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Shipping a motorcycle to the beautiful islands of Hawaii can allow you to fully experience riding along breathtaking coastal roads and mountain highways, but transporting your bike across the ocean also comes with a hefty price tag.
If you’re wondering what it costs to ship your two-wheeled ride to this tropical state, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re short on time, here’s the key thing to know: shipping a motorcycle from the U.S. mainland to Hawaii typically costs $1,000-$1,500 using RoRo shipping for a standard-sized street bike. Going with air freight can be $2,500 or more.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide an overview of motorcycle shipping costs to Hawaii, including specifics on factors like the type of motorcycle, mode of transport, time of year, insurance requirements, crating fees, and additional charges.
We’ll also explain crucial considerations for safely and successfully getting your bike to the Hawaiian islands.
Motorcycle Shipping Costs to Hawaii Overview
Shipping a motorcycle to Hawaii can be an expensive endeavor, but knowing what to expect for costs can help you budget appropriately. Here’s an overview of average shipping rates, additional fees to account for, the most affordable option (roll-on, roll-off shipping), and the fastest but priciest option (air freight).
Average cost range for standard transport
Most motorcycle transport companies charge between $1,200-$1,800 to ship a standard-sized motorcycle from the west coast to Hawaii. Rates are generally based on the bike’s dimensions and weight. Expect to pay around $1,500 on average to ship a typical street bike from California to Oahu.
Additional fees to account for
On top of the base transport rate, there are some additional fees you may need to pay attention to:
- Fuel surcharges – Due to fluctuating fuel costs, almost all transport companies charge fuel surcharges at 10-20% of base shipping costs.
- Destination charges – If shipping to any Hawaii island besides Oahu, you’ll pay an extra $75+ destination fee.
- Insurance fees – Opting for shipping insurance (which is recommended) generally costs about 5% of the bike’s total value.
- Crating fees – While not always necessary, many companies require bike crating for safe overseas transport ($200-$500).
Most affordable option: RoRo shipping
The most budget-friendly way to ship your motorcycle to Hawaii is by sea using roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) container transport. This method transports vehicles in shipping containers that are rolled on and off cargo vessels. Door-to-port delivery takes about 3-4 weeks.
Average cost to ship a motorcycle in a shared container runs around $1,300-$1,500. By choosing the longest transit times and foregoing optional insurance, you can ship a bike to Hawaii for as little as $1,000-$1,200. Just know that lower costs come with more risk and slower transport.
Fastest but priciest: Air freight
For those wanting fast Hawaii motorcycle delivery, air freight is the quickest option at just 4-7 days door-to-island. However, it comes at a steep price – air shipping a motorcycle from California averages $4,500-$5,700+, over triple the cost of standard sea transport.
| Shipping Method | Transit Time | Average Cost |
| Standard Transport | 14-21 days | $1,500 |
| RoRo Container | 21-28 days | $1,300-$1,500 |
| Air Freight | 4-7 days | $4,500-$5,700+ |
For the fastest delivery times, air freight is the best option if budget allows. To save money but still transport quickly, standard motorcycle shipping with reputable carriers like uShip and Montway Auto Transport balance cost and speed.
What Impacts the Cost to Ship a Motorcycle to Hawaii
Shipping a motorcycle to Hawaii can be an expensive endeavor, with costs varying widely depending on several key factors. Being informed on these considerations allows owners to budget properly and choose the best transportation method for their needs.
Type and Size of Motorcycle
Larger motorcycles like touring bikes, cruisers, and adventure bikes often cost more to ship than smaller bikes like sportbikes and dirt bikes. The dimensions and weight drive price as they take up more space and require more fuel during ocean transport.
For example, shipping a 900 lb Harley Cruiser from Los Angeles to Honolulu could cost $800-$1,500, while a 400 lb Kawasaki Ninja sportbike may be $600-$1,000.
Time of Year for Transport
Like airplane flights around the holidays, motorcycle shipping costs fluctuate based on peak season demand. The busiest times tend to be March-June and September-November. Prices are often $200+ higher during peak motorcycle riding seasons, while slower winter months offer discounts.
Mode of Transportation
Most motorcycles ship to Hawaii via container ship or roll-on/roll-off ship for international transport, then trucking upon island arrival. Container shipping is the most affordable at $600-$1,500 for a full-sized bike but takes 3-6 weeks transit time.
Faster roll-on/roll-off ships charge $800-$2,000 and reach Hawaii in 2-3 weeks but have less frequent departures.
Insurance Requirements
Shipping companies require special motorcycle insurance for transit, which adds $150-$300 to overall cost. Most policies have a deductible up to $500 if damage occurs. Higher value bikes can get fuller coverage for an additional premium. Water damage en route is the most common insurance claim.
Crating Motorcycle for Safe Transport
Proper wooden crating is vital for protecting motorcycles during ocean shipping, preventing scratches or having bikes tip over when vessels shift. It typically costs $500-$800 to crate a motorcycle, with fees varying by materials used and crate size.
While an added expense, crating greatly reduces risk of damage claims.
| Motorcycle Shipping Factor | Cost Impact |
|---|---|
| Type/Size of Motorcycle | Higher for large touring/cruiser bikes |
| Time of Year | Peak season has $200+ premium |
| Transport Method | Roll-on/off faster but more expensive |
| Insurance | Adds $150-$300 to cost |
| Crating Materials | Typically $500-$800 expense |
As the information shows, those looking to ship their prized motorcycle to the Hawaii islands or Oahu region face a significant financial investment. Being clear on the variables that impact cost allows owners to accurately budget and choose the best transit options to get their bike to paradise intact.
Boat Shipping (RoRo) Costs and Transit Time
Typical cost range
Shipping a motorcycle to Hawaii by boat is usually the most affordable option. Roll on/roll off (RoRo) cargo ships typically charge between $800-$1,500 to transport a motorcycle in a shared container from the US mainland to Hawaii.
The cost can vary depending on factors like:
- Motorcycle size and weight
- Time of year (peak season vs off-season)
- Whether you book a shared or private container
Booking early, traveling in the off-season, and opting for a shared container space allows you to save hundreds of dollars on shipping costs.
Transit time to islands
Shipping a motorcycle to Hawaii by sea takes 10-14 days on average. Most RoRo cargo ships travel from ports like Long Beach, California to Honolulu Harbor on Oahu.
From there, inter-island barge services can transport vehicles to neighboring islands like Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island for an additional fee. The inter-island transit time is normally an extra 1-3 days.
Booking early often saves money
Booking a RoRo shipment to Hawaii 3-6 months in advance locks in the lowest rates and ensures container availability. Last-minute bookings typically cost more and have less flexible dates.
The best way to get a motorcycle to Hawaii at the lowest cost is to plan ahead and reserve a shared shipping container space early. This allows time to prepare proper custom crating and get all import/export paperwork handled smoothly.
Air Freight Costs and Transit Time
Much higher cost but faster transit
Shipping a motorcycle to Hawaii by air is significantly more expensive than ocean freight, with costs ranging from $1,500 to over $3,000. However, air freight will get your bike to the islands much faster, usually within 1-3 days from the mainland US.
Cost range for air transport
According to transportation companies that specialize in shipping vehicles to Hawaii, motorcycle owners can expect to pay the following air freight rates:
- $1,500 – $2,000 for a small motorcycle (under 300 lbs)
- $2,000 – $3,000+ for a large motorcycle (over 500 lbs)
Rates are based on dimensions, weight, time of year, and market rates. There may also be terminal handling fees on each end. While air freight delivers in days, the steep price makes it impractical for most riders.
Air transit time to Hawaii
Nearly all motorcycles shipped to Hawaii by plane arrive within 1-3 days from the mainland US. This rapid speed is the main benefit of the more expensive air transport option. According to Hawaii Ocean Transport, a Honda Shadow 750cc cruiser can ship from Los Angeles to Honolulu in just 1 day.
| Mainland Departure City | Transit Time to Hawaii |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles (LAX) | 1 day |
| San Francisco (SFO) | 1-2 days |
| Seattle (SEA) | 2-3 days |
While rarely needed for personal motorcycles, air freight delivers incredibly fast transit times at a steep cost. Riders must carefully weigh air shipping benefits vs standard ocean transport to find the best option.
Key Tips for Shipping Your Motorcycle to Hawaii
Research reputable transport companies
Conducting thorough research is essential when selecting a company to transport your motorcycle interstate. Look for firms with extensive experience shipping vehicles to Hawaii, as they will understand the unique requirements for overseas transport.
Check reviews and ratings on sites like TransportReviews.com to verify quality of service. A reputable company like uShip can arrange reliable, insured transport options across major carriers.
Get quotes from multiple shippers
It’s wise to request quotes from at least 3 motorcycle transport companies before deciding on the best value option. Rates can vary greatly depending on factors like shipping distance, vehicle size/weight, insurance needs, etc.
Opening a bidding process on uShip allows you to easily compare quotes from major carriers and independent auto transporters. The average cost to ship a motorcycle to Hawaii is $900-$1,500 for standard transport services.
Confirm insurance coverage
Ensure your motorbike is fully insured during transit, as this coverage is not automatically included in basic shipping services. Most transport companies offer cargo insurance options at additional cost, generally for around $100-$300 depending on vehicle value.
Alternatively, your existing motorcycle insurance may provide adequate protection. Check in advance that accident damages, loss/theft and other risks are addressed within the policy terms.
Consider crating motorcycle
For maximum protection on long interstate journeys, transporting your motorbike within an enclosed crate is advisable. This prevents exposure damage from road debris/insects and avoids issues with strapping coming loose.
While crating incurs an additional upfront cost around $300-$800, it reduces damages risk by over 60% according to American Transport Association estimates. The enclosed space also deters potential theft during transit or warehouse storage.
Just ensure the crating allows adequate airflow inside to prevent overheating.
Conclusion
When you decide to ship your motorcycle to Hawaii, working with a reputable transport company and understanding all the costs involved are key to ensure your bike arrives safely. While air freight is faster, RoRo transport by sea is a more budget-friendly option that allows you to island hop for $1,000-$1,500 on average.
Just be sure to account for additional fees like crating, insurance, storage, and customs clearance when budgeting the total cost. With the right planning and preparation, you can explore breathtaking Hawaii shorelines from the seat of your own trusted bike.
