Is Hawaii on your travel list this year? Are you dreaming of relaxing by the beaches in Oahu or Maui and sipping some cocktails but aren’t sure about the Hawaii travel requirements?
Get ready to have all your travel documentation questions answered so you can enjoy a stress-free trip! This guide covers what you need whether you’re traveling from the U.S. or from another country.
Do You Need A Passport to Visit Hawaii?
If you’re a U.S. citizen, traveling to Hawaii is considered domestic, so you won’t need a passport. You’ll need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another TSA-accepted photo ID to fly.
If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you’ll need a passport to visit Hawaii, and depending on where you’re from, you may also need a visa or an ESTA. U.S. permanent residents can fly domestically to Hawaii with their green card.
We’ll dive into the details in the next few sections.
What Are The Travel Document Requirements for U.S. Citizens?
For domestic flights to Hawaii, adult U.S. travelers need a TSA-accepted photo ID. That can be a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID, a U.S. passport or passport card, a trusted traveler card like Global Entry or NEXUS, or a U.S. military ID.
REAL ID is now required. Full REAL ID enforcement began on May 7, 2025. A REAL ID-compliant license usually has a star in the upper corner. If your license isn’t REAL ID-compliant and you don’t have another accepted ID, TSA introduced a $45 “ConfirmID” fee on February 1, 2026 to verify your identity at the airport. The verification is valid for 10 days. You can check the current rules and accepted IDs at TSA.gov.
Make sure your ID is current and matches the name on your flight reservation. If your name has changed due to marriage or another reason, bring proof, like a marriage certificate or court order.
How Do I Apply for a REAL ID?
Applying for a REAL ID is simple, but plan ahead.
Visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number, and two proofs of residency. The exact list is on your state DMV website, so check it before you go.
You may need to pay a fee and have a new photo taken. Processing times vary by state, so apply well before your trip. If you already have a valid U.S. passport, you can use it to fly instead.
What If My Flight Has A Layover in A Country Outside the U.S.?
Most flights to Hawaii are nonstop or connect within the U.S., so a domestic ID is all you need. However, if your itinerary includes a layover in another country, such as Canada, you must bring your passport.
A passport is also a good backup to have in case you lose your driver’s license during your trip.
Traveling to Hawaii with a Green Card
U.S. permanent residents don’t need a passport for domestic travel to Hawaii. A valid, unexpired green card (Form I-551) is an accepted ID for TSA screening.
By keeping these documents handy, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to the Hawaiian Islands.
When Might I Need a Passport as a U.S. Citizen Traveling to Hawaii?
Although you won’t need a passport in most cases, there are a few situations where it comes in handy.
Cruise Ship Travel
Many Hawaii cruise itineraries include a stop in Mexico or Canada, so you may need a passport. Always check your cruise line’s document requirements for your specific route.
Interisland Flights
Flights between the Hawaiian islands are domestic flights, so the same TSA ID rules apply. Bring your REAL ID or another accepted ID if you plan to visit both Oahu and Maui.
Do Minors Need ID to Fly to Hawaii?
TSA doesn’t require travelers under 18 to show ID when they’re traveling with an adult on a domestic flight. Airline rules can vary, though, so check with your airline. If you’re flying with a lap infant, the airline may ask for proof of age, such as a birth certificate.
Unaccompanied minors have different rules and may need extra documentation. Adults picking up or dropping off unaccompanied minors will need a government-issued ID.
International visitors who aren’t U.S. citizens, including children and infants, need their own passports.
What Are The Travel Requirements for International Travelers?
Visiting Hawaii as a non-U.S. citizen comes with a few extra requirements.
Valid Passport
You’ll need a valid passport for the length of your stay. Many travelers should have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their planned departure date, although some countries are exempt from this rule.
Check your passport’s expiration date well before your trip so you have time to renew it if needed.
A few examples of what travelers need:
- Canada: Canadian citizens need a passport to fly to the U.S. A NEXUS card can speed up border crossing.
- Mexico: A valid passport and visa, or a Border Crossing Card for eligible travel.
- Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the United Kingdom: A passport plus an approved ESTA for trips of up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program.
- China: A passport and a U.S. visa.
Visa
Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter the United States. Check the U.S. Department of State website or your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for current requirements.
The Visa Waiver Program and ESTA
The Visa Waiver Program lets citizens of about 40 countries visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. Eligible travelers must apply online for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before their trip, ideally at least 72 hours before departure. An approved ESTA is generally valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
If you’ve previously been denied entry or overstayed a visit to the U.S., you may not be eligible and will need to apply for a visa instead.
Other Documentation
International visitors may be asked for additional documents at entry:
- Return or onward ticket: Proof that you plan to leave the U.S. after your visit.
- Travel insurance: Not always required, but very useful for medical emergencies or lost luggage.
- Proof of funds: Immigration officers may ask you to show you can support yourself during your stay.
Hawaii’s Agricultural Rules
Hawaii has strict rules to protect its native plants and animals from invasive species. All arriving passengers, including those on domestic flights, must declare certain plants, fresh fruits, and animals.
Hawaii has offered a digital version of this declaration through the Akamai Arrival program as an alternative to the paper form handed out on flights. Check before you travel to see which option applies to your flight.
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travel to Hawaii.
FAQs
Do I need a passport to travel to Hawaii if I’m a U.S. citizen?
No. U.S. citizens need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another TSA-accepted ID, such as a U.S. passport, for domestic flights to Hawaii.
What if my driver’s license isn’t a REAL ID?
You can use another accepted ID, like a U.S. passport. Otherwise, TSA’s $45 ConfirmID process lets you verify your identity to fly, valid for 10 days.
What if I’m an international traveler coming to Hawaii?
You’ll need a valid passport, plus a visa or an approved ESTA, depending on your country of citizenship.
Do I need a COVID-19 test to visit Hawaii?
No. Hawaii no longer has COVID-19 travel requirements.
Your Ticket to a Smooth Hawaiian Getaway
Whether you’re a U.S. traveler with your REAL ID ready or an international visitor with your passport and ESTA, knowing the Hawaii travel requirements ahead of time makes for a smooth arrival.
Now that your travel documents are sorted, find the perfect place to stay. Browse vacation rentals in Waikiki and Kihei and book direct with Midway Vacations.
