It may seem surprising to our regular readers that we receive this question quite frequently.
“Traveling this weekend to Honolulu and from there flying to Big Island. Do you need a passport for Hawaii? Heard that U.S. citizens may need a passport to enter a few locations/parks on either island or to even fly to Big Island. Is this true? Is there any need at all for a passport for U.S. citizens while visiting Hawaii, or does a state Driver’s License do? Really appreciate your feedback, as we do not want to miss anything if we don’t bring our passports along.
Beat of Hawaii commenter Ana.
Ana’s not-so-unusual question has a clear answer. No, U.S. citizens don’t require passports when visiting Hawaii in most but not all situations.
Permanent residents and US citizens visiting the Hawaiian Islands directly from within the US never need passports, as when traveling domestically to other destinations. Even though Hawaii is separated from the U.S. mainland by 2,500 miles of water, it’s as domestic as say driving between California and Nevada. You’re good to go, right? Well, not always.
There are some passport requirements for Hawaii, as follows.
When USA citizens travel directly to Hawaii from Canada, New Zealand, or Australia, for example, or any foreign country, a valid passport is needed instead of another form of photo identification. That will be required both on arrival and at the international airport of departure.
For example, a passport will be required if you live in Washington State and drive up to Vancouver for your flight to Hawaii.
Hawaii travel via cruise ships almost always requires passports.
Those ships that make stops internationally do require passports. Pride of America by NCL cruise line travels only within Hawaii on what’s considered a domestic 4-island itinerary and thus does not require passports. It is the only Hawaii cruise that doesn’t ask US residents to have valid passports.
Canadian citizens staying less than 6 months must carry a passport or NEXUS card. For residents of most other countries, you can stay in Hawaii up to 90 days.
What about passports or other ID for kids?
Here’s what the FAA has to say on this subject: “Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s). For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult.”
REAL ID for all flights is delayed but still looming.
The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that the new “REAL ID” enforcement deadline will be May 7, 2025. Air travelers 18 years and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card. If you’re not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to obtain it.
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and requires “standards for the issuance of sources of identification, including driver’s licenses.”
It’s still surprising to us how often we see domestic passengers using passports for travel to Hawaii.
Using a Passport makes sense. Commercial Aviation is regulated by the Federal Government not the States. The REAL ID plan using State Driving Licenses was presumably inspired to increase efficiency and cost saving but from an enforcement perspective a Federal Government issued ID such as a passport is more logical. The problems of course are a) Passports are expensive and b) the current demand is causing problems and adding the extra demand would extend delays to years. IT would also present issues to non legal status aliens who are able to get a Driving License but would fail the passport checks.
How do you keep from laughing when people ask if they need a passport for Hawaii?
Do they ever ask you about get Hawaiian money before they go? 😉
As a person who worked for the Oregon DMV for 37 years, I can confirm that a valid US passport is top dog in the realm of identification documents in the US. Of course, to rent and operate a motor vehicle you need to possess a valid state driver’s license.
A little history regarding Real ID: Originally the Feds wanted the states to tie into a bunch of data bases such as Social Security, the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), each states’ Vital Statistics and more. Additionally, each states’ DMV would be required to scan any and all documents the applicant proffered as well as a digital photo to be held in perpetuity. So, in May 2025 it’ll only be 24 years since 9/11. Don’t you feel so much safer?!