If you’re planning a move to or from Hawaii with an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, you’ve probably heard the news: Matson Navigation Company has stopped accepting electric and plug-in hybrid cars for shipment.
The decision, announced in July 2025, is a big change. For years, Matson has been one of the main carriers moving vehicles across the Pacific. Now, with this option off the table, many Hawaii residents are wondering: “Can I still ship my electric car to Hawaii?”
The short answer: yes, you can. But things are moving a little differently now, and it’s important to plan ahead.

Why Did Matson Stop Shipping EVs?

All electric and plug-in hybrid cars run on lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are powerful, but they also carry certain risks. In rare cases, they can overheat or catch fire — and if that happens at sea, the fire is extremely difficult to put out.
After several high-profile ship fires around the world where EVs were investigated as a possible cause, Matson made the decision to pause EV shipments until they can put stronger safety measures in place.
shipping boat

Pasha Hawaii Is Still Shipping EVs

The good news is that Pasha Hawaii, another major ocean carrier, is still transporting electric and plug-in hybrid cars. Their vessels are designed for moving vehicles and include special safety systems to reduce risk.
The challenge? With Matson stepping back, everyone who needs to move an EV now has to go through Pasha. That means:
  • Longer wait times to book space on a ship
  • Fewer schedule options during busy times
  • Possible delays compared to gas-powered cars

How Royal Hawaiian Movers Can Help

Royal Hawaiian Moving Employees

At Royal Hawaiian Movers, we’ve helped thousands of families and businesses move their cars — including electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles — to and from Hawaii. With the new changes, here’s how we’re making the process easier for our customers:

1

Plan Early

The sooner you let us know about your EV, the better chance we have to secure space for you.

2

Step-by-Step Guidance

EVs have special requirements, like how much charge they can have in the battery before shipping. We’ll walk you through all of it so nothing gets missed.

3

One Timeline for Your Move

Moving your household goods and your vehicle? We can coordinate both, so everything stays on track.

4

Clear Communication

We’ll keep you updated about schedules, timelines, and any possible delays so you’re never left guessing.

What This Means for You

If you’re planning a move with an EV, it’s absolutely still possible — it just requires a little more preparation. With Hawaii’s growing EV market (more than 37,000 electric cars are already registered here), demand for vehicle transport isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
That’s why it’s important to work with a partner who understands the ins and outs of shipping vehicles to and from Hawaii.

The Bottom Line

Matson’s decision has created some new challenges, but your EV can still make the trip. With our experience and carrier partnerships, Royal Hawaiian Movers can help you get your vehicle where it needs to go safely and smoothly.
If you’re moving an electric or plug-in hybrid car, reach out to us early — we’ll guide you through every step and make sure your vehicle arrives on time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping an EV to Hawaii

Yes, you can ship an electric car to Hawaii. Many shipping companies offer services to transport vehicles, including electric cars, from the mainland U.S. to Hawaii. These companies typically provide options for container shipping or roll-on/roll-off services, ensuring safe and efficient transport for your electric vehicle to the islands.

As of my last update in December 2023, there was no broad announcement or policy change indicating that Matson, a prominent shipping and logistics company, had ceased shipping electric vehicles (EVs). Matson provides transportation of vehicles, including EVs, between various locations, primarily in the Pacific. Any specific restrictions or updates on their services would be best verified by consulting directly with Matson or visiting their official website for the most current information.

Yes, you can ship a lithium battery to Hawaii, but strict regulations must be followed due to their hazardous nature. These include ensuring the battery is properly packaged, labeled, and, if necessary, shipped via ground transportation, as there are restrictions on air shipping for lithium batteries. It’s crucial to check with the specific carrier’s guidelines and comply with the Department of Transportation regulations for safe shipping.

Tell us about your move!
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY