Do You Need a Passport to Fly to Hawaii? What U.S. and International Travelers Should Know

airofficedesks

Jul 1, 2025 - 13:04

When it comes to paradise vacations, Hawaii often tops the list for travelers worldwide. The state offers a tropical escape filled with turquoise beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls, and rich cultural experiences. But despite its allure, many travelers still find themselves asking, do you need a passport to fly to Hawaii?

It’s a fair question—after all, Hawaii is over 2,000 miles from the U.S. mainland and nestled deep in the Pacific Ocean. In this guide, we’ll break down who does and doesn’t need a passport, document requirements by traveler type, and how upcoming ID changes may affect your travel plans.

For an in-depth overview, check out this resource: do you need a passport to fly to Hawaii

Hawaii: A U.S. State—But Far from the Mainland

Hawaii officially became the 50th U.S. state in 1959. Although it may feel like a tropical foreign country, it’s entirely a part of the United States. That means air travel from the mainland U.S. to Hawaii is classified as domestic travel.

Because of this, U.S. citizens generally do not need a passport to fly to Hawaii. But there are some exceptions and nuances to be aware of, especially for non-U.S. citizens, children, and travelers with connecting international flights.

U.S. Citizens Flying to Hawaii: No Passport Required

If you’re a U.S. citizen traveling from any of the 50 states or U.S. territories to Hawaii, you do not need a passport. Since it's domestic travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) only requires a valid form of government-issued ID.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

Driver’s license (REAL ID-compliant by May 7, 2025)
State-issued ID card
U.S. passport (if you choose to use it)
Military ID
DHS Trusted Traveler card (e.g., Global Entry)

If you’re flying before the REAL ID enforcement date (May 7, 2025), your standard driver’s license will work. After that, however, you'll need a REAL ID (look for the star symbol on your license) or an alternative accepted document to board a flight to Hawaii.

Do Minors Need ID or Passports?

Children under the age of 18 traveling with an adult do not need a government-issued ID for domestic travel, including to Hawaii. Airlines may ask for:

A copy of a birth certificate
School ID (for older minors)
A letter of consent if the child is flying with someone other than their parent/guardian

While it’s not required, carrying identification for minors is still recommended for smooth boarding.

Non-U.S. Citizens: Passport Requirements for Hawaii

If you’re a foreign national (non-U.S. citizen), even though Hawaii is part of the United States, the requirements for entering apply the same as traveling to any other U.S. state.

Here’s what international travelers will need:

Valid passport
U.S. visa, or authorization under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)
Proof of onward travel (depending on visa type)

So yes, if you are not a U.S. citizen or green card holder, you do need a passport to fly to Hawaii, regardless of where you're flying from.

What About Green Card Holders?

If you’re a U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you can travel to Hawaii without a passport. Your valid green card acts as sufficient identification and proof of legal status. No visa or additional documentation is needed when flying from the mainland.

Flying to Hawaii with a Layover in Another Country

Occasionally, travelers may find themselves on a flight that includes an international stopover, especially when using foreign carriers or traveling from countries like Canada, Australia, or Japan.

In these cases:

You will need a valid passport to enter or transit through another country.
You may need a transit visa, depending on the layover country’s rules.

If you’re flying directly from a U.S. state to Hawaii, this won’t apply. But always check your airline’s route details before booking.

Do You Need a Passport for Cruises to Hawaii?

Cruising to Hawaii introduces a different set of requirements. If you're departing from and returning to a U.S. port (called a closed-loop cruise), a passport may not be required. Instead, you might be able to board with a:

Government-issued ID
Original birth certificate

However, some cruise lines still strongly recommend or require a valid passport, especially if the itinerary includes foreign ports like Mexico or French Polynesia. Always confirm requirements with your cruise provider.

Travel Tips for Visiting Hawaii

Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, here are a few key tips to help make your Hawaiian vacation as smooth as possible:

Pack light layers – Island temperatures can vary from the beach to the mountains.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen – Hawaii bans sunscreens with harmful chemicals.
Rent a car early – Especially on islands like Maui and the Big Island where public transport is limited.
Respect native culture – The Aloha Spirit is real, and showing appreciation for Hawaiian customs is encouraged.
Book early – Flights and accommodations sell out fast during peak seasons (December–April and June–August).

TSA and Security for Flights to Hawaii

Even though you don’t need a passport for domestic travel, you’ll still go through full TSA security screening before boarding your flight to Hawaii. The process is the same as any U.S. domestic flight.

Be prepared to:

Remove shoes, belts, and laptops at security
Follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids
Show ID at the checkpoint

Prohibited items are enforced across all U.S. flights, including those to and from Hawaii.

Summary: Who Needs a Passport for Hawaii Travel?

Traveler Type	Passport Required?
U.S. Citizen (mainland)	No
Green Card Holder	No
Non-U.S. Citizen	Yes
U.S. Citizen with Int’l Layover	Yes
Cruise Passenger (Closed-Loop)	Usually No
Cruise with Foreign Ports	Yes
Minor Flying with Parent	No

Final Thoughts

If you're still unsure and asking yourself, do you need a passport to fly to Hawaii, the answer depends on your citizenship status and travel route. For most U.S. citizens, no passport is needed. However, if you're not a citizen, or you’re cruising through foreign ports, having a passport is essential.

Get more detailed information and stay updated with current travel policies at:
👉 do you need a passport to fly to Hawaii

Hawaii is a domestic destination with an international feel — and getting there is simpler than you think. All that’s left to do now is book your flight, pack your bags, and enjoy your Hawaiian adventure!