Everything you need to know about moving your vehicle between Oahu, Maui, Big Island, and Kauai with Young Brothers Hawaiian Shipping.
There are no bridges connecting Hawaii's islands. If you're relocating, have a second home, or found the perfect car on another island, you'll need to use a barge service to move your vehicle. Understanding your options, costs, and the process can help you make informed decisions and avoid surprises.
Whether you're moving from Oahu to the Neighbor Islands or shuttling a vehicle between islands, this guide covers everything: shipping carriers, pricing, timelines, preparation requirements, and when it makes financial sense to ship versus buying locally.
Young Brothers Hawaiian Shipping (also known as Hawaiian Shipping) is the primary and essentially the only inter-island vehicle carrier operating in Hawaii. They've been moving vehicles and cargo between the islands since 1954 and operate a fleet of barges serving all major Hawaiian islands.
Young Brothers is locally owned and operated, with expertise in island logistics. They handle thousands of vehicle shipments annually and maintain the most reliable schedule for inter-island transport. While other general cargo companies operate in Hawaii, Young Brothers is your primary option for vehicle shipping.
Young Brothers operates roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) barges that transport vehicles alongside general cargo. Here's how the process works:
Shipping costs depend on the route, vehicle size, and current fuel surcharges. Below is a reference table of typical 2026 rates for standard vehicles. Prices are subject to change—always confirm current rates with Young Brothers directly. Oversized vehicles (pickup trucks, SUVs), motorcycles, and large trucks may have different pricing.
| Route | Distance (approx.) | Standard Vehicle | Oversized Vehicle | Motorcycle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oahu → Maui | 65 miles | $375–$450 | $475–$575 | $150–$225 |
| Oahu → Big Island | 130 miles | $425–$525 | $525–$650 | $200–$275 |
| Oahu → Kauai | 110 miles | $400–$500 | $500–$625 | $175–$250 |
| Maui → Big Island | 75 miles | $350–$425 | $450–$550 | $125–$200 |
| Maui → Kauai | 115 miles | $400–$475 | $500–$600 | $175–$250 |
| Big Island → Kauai | 190 miles | $475–$575 | $575–$700 | $225–$300 |
| Maui → Oahu | 65 miles | $375–$450 | $475–$575 | $150–$225 |
| Big Island → Oahu | 130 miles | $425–$525 | $525–$650 | $200–$275 |
| Kauai → Oahu | 110 miles | $400–$500 | $500–$625 | $175–$250 |
These 2026 rates are estimates based on recent Young Brothers pricing and may include a fuel surcharge component. Final costs depend on vehicle specifics, current market conditions, and any applicable promotions. Some vehicles (classic cars, high-value vehicles) may require specialized handling. Always request a formal quote from Young Brothers before committing to a shipment.
The total time from when you decide to ship your vehicle to when you have it in your hands varies. Here's what to expect:
After you decide to ship, you contact Young Brothers, receive a quote, confirm the booking, and schedule your port drop-off. During busy seasons, there may be a wait for available appointments.
Oahu to Maui: 2–3 days. Oahu to Big Island: 2–4 days. Oahu to Kauai: 3–5 days. Inter-Neighbor Island routes: 1–3 days depending on direct service availability.
After the barge arrives at your destination port, Young Brothers needs time to unload your vehicle and prepare it for pickup. You'll receive notification when your vehicle is ready.
From initial booking to picking up your vehicle at the destination, plan for 1–2 weeks. The exact timeline depends on barge schedules, your flexibility with booking dates, and port conditions.
Young Brothers operates regular scheduled service between the islands. The most frequently served route is Oahu to the Neighbor Islands. Some routes may have less frequent service depending on demand. During peak seasons (summer, holidays), scheduling can fill up quickly. Plan ahead if possible, especially for less frequent routes like Kauai service.
Proper preparation ensures smooth handling and reduces complications during transport. Follow this checklist before your scheduled drop-off:
Young Brothers requires fuel tanks to be no more than ¼ full for safety reasons during the barge transport. This reduces fire risk and allows for fuel expansion. Never show up with a full tank—you'll be asked to drain fuel before shipping can proceed.
Young Brothers operates from specific ports on each island. Here's where you'll drop off and pick up your vehicle:
Sand Island Terminal
Located in Honolulu's harbor area, this is Young Brothers' main Oahu operation and the primary hub for inter-island shipments.
Primary HubKahului Harbor
The main port in Central Maui, serving Kahului and accessible from Kihei, Lahaina, and Wailea areas. This is Maui's primary Young Brothers location.
Main PortHilo Harbor & Kawaihae Harbor
Hilo Harbor (East Side) and Kawaihae Harbor (Kona side) both serve the Big Island. Hilo is the primary deep-water port. Confirm which port serves your location.
Two OptionsNawiliwili Harbor
Kauai's main commercial port, located near Lihue. This is Kauai's only Young Brothers location for inter-island vehicle service.
Main PortConfirm the exact port address and any specific appointment requirements with Young Brothers when you book. Drop-off and pickup locations within each port may have specific gates or terminals. Bring your booking confirmation and expect to spend 30 minutes to 1 hour at the port for paperwork and vehicle preparation.
Not every inter-island car move requires shipping. Sometimes buying a vehicle locally is smarter financially. Here's how to decide:
Let's say you find a 2018 Honda Civic listed for $12,500 on Oahu. Shipping it to Maui costs $400. Total: $12,900. If comparable 2018 Civics on Maui sell for $13,500+, shipping your Oahu car makes financial sense. However, if the Maui market has similar cars at $12,500, buying locally saves you 5–10 days and reduces logistics hassle.
For more detailed analysis on this topic, read our Ship vs Buy guide, which includes market pricing by island and long-term cost considerations.
High season (June–August) can see booked schedules 2–3 weeks out. Plan ahead if your move timeline is flexible, or book ASAP if you have fixed dates.
A common mistake: arriving with a full fuel tank. Young Brothers will require you to drain it to ¼ tank before shipping. Plan ahead to avoid delays at the port.
Document your vehicle's condition with photos before drop-off and after pickup. This protects you if any damage occurs during transport and helps with insurance claims if needed.
Ask your insurance company if your policy covers your vehicle during inter-island transport. Some policies do, some don't. Clarify before shipping to avoid surprises.
Shipping prices fluctuate with fuel costs. Get a formal quote in writing before committing. Prices may include fuel surcharges that can change based on market conditions.
Some islands have multiple ports (Big Island has Hilo and Kawaihae). Confirm which port your vehicle goes to so you know exactly where to pick it up.
You'll need to drive or get a ride to both drop-off and pickup locations. These ports aren't always centrally located. Budget time and transportation costs accordingly.
Young Brothers is not responsible for personal items left inside vehicles. Remove everything—valuables, documents, emergency supplies, etc. Only leave the vehicle itself.
If you're importing a vehicle from the mainland or moving between islands, confirm Hawaii registration and inspection requirements with the Department of Transportation.
When you pick up your vehicle, inspect it thoroughly before leaving the port. Report any damage or issues immediately to Young Brothers staff. Document everything in writing.
Shipping costs typically range from $350–$600+ depending on the route, vehicle size, and current fuel surcharges. Standard vehicles between nearby islands (Oahu to Maui) cost around $375–$450, while longer routes or oversized vehicles cost more. Always request a current quote from Young Brothers for exact pricing.
Young Brothers (Hawaiian Shipping) is the primary inter-island vehicle carrier in Hawaii, operating since 1954. They're essentially the only practical option for moving vehicles between the islands using barge service. While other cargo companies operate in Hawaii, Young Brothers specializes in vehicle transport and maintains the most reliable inter-island schedules.
Actual barge transit time ranges from 2–5 days depending on the route. However, total time from booking to pickup typically takes 5–14 days when you factor in scheduling, port preparation, and processing at the destination. Expect about 1–2 weeks for the complete process.
You'll need your vehicle registration, driver's license, current insurance information, and a valid form of ID. Young Brothers will provide specific documentation requirements when you book. Some customers also bring proof of ownership and recent vehicle inspection records. Contact Young Brothers directly for their complete document checklist.
Young Brothers requires fuel tanks to be no more than ¼ full for safety reasons during transport. Never show up with a full tank. If you arrive with more fuel than allowed, you'll be asked to drain it before the vehicle can be loaded, which causes delays. Plan your drive to the port accordingly to arrive with the correct fuel level.
Ship your car if you already own it, love it, and the total cost is less than a comparable local purchase. Buy locally if you're purchasing a vehicle new to yourself and the local market has good options at similar or lower prices. Consider the timeline too—buying locally gets you a vehicle immediately, while shipping takes 1–2 weeks. See our Ship vs Buy guide for detailed cost comparisons by island.
Young Brothers provides transport services with standard liability coverage. Document your vehicle's condition before drop-off with photos. Upon pickup, inspect it immediately and report any damage to Young Brothers staff in writing. Check whether your insurance covers transport damage. Young Brothers' liability and any claims process should be clarified in writing before you book.
Yes, Young Brothers ships motorcycles and oversized vehicles (trucks, large SUVs) but at different rates than standard cars. Motorcycles typically cost $150–$300 depending on route, while oversized vehicles cost $50–$100+ more than standard vehicle rates. Contact Young Brothers for specific quotes on your vehicle type.
Remove all personal belongings, valuables, important documents, emergency supplies, and anything loose. Young Brothers is not responsible for items left inside the vehicle. Secure or remove roof racks, bike racks, and other attachments if possible. Keep only the vehicle, keys, and essential documentation. Empty glove boxes, door pockets, and storage compartments.
Yes, Young Brothers operates from specific ports: Sand Island (Oahu), Kahului Harbor (Maui), Hilo or Kawaihae Harbor (Big Island), and Nawiliwili Harbor (Kauai). You cannot choose alternate ports. Confirm which port serves your location when you book, as some islands have multiple options and distance from your home matters.