Military PCS Car Shipping to Hawaii (and Back): 2025 Guide

What Military Families Need to Know

Yes, you can ship your POV (personally owned vehicle) to Hawaii, but whether the government pays for it depends on your situation. If you’re an Active Duty member with PCS orders to or from Hawaii, the military usually covers one vehicle. If you want to send an extra car, or you’re a veteran or reservist moving on your own, you’ll pay for it out of pocket.

The usual timeline goes like this: you drop your vehicle off at a mainland port, it ships across the Pacific, and then you pick it up at the Hawaii port. The return process works the same way in reverse.



When it comes to cost, prices vary depending on where your vehicle starts its journey, how big or heavy it is, and the time of year. For example, larger vehicles and longer transport routes typically cost more, and prices can change based on seasonal demand. Instead of guessing numbers, it’s better to get a quote that reflects your actual location and vehicle details.

Military Discounts - How to Actually Get Them

Most transport companies offer real military discounts, but you need to know how to claim them the right way. Usually, Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve members qualify, and sometimes veterans too. You’ll just need to show your military ID and, if you’re on PCS orders, provide a copy of those when booking.

Discounts are normally applied to the base transport rate, not on top of promo prices. Some companies let you combine them with seasonal deals, but many don’t, so always ask before booking.

Be careful with “too-cheap” quotes. If something sounds unrealistically low, it probably means hidden fees or poor service later. Saving $50 isn’t worth the stress of delayed pick-ups or unreliable carriers. Go with a trusted company that’s transparent and experienced with military PCS moves.

👉 Check out our Military Discounts page to learn how to apply your discount and get a verified rate.

Required Documents (Easy Checklist)

Before dropping off your vehicle, make sure you have the right paperwork ready. Here’s a simple checklist to help you stay organized:

• Government-issued ID (military or driver’s license)
• Vehicle title or registration or a lienholder letter if you’re still making payments
• Proof of insurance
• PCS orders (only if you’re using them for eligibility or a military discount)
• Signed authorization if someone else is handling the shipment for you
• Any port-specific forms required by your departure or arrival port

Clean & Prep: What Ports Actually Require

If you’re wondering, “Do I need to clean my car before shipping to Hawaii?” the short answer is yes, absolutely. Ports have strict inspection rules to protect Hawaii from invasive species. A clean vehicle helps you pass inspection faster and prevents delays.

Here’s what you should know before drop-off:

• Exterior cleaning: Your car must be completely clean,no dirt, mud, or leaves underneath or in the wheel wells. This is part of Hawaii’s agricultural inspection process.
• Interior rules: Remove all personal items from the inside and trunk. No gas cans, cleaning products, aerosols, or anything that could spill or cause a safety issue.
• Fuel & battery: Keep your gas tank about ¼ full (not more), and make sure your battery is charged and accessible for inspection.

For full preparation details, visit our guides:
👉 Tips to Prepare Your Vehicle for a Shipment to Hawaii
👉 Vehicle Shipping Checklist

Port Choices & Routes (Mainland ↔ Hawaii)

When shipping a vehicle between the mainland and Hawaii, you’ll start or end your journey at one of several main ports. Most military and civilian customers use Long Beach/Los Angeles, Oakland, or Seattle/Tacoma, these are the key departure points from the U.S. mainland (and some of our most-searched routes, especially from California and Seattle).

On the Hawaii side, vehicles usually arrive at or depart from Honolulu (Oahu), Kahului (Maui), or Hilo/Kona (Big Island). Honolulu is the busiest and most flexible option, while the neighbor island ports make delivery more convenient if you’re stationed or living outside Oahu.

You can choose between port pick-up (where you collect your vehicle at the port) or door-to-port / port-to-door service depending on your schedule, location, and budget. Port pick-up is usually faster and cheaper, while door delivery offers more convenience if you’re on a tight timeline.

Learn more about each port and how to plan your route:
👉 Port Locations
👉 Port Pick-Up
👉 Port Drop-Off

From Hawaii Back to Mainland (CA, WA, TX)

Shipping your vehicle from Hawaii back to the mainland, whether to California, Washington, or Texas - works much like the trip over, but with a few small differences.

Timing & Ports: Return routes depend on ship schedules and seasonal demand. Ports like Honolulu and Kahului can get busy during summer PCS seasons, so booking early helps avoid delays. Most vehicles headed to California arrive in Long Beach/Los Angeles or Oakland, while those bound for the Pacific Northwest go to Seattle/Tacoma. Cars going to Texas usually first reach a West Coast port before continuing inland by truck.

Paperwork & Inspection: You’ll reuse most of the same documents, ID, title, registration, insurance, and any prior authorization, but your vehicle will go through another cleaning and inspection before departure to ensure it meets mainland agricultural and safety requirements.

Insurance & Condition Notes: Keep your insurance active through delivery and take a few clear photos before drop-off for your records. Once it arrives, you’ll do a quick condition check before signing for release.

This covers the main questions about shipping a car from Hawaii to the mainland, including to California, Seattle, and Texas,same process, just in reverse with a few extra timing and inspection steps.

Tips & Tricks

Here are a few simple ways to make your PCS vehicle shipment easier, to plan around your move:

• Book early around PCS windows: The best time to reserve your spot is 4-6 weeks before your report date. Summer months and year-end transfers fill up fast.
• Plan around your leave or travel days: Try to drop off your car a few days before your flight. This gives enough time for inspection and any last-minute paperwork.
• Carry these on the plane: Always keep your spare key, vehicle documents, and shipping receipt with you, never pack them inside the car.
• Make the most of port days: If you have a few hours to spare, explore nearby spots, grab a coffee near Long Beach, walk around Seattle’s waterfront, or visit Ala Moana Beach if you’re at the Honolulu port.

Want to double-check you’ve got everything ready?
👉 See our full Shipping Checklist

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