Ever wondered if you can take a California to Hawaii road trip with your own vehicle? Good news — you can! While there’s no highway across the ocean, this beginner-friendly travel guide shows exactly how to travel from California to Hawaii by road and sea, including how to ship your car, where to stop along the California coast, and what to do once you reach the beautiful Hawaiian islands. If you’re looking for a step-by-step road trip guide, this is for you!
Can You Really Drive from California to Hawaii?
Not all the way! You’ll drive through beautiful California, reach a major port city like Long Beach or Oakland, and then ship your car to Hawaii by ocean freight. You’ll fly to Hawaii separately and pick up your vehicle when it arrives — ready to explore the islands on your own wheels!
- Drive to a major California port (like Los Angeles or Oakland)
- Ship your car to Hawaii using a trusted shipping company
- Fly to Hawaii and pick up your car at the island port
- Start your Hawaiian adventure by road — island style!
Step-by-Step Guide: California to Hawaii with a Vehicle
Step 1: Drive to the Nearest Port City in California
If you’re already in California, you’re halfway there! The two main car shipping ports are:
- Long Beach (Southern California)
- Oakland (Northern California)
You can start your road trip from anywhere in the state — like San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, or Sacramento — and head toward the port city that’s closest.
📍Example Route:
- San Francisco to Oakland Port – ~30 mins
- San Diego to Long Beach Port – ~2 hours
- Sacramento to Oakland Port – ~1.5 hours
Step 2: Prepare Your Car for Shipping
To get your car on the boat, here’s what you need to do:
- Book a spot with a trusted carrier like Matson or Pasha Hawaii
- Clear out all personal items (cars must be nearly empty)
- Wash your car (it will be inspected)
- Bring documents: ID, car title or registration
💰 Shipping Cost: Usually between $1,200 to $1,800
🕒 Shipping Time: Takes about 7 to 14 days
Step 3: Fly to Hawaii While Your Car Ships
You can’t ride with your car on the ship — but don’t worry! Book a flight to the Hawaiian island where your car is being delivered (usually Honolulu on Oahu, or Hilo/Kona on the Big Island).
✈️ Flight Time from California to Hawaii: ~5–6 hours
💡Travel Tip: Try to book a flight that lands 1–2 days after your car arrives, just in case there are delays.
Step 4: Pick Up Your Car and Hit the Hawaiian Roads!
Once your car arrives at the Hawaiian port, pick it up with your ID and shipping paperwork. Then… let the real road trip begin!
Where to Drive in Hawaii (Island by Island Guide)
Oahu – Great for first-timers
- Drive from Honolulu to North Shore
- Stop at Lanikai Beach, Hanauma Bay, and Diamond Head
Big Island – Perfect for adventure
- Circle the island from Kona to Hilo
- Visit Volcanoes National Park, black sand beaches, and waterfalls
Maui – Known for scenic drives
- Road to Hana is a must — jungle, waterfalls, and coastal cliffs
- Visit Lahaina, Haleakalā National Park, and Makena Beach
🚘 Pro Tip: Some roads are very narrow or steep — drive slowly and safely!
What to Pack for This Journey
For the road trip and Hawaii:
- Travel documents and copies
- Lightweight clothes, flip-flops, sunglasses
- Car emergency kit, charger, sunshade
- Offline maps or Google Maps downloaded for island areas
Where to Stay: Road + Hawaii
In California (Before You Ship)
- Budget: Motel 6, Super 8
- Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express, Best Western
In Hawaii
- Budget: Tiki Beach Hostel (Oahu), Kona Seaside Hotel (Big Island)
- Mid-range: Hilton Garden Inn, Outrigger Resorts
- Luxury: Four Seasons, Grand Wailea
Why This Trip is Perfect for Beginners
- Experience both road and island adventures
- Easy to plan with clear steps
- Drive beautiful California highways before your flight
- Save money by bringing your own car
- Feel at home exploring Hawaii in your own vehicle
Suggested Itinerary: 5-Day Plan
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Drive to California port & drop off car |
| Day 2 | Fly to Hawaii |
| Day 3 | Pick up car, explore Honolulu |
| Day 4 | Road trip to North Shore or circle the island |
| Day 5 | Relax at a beach or explore more local spots |
Are you ready to take your vehicle from the coast of California to the shores of Hawaii? It’s easier than you think — and way more fun than flying and renting. So pack up, plan smart, and let the islands welcome you with Aloha spirit.
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