can drop your car off yourself, then booking directly with either Matson or Pasha can save you a broker fee. If you’re shipping from inland and need pickup at your door, using a broker can be more practical and sometimes cheaper due to their bulk rates.

It helps to get at least two quotes. Get one from each carrier, or from one carrier plus one broker before booking. It’s a good idea to book 4-6 weeks ahead, especially during peak season (May-August).

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

We used Matson to ship our car to Hawaii and to ship back to the continent. It was a smooth process overall. Shipping from Hawaii costs less than shipping to Hawaii. Keep in mind that if you ship your car from Hawaii to the continent, you will need to provide additional information such as a title (if your car is paid off) or an authorization letter from the lien holder stating that you can ship your car to the continent.