How to Ship Furniture to Hawaii | Costs, Best Options & Pitfalls

What Furniture Shipping to Hawaii Really Costs

I’ve done it. And like most people, I learned some things the hard way. That first quote you get might give you sticker shock—$1,800 for a couch and a couple of chairs? It’s real. That’s the price range you’ll often hear for partial loads.

If you’re bringing everything—beds, bookshelves, kitchen table, and a sofa or two—you’re likely looking at $6,000 to $15,000, depending on the shipping method and where you’re coming from. It’s not just the volume. It’s the container logistics, port fees, local delivery, and the complexity of ocean freight that push costs up quickly.  Luckily, I had great advice prior to moving.  I still brought too much, but not that big of an issue.  I shipped a 6x6x6 crate and 2 leather couches that I had JUST purchased.  If I had to do it again, I would have left the couches.  Leather in Hawaii is a mistake.

Your Main Options: Freight, Containers, and DIY Services

Moving to Hawaii can be expensive.
moving house by Nathan O’Nions is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0. Image may have been resized or cropped from original

Ocean Freight with Major Carriers
One of the most common ways people ship furniture to Hawaii is through ocean freight companies like Matson or Pasha. They offer both full-container and less-than-container load (LCL) options. If you’re doing a whole house move, you might fill a 20-foot or 40-foot container, which gives you control over your packing and protection. But many people choose to share a container to save money. Just be precise with timing—consolidated shipping requires more coordination.  If you go the shared route, which is what I did here’s a tip.  We knew we had a 6x6x6 space to fill.  So, i taped it out on the floor and had a 6′ stick on a corner to how how high we could stack everything.  It forces you to negotiate what you really need.  You keep the things that are irreplicable, hold meaning or you just can’t live with out.   And… Happen to fit in a 6x6x6 container.  It’s definitely an interesting exercise that cured me of any tendency to horde household items.

PODS and U-Pack Hybrid Moves
There are also hybrid services like PODS and U-Pack that let you load your items at home. I haven’t personally experienced this type of shipping, but have spoken to other friends that were happy with it.  You can pack the PODS as you see fit, and they’ll arrive just as you packed them.

Freight Marketplaces and Brokers
Trying to keep things lean? Look into freight platforms like Shiply. You can get bids from independent transport providers. Just make sure you’re crystal clear on what’s included—port fees, taxes, and last-mile delivery are often add-ons.

Island Logistics: The Real Challenges Behind the Price Tag

120924-N-YQ852-077 by 43397645@N06 is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0. Image may have been resized or cropped from original.

Timing Is Everything
Summer and the holidays are peak seasons. Fewer containers, more competition, and higher prices. Spring and early fall? Way better for timing and your budget.

Salt Air and Packing Realities
This isn’t just a move—it’s a saltwater journey. Anything that isn’t properly sealed, wrapped, or crated is at risk. I didn’t seal my all wood dining room table. It arrived with warped corners and a salty film. Make sure you use plastic wrap and keep everything away from the floor with a pallet or some other spacer.

Don’t Forget the Last Mile
One of the biggest oversights I’ve seen? People forget about island delivery. Getting your stuff to the port is one thing—getting it to your front door is another. You’ll likely need to coordinate with a local moving company to finish the job unless your freight service handles that explicitly.  Make sure you’re negotiating or planning a door-to-door delivery.  Renting a U-Haul or having to source someone with a truck last minute will hurt the budget.

What’s Not Worth Shipping to Hawaii

Some things just aren’t worth the hassle or the cost:

• Pressboard or flat-pack furniture tends to fall apart in transit.

• Bulky, inexpensive items that are easily replaceable

• Anything vulnerable to humidity or moisture damage

Your best move? Buy those items locally. Hawaii has solid options—HomeWorld, HouseMart, Costco, and even Facebook Marketplace. You’ll save money and avoid the stress of tracking low-value freight across the Pacific.  Another great option is Amazon.  Although Prime delivery doesn’t have the quick turnaround you get on the mainland.  It’s an affordable option.

Tips for Stress-Free Shipping to Hawaii

• Disassemble large furniture to reduce volume.  Take pictures and draw diagrams, bag up the hardware and tape it to the furniture.  You don’t want any mystery puzzles to figure out when you’re trying to set your new house up.

• Clearly label boxes, especially with shared containers.  We taped our business cards on each box in 2 or 3 places in case something rubs on the box and removes the card in transit.

• Avoid peak shipping months: June–August and late November–December

• Get at least three quotes to compare carriers and coverage.  You definitely have options.

• Always insure your shipment—ocean freight is unpredictable

FAQs: Shipping Furniture to Hawaii

How long does it take to ship furniture to Hawaii?
Most shipments take between 2 to 6 weeks, depending on origin, service type, and port timing.

Is it cheaper to buy furniture once I arrive?
Often, yes—for standard pieces. But for high-end, sentimental, or quality wood furniture, it can be worth shipping with proper prep.  Reduce to what you absolutely can’t part with.

Can I ship furniture through USPS or FedEx?
Only for small pieces. Once your item is bulky, freight shipping becomes the more affordable and realistic option.  I guess the true answer to this, is don’t.

Do I need to be home when my shipment arrives?
It’s highly recommended. You’ll want to inspect the shipment, direct delivery, and coordinate with local movers if needed.  The good, reputable movers will have everything numbers x of x and labeled so you are essentially receiving your items without a doubt that everything has arrived.

What’s the best season to ship furniture to Hawaii?
Late spring and early fall offer lower rates, better availability, and fewer delays.

More of our most recent posts: