Shipping Your Household Goods to Hawaii
Everything military families need to move their belongings to Oahu — recommended companies, a packing checklist, and realistic timelines so nothing catches you off guard.
Two Ways to Move Your Goods
Government-Managed Move
The military covers shipping, professional packing, and vehicle transport. You coordinate everything through the Defense Personal Property System (MilMove/DPS) and your local Transportation Office. A Transportation Service Provider handles the pack, pickup, and delivery. This is the simplest option for most families.
Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY)
You manage the move yourself and get reimbursed (and may profit from unused weight allowance). You book your own container or carrier — often a Matson or Pasha ocean container — and pack it. More control and potential savings, but more paperwork and coordination. Keep every weight ticket and receipt.
Expected Shipping Timelines
Ocean freight to Hawaii takes longer than a mainland move. Build a buffer into your plans and pack a suitcase for several weeks of island living.
Unaccompanied Baggage (UB)
Expedited air/priority shipment for essentials — clothing, kitchen basics, cribs, and a few comfort items. Arrives well before your main shipment so your family can settle in.
Main Household Goods (HHG)
The bulk of your belongings travels by ocean freight across the Pacific. Plan for four to eight weeks from pack-out to island delivery, depending on port scheduling and volume.
Storage (if needed)
If your goods arrive before your housing is ready, the government can arrange temporary storage on-island to bridge the gap until move-in.
How the Government Move Works
Get your orders & log in to MilMove/DPS
As soon as you receive PCS orders, create your move in the Defense Personal Property System (MilMove at military.move.mil). This is where you schedule and manage everything.
Estimate your weight allowance
Your authorized weight is based on your rank and dependent status. Use the DPS weight estimator so you stay within allowance and avoid out-of-pocket overage charges.
Schedule pack-out & pickup dates
Book your pack and pickup dates early — summer PCS season fills up fast. Split out your unaccompanied baggage so essentials ship on the faster expedited channel.
Pack-out day
Your assigned Transportation Service Provider (TSP) packs and inventories everything. Photograph valuables, keep high-value/irreplaceable items with you, and review the inventory before you sign.
Track & receive delivery on Oahu
Monitor your shipment status, coordinate delivery once you have housing, and inspect for loss or damage. File any loss/damage claim within the required window to protect full replacement value.
Recommended Shipping & Packing Companies
These are well-established carriers commonly used for Hawaii moves. For a government move your provider is assigned through DPS — these are especially useful if you go the PPM/DITY route. Always get written quotes and confirm Hawaii ocean-freight experience.
Royal Hawaiian Movers
A long-established Hawaii mover that specializes in military relocations — full-service packing, container shipping, and inter-island delivery. A common choice for both government and self-procured moves.
Matson
The primary ocean carrier between the mainland and Hawaii. For a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY), Matson offers steel containers dropped at your home for you to load, then shipped across the Pacific.
Pasha Hawaii
A major Hawaii ocean shipping line used for freight and vehicle transport. A solid alternative carrier to compare on schedule and cost for self-procured shipments.
National van lines
Established carriers such as United, Mayflower, and Allied handle Hawaii moves through their agents. If you go PPM, get multiple written quotes and confirm they are experienced with ocean-freight Hawaii routing.
Your HHG Packing Checklist
Hawaii Agricultural Inspection
Hawaii strictly regulates what can enter the islands to protect its ecosystem. Plants, soil, seeds, firewood, and open food are restricted or prohibited. Clean all outdoor equipment thoroughly, and check current rules before pack-out so your shipment isn’t delayed at inspection.
Key Contacts
Official transportation offices for your move.
Personal Property (833-MIL-MOVE)
USAG Hawaii Transportation (Schofield / Fort Shafter)
MCBH Distribution Management Office (Kaneohe Bay)