Do You Need a Passport to Fly to Hawaii? A Complete Guide

Hawaii is one of the most popular places to visit in the world. It’s not surprising that millions of people visit the Aloha State every year. The volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and beautiful beaches are all reasons to go. A lot of people who want to visit Hawaii ask the same question: “Do you need a passport to fly to Hawaii?” Since Hawaii is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, this is the case.

If you’re a U.S. citizen planning a trip from the mainland, the answer is easier than you might think. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the ID requirements for going to Hawaii, so your trip to paradise will go as smoothly and stress-free as possible. We’ll cover the rules for U.S. citizens, international visitors, children, and more, so you can pack your bags with confidence.

What is the difference between domestic and international travel?

Before we talk about Hawaii in detail, it’s important to know the main difference between traveling within the US and traveling to other countries.

Domestic travel refers to any travel that takes place within the borders of a single country. For people in the U.S., this includes flights between states, like from California to New York or from Florida to Alaska. You don’t need a passport because you are not leaving the country. You need a photo ID that the government has issued instead.
International travel When you travel internationally, you go across the borders of other countries. You need a valid passport to leave the U.S. and enter another country, like Canada, Mexico, or Japan.

Traveling to Hawaii from any other U.S. state is considered domestic travel because Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959. This is the main reason why the rules are different for people from the U.S. and people from other countries.

Do citizens of the United States need a passport to travel to Hawaii?

The answer is clearly no for people from the U.S. If you’re flying from another U.S. state to Hawaii, you don’t need a passport. It doesn’t matter if you’re flying from California, Texas, Florida, or any other state in the continental U.S.; the trip is the same as any other domestic flight.

This means you don’t need a passport to fly to Hawaii if you are a U.S. citizen. You only need a government-issued photo ID that is still valid to get on your flight.

Forms of ID that are okay

While a passport isn’t necessary for domestic travel to Hawaii, you will still need to present a valid photo ID at the airport’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint. Accepted forms of identification include:

Driver’s license or other state-issued photo ID card compliant with REAL ID standards.
A U.S. passport or a U.S. passport card.
DHS trusted traveler cards include Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST.
ID from the U.S. Department of Defense, including IDs for dependents.
Green Card, or permanent resident card.
Card for crossing the border.
Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) from the state.
A photo ID from a tribe that the federal government recognizes.
PIV card for HSPD-12.
Passport from a foreign government.
A driver’s license from a Canadian province or an Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card.
Transportation worker identification credential.
The Employment Authorization Card (I-766) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Credential for U.S. Merchant Mariners.

Most travelers will use a valid driver’s license as their main form of ID.

The REAL ID Act and How It Affects Travel

The REAL ID Act is a federal law that set the lowest security standards for driver’s licenses and ID cards issued by the states. For years, the deadline for enforcement has been pushed back, but it is now set to start. Beginning on May 7, 2025, everyone over the age of 18 who wants to fly within the United States will need a driver’s license that meets REAL ID standards or another form of ID that is acceptable, such as a passport.

You can check if your license is REAL ID-compliant by looking for a star in the upper right-hand corner. You should go to your local DMV to get an updated license before the deadline if you don’t have one. This rule doesn’t only apply to Hawaii, but it does apply to all domestic air travel.

Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizens Traveling

The rules for visiting Hawaii are different for those who are not U.S. citizens. Your requirements will depend on your country of origin and your current U.S. immigration status.

Going to Hawaii from another country

If you are not a U.S. citizen and are going straight to Hawaii from another country, you will need a valid passport. You might also need a visa, depending on where you are from. People from countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) can visit the US for business or pleasure for up to 90 days without a visa, as long as they have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Can someone who is not a U.S. citizen travel from the U.S. mainland to Hawaii?

If you are not a U.S. citizen but are already legally in the U.S., you can fly to Hawaii from the mainland without needing a passport. If you have a valid U.S. visa and are in California, for instance, and want to fly to Hawaii, the flight is considered domestic.

But you should definitely bring your passport, visa, and any other important immigration papers with you. You might only need your government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license or permanent resident card, to get through the TSA checkpoint. However, you might need your immigration papers for other things as well. It’s always best to have them on hand in case you need to show that you are legally in the U.S.

Do Permanent Residents Need a Passport to Go to Hawaii?

If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States (a Green Card holder), you do not need a passport to travel to Hawaii from another U.S. state. You can use your Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) as a valid form of ID when flying within the US.

Going to Hawaii with Kids

When traveling with minors, the rules for identification are slightly different.

For Kids Under 18: When traveling with a friend in the United States, kids under 18 don’t have to show ID to the TSA. It’s a good idea to check with the airline you are flying with first, though, because they may have their own rules.
TTaking a baby on a trip:: If you are traveling with a lap infant (a child under 2), the airline may require you to present proof of age, such as a birth certificate, to confirm the child is eligible to fly on your lap. .
Unaccompanied Minors: If a child is flying alone, the airline will have specific procedures and documentation requirements. This usually means giving information about the person who is dropping them off and the person who is picking them up.

Even if not required, carrying a copy of your child’s birth certificate is a good practice, especially if you have a different last name than your child.

Things to think about before your trip

The main rules are clear, but there are a few other things to think about and situations to keep in mind for a smooth trip to Hawaii..

Soldiers and Their Families

Active-duty military members and their dependents can use their Department of Defense ID as a valid form of identification for domestic travel. When military members stationed in Hawaii fly to and from the mainland for fun, they have to follow the same travel rules as everyone else in the U.S.

Are passports required for cruises to Hawaii?

The itinerary of the cruise to Hawaii will determine what kind of passport you need.

Cruises that go in a circle: You usually don’t need a passport if your cruise starts and ends in the same U.S. port, like a round trip from Los Angeles. A government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship, like a birth certificate, are acceptable for U.S. citizens. But most cruise lines strongly suggest that you bring a passport with you.
Cruises with Foreign Ports: If your cruise itinerary includes a stop in a foreign country (such as Canada or Mexico) before or after visiting Hawaii, you will need a valid passport.

Scenarios Where a Passport Might Be Useful

U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to fly to Hawaii, but there are some times when having one can be helpful:

Flights that connect:: If your flight to Hawaii has a layover in a foreign country (which is rare but possible on some international carriers), you will need a passport. Always look over your flight schedule carefully.
ID that was lost: Having a passport as a backup ID can save your life if you lose your driver’s license while on vacation in Hawaii. It will allow you to board your flight home without the stress of trying to get a temporary ID.
REAL ID Compliance: Under the REAL ID Act, a U.S. passport is a valid form of ID for the whole country. If your driver’s license isn’t up to date by May 7, 2025, a passport will let you travel without any problems..

Last-minute advice for a trouble-free trip to paradise

Here are some useful tips to make sure your Hawaiian adventure starts off on the right foot now that you know what you need to bring:

Check the date on your ID to see if it is still valid: Make sure your driver’s license or any other ID you plan to use is not expired.
Make Digital and Physical Copies: Take a picture of your ID, passport, and other important papers and save it on your phone. It’s also a good idea to keep a physical copy in a different bag from the originals..
Stay Informed: Requirements don’t change very often, but it’s always a good idea to check the TSA and your airline’s websites for any last-minute changes before you leave.

Your trip to Hawaii is waiting for you.

It should be fun to plan a trip to Hawaii, not stressful. It’s easy for U.S. citizens to travel: they don’t need a passport to fly directly from the mainland U.S. You only need a government-issued photo ID that is still valid, like a driver’s license.

Now that the logistics are out of the way, you can focus on the fun part: planning your dream trip. At Hawaii Guide Hub, we know how to make Hawaiian experiences that you’ll never forget. Our local experts can help you make a custom travel plan, find the best places to stay, and book tours that take you to places that aren’t on the usual tourist route. You can enjoy the magic of the islands while we take care of the details. Contact us today to start planning your perfect Hawaiian getaway.

Do you need a passport to fly to Hawaii

What is the difference between domestic and international travel?