Shipping To Hawaii: Unpacking The Islands Maritime Supply Chain

In the United States, the Jones Act is an explosive topic, drawing fierce debate between supporters in the U.S. Merchant Marine and well-funded lobbyists on one side, libertarian think tanks like the Cato Institute on the other, and many in-between calling for reform. We won’t dive into the Jones Act aspect of this video today, but we’re sharing it because it takes a deep dive into a topic that’s often overlooked: the complex logistics behind supplying Hawaii.

This well-produced video from Wendover Productions showcases the network of ships, barges and tugboats that service Hawaii, the most remote major population center on Earth, which rely heavily on imports for nearly everything. Despite its isolation, when you walk into a grocery store in Hawaii, it looks just like one on the mainland—until you notice the prices. For example, a gallon of milk can cost upwards of $10, a result of the intricate and costly supply chain required to keep the islands stocked.

The video highlights how Hawaii’s supply chain depends on just a few companies—mainly Matson, Young Brothers and Pasha Hawaii—using relatively small high-speed containerships to keep perishables fresh. But this comes at a cost, with shipping speeds of 20 knots driving up prices. Adding to the complexity, inter-island shipping is monopolized by Young Brothers, which further increases costs to move goods between islands.

Also read: Hawaii Superferry – A look back

The state’s reliance on a single port in Honolulu is another critical vulnerability. If that port is disrupted by a natural disaster, Hawaii’s entire supply chain could be at risk. The video brings these issues into sharp focus, showing how Hawaii’s isolation leads to high prices and fragile logistics while pointing to the broader challenges the state faces in feeding and supplying its residents. This video is well worth watching to learn more.

Full Video – Hawaii’s Logistics Problem by Wendover Productions

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