If you’ve never been to Hawaii, you’re missing out! There are numerous islands to explore and take in beautiful scenery, plus plenty of outdoor activities to engage in. There are countless white, sandy beaches and amazing lookout points, as well as delicious food, friendly people, and just about any outdoor activity, you can imagine to take part in. The history and culture of these islands are unforgettable and rich.  

"Do you need a passport to go to Hawaii?"

Do you need a passport to go to Hawaii? Hawaii is a U.S. state, so, you only need a passport to visit if you’re not a U.S. citizen! You’ll only need a passport to go to Hawaii if you’re flying or sailing into Hawaii from another country.

Can I Travel to Hawaii With Just My Driver’s License?

The documentation U.S. citizens need to travel to and from Hawaii (and around its various islands) are the same you would need to travel to and from any other U.S. state. You can travel with any valid government photo ID, but note that as of May 7, 2025,  the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires all state driver’s licenses and state-issued IDs to be REAL ID compliant to use for travel checkpoints. Non-U.S. travelers will need valid passports and any other documentation they would need to travel to other U.S. states.

What ID Do I Need to Fly to Hawaii?

Hawaii is a U.S. state, so traveling to and from Hawaii requires the same documentation you’d need to travel to any other state. U.S. citizens only need valid photo government-issued IDs, and non-U.S. visitors will need a valid passport and any other documentation required by the U.S. government (e.g., visa, work permit, etc.). Note that as of May 7, 2025, the TSA will require all state driver’s licenses and state-issued IDs to be REAL ID compliant for use when traveling.

How Long Is the Flight to Hawaii?

The flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu takes about six hours in total.

Can I Use My Birth Certificate to Go to Hawaii?

If you are a U.S. citizen you can probably get away with using your birth certificate as a “travel ID,” though you run the risk of being delayed and questioned. It’s recommended to always have a valid government-issued photo ID ready to present whenever traveling.

Do You Need a Passport to Go to Hawaii if You Live in the United States?

If you are a U.S. citizen, a passport is not required to travel to and from Hawaii from within the United States. If you are flying into Hawaii from another country, and are a U.S. citizen, you will need to present your passport when entering Hawaii as you would enter any other U.S. state. If you live in the U.S., but are not a citizen, you will want to have any other documentation required, like a visa or work permit to travel to Hawaii.

Do You Need a Passport to Go to Hawaii if You’re Not a U.S. Citizen?

Non-U.S. citizens will need to present valid documentation if they’re traveling to and from Hawaii from within or without the U.S., including their passports and any other documentation like a visa or work permit, allowing them to visit the U.S. for any duration of time.

Do You Need a Passport to Go to Hawaii on a Cruise?

For U.S. citizens, there is no need to present a passport when sailing to Hawaii or on a Hawaiian cruise between islands. Travelers (U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens) need to have any ID or documentation they’d need to travel to and within other U.S. states: A valid government-issued photo ID (U.S. citizens) or a passport and other documentation (non-U.S. citizens). On May 7, 2025, state IDs and driver’s licenses will need to be REAL ID compliant for use as travel identification for U.S. citizens. 

Do You Need a Passport to Go to Maui?

The island of Maui is part of the U.S. state of Hawaii, and visitors need the same identification/documentation needed to travel to any other U.S. state: A valid government-issued photo ID for U.S. citizens, and a passport and visitor documentation for non-U.S. citizen travelers.

Do You Need a Passport to Go to Hawaii from Texas?

Since Hawaii is a U.S. state, traveling to and from Hawaii from within the U.S. requires the same ID/documentation as needed for travel to and from other U.S. states. For U.S. citizens, a valid government-issued photo ID will suffice, and for non-U.S. citizens, a passport and any other documentation needed for their visit, like a visa or work permit. U.S. citizen travelers should note that photo IDs used for travel will need to be REAL ID compliant as of May 7, 2025 for travel within the U.S.

Do You Need a Passport to Go to Hawaii from New York?

ID/documentation requirements for travel to and from Hawaii are the same as for all other U.S. states: A valid photo government-issued ID for U.S. citizens, and a passport and other documentation for non-U.S. citizens (e.g., visa, work permit, etc.). For U.S. citizens, photo IDs used for travel will need to be REAL ID compliant as of May 7, 2025 to travel within the U.S.

So, Do You Need a Passport to Go to Hawaii?

Travelers to and from Hawaii only need a passport to visit if they are not U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens may travel freely to and from Hawaii as they would travel to and from any other U.S. state. Valid government-issued photo IDs are the only identification requirement for U.S. citizens traveling to and from Hawaii from within the U.S. If you’re flying or sailing into Hawaii from another country, citizens will need to present their U.S. passport as they would to enter other U.S. states.

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