A question came from visitor Ana who asked, “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.”
BOH: That’s a great question. While the answer is obvious, you’d be surprised just how many people (U.S. citizens) pack their passports to Hawaii, thinking that they may be necessary for some reason.
So the answer is usually no. Since Hawaii is a part of the United States, permanent residents and USA citizens visiting the islands of Hawaii never need passports when traveling domestically. Even though Hawaii is separated from the U.S. mainland by 2,500 miles of water, it’s nonetheless, as domestic as, say, driving between California and Nevada.
For domestic travel, you’ll need a form of legal identification or photo id, such as a driver’s license or identification card for a multitude of things. Those will include at the airport checking in for your flight and at TSA, when renting a car, and when checking into your destination accommodation.
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, then of course a valid passport is needed instead of other photo identification. That will be required both on arrival and at the international airport of departure.
For example, if you live in Washington State and drive up to Canada for your flight to Hawaii, a passport will be required.
A note on returning cruise ships. Those ships that make stops internationally do require passports. Pride of America by NCL cruise line, travels only within Hawaii, on a 4-island itinerary, and thus does not require passports.
International visitors should take note of entry to any state in the United States of America, including Hawaii, and carry a passport. A passport will also be required for most accommodations, banking, and by some businesses as identification.
Canadian citizens staying less than 6 months, need to carry a passport or NEXUS card.
What about ID for kids?
Hawaiian Airlines says: “Children and teenagers under 18 do not need an ID when traveling with a companion who has a valid ID. However, we recommend traveling with some form of ID, such as a school ID card. If you are traveling with a lap infant, we may ask for proof of the child’s age, so we recommend traveling with a copy of the birth certificate. International Travel. All travelers, including infants and children, must have a valid U.S. passport when traveling internationally”
Lastly REAL ID for all flights – delayed but still coming.
Thanks for commentor Maur for pointing out that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require a Star Card, U.S. passport, military ID, or other REAL ID compliant identification, to board a commercial flight and enter a federal facility. “The star card is not mandatory, but without this type of drivers license, you will need to provide your passport to fly anywhere, not just to Hawaii. This came into effect in Oct ’21. Other states need to be REAL-ID compliant.”
The TSA said “the new deadline for REAL ID enforcement is May 3, 2023… Every air traveler 18 years of age 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 a REAL ID compliant card.”
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005, and requires “standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”
Starting next week, no health screening is needed – Covid-19 rules end March 25.
Starting next week, all Covid restrictions associated with domestic travel to the 50th state, Hawaii, will end. Passengers won’t be subject to any Covid screening, and proof of vaccination or testing will no longer be required. The only exception is for international arrivals. Before boarding a flight to the United States, you’re required to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 1 day before travel. There’s also an option for people who have documented recovery from COVID-19 in the past 90 days.
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How much money should I bring with me to Hawaii
Must dos while in Kona. Never been to the island’s. First time. I’m Native American Indian and would like to meet locals and see their culture
Aloha!!! I be there soon..am so happy the is not restriction this time so I can enjoy the Kona, Hilo and Maui.
Minor clarification: while the Safe Travels procedure will technically expire next week, it’s still in effect until midnight on 3/25, whihc incidentally is Kuhio Day 🙂 So until after midnight on Friday, Safe Travels is still in effect and you will have to do the QR code, etc.
Whilst your article focuses on the needs of US residents, Foreign visitors are often stumped when they are asked to probide a passport to get served alcohol in Waikiki. Until the nations of the world adopt common policies on Drivers Licenses as they have done with passports, foreign citizens will need to carry passports to prove their age in addition to their identity. Being close to 70, I chuckle when asked for ID to prove I am over 21. Such is vanity…
Hi Rich.
Thanks. Same here when traveling in Europe.
Aloha.
I’ve been questioned several times about the Union Jack on Hawaii’s state flag. Many folks believe that the islands are part of the British empire.
Depending on my mood I might suggest they exchange dollars for British pounds before traveling to the islands.
😂 I’m definitely going to remember that response next time someone asks me!
History. It predates inclusion in the USA. The same reason why the Texas State Flag does not fly lower than the Stars and Stripes as Texas was also an independent State prior to absorption.
“importance of obtaining a Star Card – Idaho’s REAL ID. Beginning Oct. 1, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require a Star Card, U.S. passport, military ID, or other REAL ID compliant identification, to board a commercial flight and enter a federal facility.”
The star card is not mandatory, but without this type of drivers license, you will need to provide your passport to fly anywhere, not just to Hawaii. This came into effect in Oct ’21. Other states need to be REAL-ID compliant.
Hi Maur.
Thanks for mentioning that. We added it to the post with a hat tip to you.
Aloha.
Maybe some people are referring to California Real ID and if you don’t have Real ID you need a passport. Real ID got an extension because dmv didn’t want people coming in.
Hello. If you’re a permanent resident but still a citizen of another country (I have lived in the US for 25+ years but am still a British citizen), you will need a passport.
Typically, travel to the US from Canada clears customs at the departure airport in Canada. I can’t say this for certain to Hawaii, but it’s true for Continental US. I’ve come back to the US from Canada via Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Halifax, Montreal, and Ottawa and have always cleared customs and immigration at the departing Canadian airport.
But, you are still correct; you’ll need a passport to have entered Canada and to even get on the aircraft.
Thanks, David
Hi David.
When traveling from Canada, our experience is as you stated. The US’ve cleared us before departure.
Aloha
I’ve been asked that many times when discussing travel to Hawaii. I don’t understand why anyone traveling from the mainland direct to the islands would think that, but that’s just me. My usual answer is to ask if they are aware that Hawaii is the 50th state of the United States….. 🙄
I was even asked one time if a passport was needed to fly to Alaska…..
Aloha, BOH! I booked our annual September trip to Kaua’i yesterday!
Hi Ed.
Please give us a shout out when your arrival approaches. And thanks for nearly 200 comments to date.
Aloha.
Confirming that as of March 26, 2022 we will not need to update the Hawii Safe Travels documents? We are traveling to Honolulu on March 31 and want to be sure. Mahalo.
Hi Aki.
That is correct.
Aloha.