Do You Need a Passport To Go To Hawaii in 2025?

Summer days call for beach vacations, and what better place to be than Hawaii? There would be no one who would ever want to miss out on a trip to Hawaii. It’s literally on everyone’s bucket list. The beautiful beaches, natural landscapes, the stunning marine life, and not to forget, the outdoor fun activities! It’s all too pretty to miss out. But, do you have the correct documents to fly there? 

If you have doubts like “Do you need a passport to fly to Hawaii?” or “What documents would be required to travel to Hawaii?”, then you are at the right place. In this article, you will learn all you need to know before you make your trip itinerary for Hawaii. 

Overview: Do You Need a Passport To Go To Hawaii?

Are you a US citizen? Then congratulations! Because you have the chance to visit Hawaii without a passport. Even though the Hawaiian Islands are less than 3,000 miles from California, Hawaii is undoubtedly a state of the United States. And since Hawaii is one of the 50 states of the United States, individuals from the mainland do not require a valid passport to visit there. Traveling to the Hawaiian Islands qualifies as domestic from anywhere in the United States. Thus, passport paperwork requirements for US citizens and LPRs (Lawful Permanent Residents) are not applicable. 

However, a valid ID proof is required to confirm that you are a citizen of the US. What all do you need? The following section is all about it.

Travel Documents Needed to Go to Hawaii (US Citizens)

The TSA accepts the following types of identification from Americans for domestic trips to Hawaii:

• State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
• US passport
• US passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• US Department of Defense ID
• Permanent resident card

A driver’s license is often used as the primary identification among US citizens. On May 7, 2025, a new REAL ID policy was enacted. Most states now require a REAL ID, which is a driver’s license with a yellow star or “enhanced” symbol on the right side. 

To board any domestic aircraft in the United States, including flights to Hawaii, passengers must be 18 or older and have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another recognized form of identification. Acceptable forms of identification include REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses, state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses (available in some states), valid passports, US military IDs, and DHS-trusted traveler cards like Global Entry or NEXUS.  

If you are unsure whether your driver’s license or state ID is REAL ID compatible, please get in touch with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). 

It is critical to note that the identification document must be updated and legitimate during the examination. The name on the identification must correspond to the name on the flight reservation. Legal documentation (such as a marriage certificate or court order) is recommended if your name has changed due to marriage or any other reason.

Thus, citizens of the United States may enter or leave the country using any of the documents mentioned above. Permanent residents can travel to Hawaii without a valid passport by presenting their green card or state-issued ID. Based on where you are from, you may additionally require a visa. 

How to Apply for a REAL ID?

As mentioned, to fly to domestic locations in the United States, travelers must register for a REAL ID. Applying for a REAL ID is quite simple. To receive a REAL ID, follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Step 2: Fill in the required information, such as:

• Full Legal Name
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence
• Lawful Status

3rd Step : Follow their instructions and bring the required documents to the DMV offices.

The list is available on the DMV website. Ensure that all of your documents have current information. Prepare to provide any further information or evidence if requested. You may also be asked to pay a small charge and have your photo taken. And that’s it! If everything goes well, you should have your REAL ID in a few weeks.

Special Circumstances 

Although a passport is not required in most situations, there are some exceptions when having one might be helpful. 

Passports are not required for domestic flights. In rare cases, an airline may need additional identification beyond a driver’s license or identity card, particularly for inter-island flights. It is not always the case, but it is advisable to be prepared! If your aircraft includes a stopover in a nation other than the US, you are required to show your passport to enter Hawaii. 

The second exceptional circumstance occurs during ship travel. Planning to visit Hawaii on a cruise – amazing! It primarily depends on the sort of cruise you are taking. If it’s a closed-loop cruise, the ship leaves and returns from the same port in the United States and only travels within the Western Hemisphere; you may leave your passport at home. However, because a cruise itinerary may involve stops in Mexico or Canada, you may be required to present your passport as proof of citizenship. Cruise firms frequently need a valid passport as evidence of citizenship when returning from a foreign port to the US. So, it’s critical to double-check your cruise line’s exact passport requirements depending on your itinerary, as some may have different regulations. 

Travel Documents for Kids

If you have any underage travelers and are unsure about the documents they would require to travel along, read on!

Children and teens under 18 do not require a passport to fly to Hawaii or any ID if they are traveling with an adult with a valid ID. However, it is advised that you bring a form of ID proof. A school ID card is an acceptable form of identification for minors. If you’re traveling with a lap infant, the airline may ask for evidence of age, so take a copy of the child’s birth certificate. Also, check with the airline about safety regulations and the equipment you may bring.

Airline regulations on travel documentation for children may differ slightly between carriers. In rare situations, they may request extra papers, such as written approval from both parents or legal guardians if the child is traveling alone or with only one parent, before permitting the minor to board. They may also require a separate ticket specifying their age.

Always double-check your airline’s requirements before departure, and make sure your children have all the necessary identification and papers for a hassle-free and happy journey to Hawaii. 

Hawaii Travel Tips

Traveling to Hawaii or anywhere else, knowing a thing or two about the place beforehand always comes in handy. Here are some things you should know about Hawaii before to take off! 

When to Visit Hawaii?

Hawaii has beautiful weather all year with no extremes, thanks to cooling trade breezes. Winter is the busiest tourism season, as many snowbirds flee frigid conditions. Summer getaways are popular from June to August, but accommodations are limited, and rates might rise over the holidays. Budget-conscious tourists can find decent prices on lodgings and airfare during the sluggish times from mid-September to mid-November and the weeks after Easter through Memorial Day. Surfers find the biggest waves in the winter while windsurfing chances are best in the summer. Whale-watching trips operate exclusively between January and March.

Make Advance Reservations

Hawaii’s laid-back atmosphere favors advance preparation, like making reservations for Honolulu restaurants and activities. Free tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor can be reserved online up to 60 days in advance. Furthermore, the renowned snorkeling destination, Hanauma Bay, needs previous reservations, with spots available two days in advance, and are frequently sold out.

Bring your bag

Hawaii has prohibited plastic bags owing to environmental concerns since they add to ocean waste patches and entangle marine wildlife. Bringing your own bags is encouraged, as reusable bags cost 15 cents. Due to transportation costs, prices in Hawaii are greater than in the rest of the US. Therefore, it is critical to have your own bags when shopping.

Protect your belongings

The islands are known for thefts from parked vehicles, particularly rentals with barcode tags. Thieves may readily break into trunks or door-lock assemblies, particularly at trailheads, popular beaches, and hotel parking lots. To avert theft, never leave your valuables in your car and always store them out of eyesight before getting to your location. 

Medical Advice

Hawaii has similar medical services to Australia but might be more expensive. You must acquire comprehensive travel insurance before your trip. While no particular vaccinations are suggested for travel to the US mainland or the Hawaiian Islands, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides updates on infectious disease outbreaks. Update your basic vaccines and doses to include measles, hepatitis A and B, and Japanese encephalitis. 

Conclusion

In short, Hawaii is all about relaxing – the alluring beaches, landscapes, marine life, and all those touristy activities. And if you are a US citizen, visiting it without a passport becomes even simpler. But if you plan to set sail, you’ll want to ensure your travel documents are in order. It’s always best to be prepared. 

Hope that you don’t have any more questions like “Do I need a passport to fly to Hawaii?” Remember the basic travel tips, so your vacation goes off without a hitch. Hawaii is definitely worth it all! 

Frequently Asked Questions