hawaii food travel restrictions

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Are there restrictions on bringing back food and agricultural items from Hawaii to the continental United States?

Mar 13, 2024 • knowledge, information, related information, related articles.

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What Food Can You Not Bring To Hawaii: A Complete Guide

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Visiting the beautiful Hawaiian islands and wondering what food items you cannot pack in your luggage? With Hawaii’s ecological fragility and susceptibility to invasive species, the state has strict regulations regarding agricultural items that tourists can bring in.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Fruits, vegetables, plants, animals, and meat products not from the U .S. mainland are prohibited from being brought to Hawaii under state law.

This comprehensive list of over 150 banned items aims to protect Hawaii’s environment and agriculture from invasive pests and diseases.

In this complete guide, we will cover all the key information you need to know about restricted food items not allowed to be transported to Hawaii. You’ll also learn why the state has prohibitions regarding certain agricultural products and how you can enjoy your trip to Hawaii without hassle.

Brief Background on Hawaii’s Quarantine Restrictions

Purpose and goals behind restrictions on food.

Hawaii’s strict quarantine restrictions on incoming travelers and items like food have an important purpose – to protect the islands’ delicate ecosystem . As an isolated island chain, Hawaii is vulnerable to invasive species that can wreak havoc if accidentally introduced.

In the past, foreign pests and diseases have entered Hawaii via produce, meat, and plant materials brought by visitors or imported goods.

Once established, these invasive species can be nearly impossible to eradicate and have had devastating environmental and economic impacts.

For example , the coffee berry borer arrived around 2010 and attacked Hawaii’s coffee crops, reducing yields by 30% in some areas. And the coconut rhinoceros beetle has attacked coconut palms since 2013 , killing numerous trees.

To prevent further ecological disasters, Hawaii’s quarantine laws strictly regulate the entry of agricultural items that could harbor pests and diseases not already present in the islands. Over 25% of goods are inspected upon arrival.

Responsible Agencies Enforcing Entry Rules

Several government agencies work together to protect Hawaii through inspection and quarantine efforts:

• The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) enforces restrictions on incoming passengers and cargo.
• The US Department of Homeland Security handles inspections at airports and mailing facilities.
• The Hawaii Invasive Species Council coordinates policies statewide.

Together, these agencies aim to balance smooth travel and commerce with ecological safeguarding. Stopping even one destructive pest from entering can save Hawaii’s agriculture and environment from millions in damage down the line .

While an extra hassle for visitors, Hawaii’s thorough inspections ultimately help preserve the islands’ natural heritage and agricultural industries for future generations. Few other places remain as unspoiled.

Also read: Bringing Plants From Hawaii To California: What You Need To Know

Detailed Overview of Banned Items Not Allowed Entry

Fruits and vegetables.

To protect Hawaii’s agriculture, there are strict regulations on importing fresh fruits and vegetables. Many common fruits and veggies are prohibited, including apples, oranges, lettuce, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes.

In an effort to prevent invasive species, Hawaii maintains an approved and conditionally approved list for imported produce.

Approved produce like pineapples, mangoes, and coconuts can enter freely while conditionally approved items like asparagus, sweet potatoes, and squash must undergo agricultural inspection before entry.

Also read: Fruits Native To Hawaii: A Deep Dive

Plants and flowers

Like fresh produce, regulations extend to live plants and flowers as well. As one of the most isolated island chains globally, Hawaii’s ecosystem is especially vulnerable.

Thus, visitors cannot bring popular house plants like orchids or garden flowers . Furthermore, items like soil, compost, or potting mix are not permitted.

Cut flowers and wreaths without soil are allowed entry if inspected and treated first. Leis and flower arrangements prepared professionally with permitted plant materials can also be brought to Hawaii.

Meats and eggs

Meats like beef, pork, and poultry are heavily restricted along with eggs and dairy products. As Hawaii has no natural predators for livestock diseases, strict rules prevent importing animal products that may carry contagions.

Only canned meats like Spam fully cooked to USDA standards can enter the islands. Hard cheeses and butter are also permitted if commercially packaged . However, raw meats, eggs, soft cheeses, and yogurt cannot be brought from another state or country.

Other food products

Many other food items common in interstate travel cannot cross Hawaii’s borders. For example, fresh-baked goods, jarred foods like pasta sauce and honey, and luxury items like caviar are prohibited.

Shelf-stable and professionally packaged foods are typically allowed, although inspection may be necessary. Some exemptions exist for military personnel relocating to Hawaii with household goods.

To learn more, visit the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s Animal Quarantine Information Page . This authoritative site provides detailed lists of restricted items across many categories.

Also read: Can You Bring Fruit Between Hawaiian Islands?

Frequently Asked Questions on Agricultural Restrictions

Why can’t i take my mainland fruit to hawaii.

Bringing fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, and animals from the U.S. mainland to Hawaii poses a grave threat of introducing destructive insects, diseases, and invasive species that could devastate Hawaii’s fragile and unique island ecosystems.

Hawaii has strict agricultural inspection policies to prevent alien pests that are not established on the islands from being introduced accidentally.

Many seemingly harmless mainland crops like apples, oranges, and potatoes could be carriers of invasive species.

While they may be safe where they originated from, if they were brought to Hawaii, they may disrupt the balance of the island habitats that many rare Hawaiian species rely on – potentially leading to irreversible damage.

Over 40 percent of species on the endangered species list in Hawaii are considered at risk primarily due to predation or habitat degradation by introduced species.

So by leaving the mainland fruits behind and adhering to Hawaii’s agricultural import restrictions, visitors play a crucial role in protecting Hawaii’s natural beauty for future generations.

Are there exceptions for any produce items?

There are very few exceptions to Hawaii’s import ban on fresh fruits and vegetables. Only produce that has undergone pest treatment, approved by HAACP system standards and certified as safe for import is allowed. Some examples include:

• Pineapples and bananas – subject to fruit fly and disease disinfestation
• Papayas – Hawaii Department of Agriculture certification required
• Coconuts – import permit from Plant Quarantine Branch required

And any fruits purchased after the agricultural declaration checkpoint at the departure airport in other states or countries would need to be declared.

It’s important to note that while processed items like jams, dried fruits, juices, canned goods are generally admissible, certain restrictions still apply depending on exact processing method. When in doubt, it’s best to contact Hawaii Department of Agriculture or leave the item behind.

What happens if prohibited food is found in luggage?

All passengers arriving in Hawaii must fill out a Plant Quarantine Declaration Form where they must declare any plant or animal items in possession. Not declaring prohibited produce items can lead to large fines.

If agricultural inspectors do find banned produce, visitors will be given options to:

• Voluntarily abandon prohibited items for destruction
• Ship items back to mainland at their own expense
• Face fines of $100-$25,000 per item for undeclared goods

So being aware and respectful of Hawaii’s agricultural restrictions is the least visitors can do to protect the fragile island environment that makes it such a unique and special vacation destination.

Tips for Transporting Approved Foods Properly

When bringing approved foods to Hawaii, proper transportation is key to keeping them safe and reducing the risk of introducing invasive species.

Here are some tips for making sure your edibles arrive in good shape:

Use Insulated Coolers

If you’re traveling with perishable items like meat, dairy, or produce, pack them in a hard-sided insulated cooler with ice packs. This will help ensure cold foods stay at safe temperatures during your trip.

Just make sure to thoroughly clean coolers beforehand to prevent contamination.

Wrap Foods Individually

Even non-perishables should be wrapped or boxed separately before packing them together. This prevents crushing, contamination, and spills.

Some good wrapping materials are plastic containers, bags, foil, parchment paper, etc. Make sure wraps are secure.

Label Containers Clearly

To avoid confusion at inspection, make sure all food containers are labeled with their contents . This allows officials to quickly identify and approve your items. Having an itemized list handy helps too.

Transport in Clean, Secure Bags

Once wrapped and labeled, pack food into clean, sturdy suitcases, duffels or totes that can be zipped, snapped, or tied shut.

Trash bags and paper bags tend to rip and spill. Hard-sided containers are ideal for preventing pest issues . Vacuum seal if possible.

Go Straight to Inspection Area

Upon arrival in Hawaii, head directly to the agricultural inspection area before going anywhere else.

Declare all food items you brought and comply with any additional screening procedures. Trying to bypass or avoid inspection can lead to hefty fines.

Following these simple tips will make transporting approved foods to Hawaii much smoother. Taking the necessary precautions ensures everyone’s health and safety.

With some planning and care, you can enjoy all your favorite treats while protecting the islands’ unique ecosystem. Have a wonderful trip!

Also read: What Not To Bring To Hawaii: 15 Things To Leave At Home

To summarize, Hawaii’s quarantine restrictions on the entry of certain agricultural items are crucial to protecting the local environment, economy, and health of the islands.

By being aware what food is prohibited and transporting approved items responsibly, visitors can comply with state regulations.

If you have any other questions on restricted provisions in Hawaii or want more details on exceptions to the prohibitions, be sure to check out the FAQs section of the official state website HDOA.org prior to your travels.

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Jane Smith is a Hawaii resident and author born and raised on the island of Oahu. Her Hawaiian heritage shines through in her writing, infusing it with the Aloha spirit and local flavor.

Jane draws inspiration from the tropical island lifestyle - outrigger canoeing at sunrise, beach picnics, hiking to hidden waterfalls. Her works immerse readers in the beauty and culture of Hawaii.

An avid surfer since childhood, Jane often wakes early to catch waves along the North Shore. She also enjoys practicing Hawaiian crafts like lei-making, lauhala weaving, and kapa cloth printing.

When not writing or adventuring outdoors, you can find Jane sipping mai tais at the local tiki bar, listening to ukulele music at the night market, or cooking up a big pot of stew at home.

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Flying to Hawaii? Here's what to expect with inflight food and beverages

Editor's Note

With international travel restrictions still largely preventing Americans from leaving the country, many are looking for their next getaway a bit closer to home — and Hawaii naturally fits that bill. Despite some early hiccups , the Aloha State has reopened to visitors, albeit with some stringent testing and pre-registration requirements to keep COVID-19 under control across the islands.

And while reaching Hawaii from the U.S. mainland is relatively easy, the state's location means that you'll still need to spend at least five hours in the air. As a result, the food-and-beverage selections on these flights is critical to know if you're planning a trip there .

Here's everything you need to know about what the major U.S. airlines are offering onboard flights to Hawaii right now.

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Alaska Airlines

At the time of writing, Alaska is offering the following flights from the U.S. to Hawaii:

• Honolulu (HNL) and Kahului, Maui (OGG) are currently served from Anchorage (ANC), Los Angeles (LAX), Portland (PDX), San Diego (SAN), San Jose (SJC) and Seattle (SEA) — with additional flights from San Francisco (SFO) and Oakland (OAK) scheduled to relaunch in April and May, respectively.
• Lihue, Kauai (LIH) doesn't have any current service on Alaska, but the carrier will relaunch flights from Seattle (SEA) in March and numerous other cities in May.
• Kailua, Kona (KOA) is currently served from Anchorage (ANC), Portland (PDX), San Diego (SAN), San Jose (SJC) and Seattle (SEA) — with Oakland and Los Angeles flights stated to relaunch in May.

If you're booked on any of these flights, here's what you can expect.

First class

At the front of the plane, passengers can expect a limited selection of non-alcoholic drinks — including Coke products, orange juice, coffee, tea and bottled water. You can also enjoy a pair of beer selections from Fremont Brewing along with red or white wine.

Alaska also provides a complimentary snack basket along with a more substantial meal — either a ham and egg breakfast wrap (for morning departures through 10 a.m.) or a harvest smoked turkey sandwich (for departures after 10 a.m.). Finally, first-class passengers can enjoy the carrier's signature fruit and cheese platter from 5 a.m. through 8 p.m. — though pre-orders are highly recommended, which can be done starting two weeks prior to your flight's departure.

Premium Class

If you're flying in Alaska's domestic premium economy product , you'll enjoy the same drink selection as first class passengers for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. However, your food offerings are limited to the aforementioned fruit and cheese platter — and you're required to pre-order it (up until 20 hours before your flight).

In regular economy, passengers are limited to the same set of non-alcoholic beverages listed above. They can also purchase the fruit and cheese platter, and pre-orders are required.

Related: I just traveled to Hawaii: Here's what it's like for tourists right now

American Airlines

At the time of writing, American is offering the following flights from the U.S. to Hawaii:

• Honolulu (HNL) is currently served from Chicago-O'Hare (ORD), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX) and Phoenix (PHX) — with Charlotte (CLT) flights scheduled to relaunch in May.
• Kahului, Maui (OGG) is currently served from Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles and Phoenix.
• Lihue, Kauai (LIH) doesn't have any current service on American — though flights are scheduled to relaunch from Phoenix and Los Angeles in March and April, respectively.
• Kailua, Kona (KOA) is currently served from Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles and Phoenix — though the DFW flights are slated to end as of April 5.

Here's what to expect if you're booked on American to Hawaii.

First and business class

Travelers in the front of the plane will enjoy complimentary fresh snacks along with packaged snacks, water, canned drinks and juice. Alcohol will be available as well — though no drinks will be served prior to departure.

American has resumed serving meals on these flights, but they will be served on a single tray rather than courses.

Main Cabin Extra and Main Cabin

Service in both Main Cabin Extra and regular economy will be much more limited, consisting of pretzels or Biscoff cookies along with a choice of water, canned drinks or juice. No alcohol is served, and there's no additional food for purchase.

Related: Kauai expanding resort bubbles; 10 reasons to visit Timbers Resort in Hawaii

Delta Airlines

At the time of writing, Delta is offering the following flights from the U.S. to Hawaii:

• Honolulu is currently served from Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), Minneapolis (MSP), Salt Lake City (SLC) and Seattle (SEA).
• Kahului, Maui is currently served from Los Angeles (LAX), Salt Lake City (SLC) and Seattle (SEA).
• Lihue, Kauai and Kailua, Kona are both currently served from Los Angeles (LAX) and Seattle (SEA).

Here's what to expect if you're booked on Delta to Hawaii.

Delta One and first class

Passengers traveling in first class on most flights to Hawaii will be limited to 8.5-ounce bottles of water along with complimentary wine and beer. Unfortunately, the food offerings are limited to individually-packaged Flight Fuel boxes and other snacks.

Note that Delta's website says that all domestic flights follow this service model. However, reports indicate that the carrier's two longest flights flights to Honolulu — out of Atlanta and Minneapolis — are being treated like long-haul international routes in Delta One , including a hot meal and a full selection of beverage options.

Comfort+ and Main Cabin

Travelers in Comfort+ and regular economy on most flights will have notably slimmer service — just bottled water and two prepackaged snacks. However, on flights from Atlanta and Minneapolis to Honolulu, Comfort+ and economy passengers will still enjoy a meal and beverage service.

Hawaiian Airlines

At the time of writing, Hawaiian is offering the following flights from the U.S. to Hawaii:

• Honolulu (HNL) is currently served from Boston (BOS), Las Vegas (LAS), Long Beach (LGB), Los Angeles (LAX), New York-JFK, Oakland (OAK), Phoenix (PHX), Portland (PDX), Sacramento (SMF), San Francisco (SFO), San Jose (SJC) and Seattle (SEA). In addition, it plans to launch nonstop flights to Orlando (MCO) and Austin (AUS) in March and April, respectively.
• Kahului, Maui (OGG) is currently served from Los Angeles, Oakland, Portland, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose and Seattle — and flights are scheduled to relaunch from Long Beach and Las Vegas in March and April, respectively.
• Lihue, Kauai (LIH) doesn't have any current service on Hawaiian — though flights are scheduled to relaunch from Los Angeles and Oakland in April.
• Kailua, Kona (KOA) doesn't have any current service on Hawaiian — though flights are scheduled to relaunch from Los Angeles in April.

Here's what to expect if you're booked on Hawaiian Airlines to the Aloha State.

For starters, Hawaiian has pushed pre-departure beverage service in first class to take place shortly after takeoff — to minimize mask removal while economy passengers are boarding. In addition, beverages are limited to canned and bottled selections on all flights other than the long-haul departures to/from Boston and New York-JFK — where poured beverages remain an option.

For meals, Hawaiian is taking a similar approach as American: All first-class passengers will still enjoy full meal service but on a single tray rather than in courses.

Economy class

Passengers in the main cabin will receive complimentary bottled water but are limited to canned and bottled beverages on all West Coast departures and arrivals (long-haul flights to/from Boston and New York-JFK can still receive poured beverages). All travelers — regardless of flight length — will still receive a complimentary sandwich, though these are pre-packaged and vary depending on the time and direction of travel (more details at this link ).

Read more: 6 things you need to know about flying Hawaiian Airlines right now

Southwest Airlines

At the time of writing, Southwest is offering the following flights from the U.S. to Hawaii:

• Honolulu (HNL) is currently served from Oakland (OAK), Sacramento (SMF), San Diego (SAN) and San Jose (SLC) — and is scheduled to launch flights from Long Beach (LGB) in March.
• Kahului, Maui (OGG) is currently served from Oakland, Sacramento and San Jose — and is scheduled to launch flights from Long Beach in March .
• Lihue, Kauai (LIH) doesn't have any current service on Southwest — though flights are scheduled to commence from Oakland and San Jose in June.
• Kailua, Kona (KOA) is currently served from both Oakland and San Jose.

Southwest usually offers limited snacks and beverages on its planes, but this has been slimmed down even more due to the pandemic. All flights across the carrier's network that cover more than 250 miles — including those to Hawaii — only serve water and snacks. There's no alcohol service at all. As a result, you'll want to bring your own food and drinks on your Southwest flights to Hawaii.

Read more: 10 things to expect on Southwest flights to Hawaii

United Airlines

At the time of writing, United is offering the following flights from the U.S. to Hawaii:

• Honolulu (HNL) is currently served from Chicago-O'Hare (ORD), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) — with flights from Newark (EWR) and Washington-Dulles (IAD) scheduled to relaunch in March and April , respectively. It also has plans to fly nonstop to HNL from Orange County (SNA) starting in May.
• Kahului, Maui (OGG) is currently served from Chicago-O'Hare, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco — with Newark flights slated to launch in June.
• Lihue, Kauai (LIH) is currently served from Denver and San Francisco — with flights from Los Angeles slated to relaunch in March.
• Kailua, Kona (KOA) is currently served from Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco — with flights from Chicago-O'Hare scheduled to launch in June.
• Hilo (ITO) doesn't currently have any United flights, but service is planned from Los Angeles starting March 4.

Here's what to expect if you're booked on United to Hawaii.

Travelers in United's premium cabins will enjoy complimentary beverages — including beer, wine and liquor — on all flights to and from Hawaii. For food, all first-class passengers will receive a choice of a sandwich and one of the carrier's snack boxes. However, for Hawaii flights departing from or arriving into Chicago, Denver, Houston, Newark and Washington-Dulles, you'll also receive a main meal (on one tray) along with a selection from a pre-arrival snack basket.

If you're booked in United economy, you'll enjoy a selection of complimentary non-alcoholic, sealed beverages — though no alcohol is available to purchase. You'll also receive a pre-packaged snack bag with a wrapped sanitizer wipe, a bottle of water and two snacks.

However, a recent report from Live and Let's Fly indicates that, as of Mar. 4, United will once again begin offering limited, buy-on-board options for economy-class passengers on the following routes:

• Chicago-O'Hare to/from Honolulu
• Chicago-O'Hare to/from Kahului, Maui
• Houston to/from Honolulu
• Newark to/from Honolulu

It's unclear whether this will be similar to the Denver relaunch of buy-on-board snacks, beer and wine from last November, but it's certainly an upgrade to the carrier's in-flight offerings — though may lead to more maskless time for passengers.

We've reached out to United for further clarification and will update this story if we receive any additional details.

Related: United Airlines simplifies COVID-19 screening for passengers headed to Hawaii

Bottom line

No one likes taking a five-plus hour flight with limited food-and-beverage options, but the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has made that a necessity. If you're booked on a flight to or from Hawaii in the near future, be sure to carefully review what your given airline is offering along these lines — and then plan ahead to avoid being hungry (or thirsty) upon arrival.

Hawaii is easing rules on travel, gatherings and more. Here’s what you need to know.

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hawaii is easing more COVID restrictions come July 8 ― a date when the state is expected to be near or at a 60% vaccination rate.

There will be new rules for trans-Pacific travel, gatherings and restaurants.

Here’s what you need to know:

How are travel restrictions changing?

Starting July 8, vaccinated travelers from anywhere in the US won’t need a negative COVID test in order to skip Hawaii’s quarantine.

The “vaccine passport” program was opened to those vaccinated in Hawaii earlier this month.

The change expands the program to all domestic travelers, regardless of where they were vaccinated.

Vaccinated travelers will still need to upload their vaccination records to the Safe Travels website .

Travelers must also bring a hard copy of the vaccine records on their trip to Hawaii. Those traveling prior to July 8 are required to follow current guidelines.

How are rules on social gatherings easing?

Also on July 8, the governor will ease rules on how big social gatherings can be.

Indoors, gatherings will be able to have up to 25 people ― up from 10.

Outdoors, gatherings can have 75 people ― up from 25.

Any changes to restaurant capacity?

The governor previously identified restaurant capacity rules as one of the restrictions tied to the state’s vaccination rate.

On July 8, restaurants will be able to move to 75% capacity.

But they’ll still need to follow social distancing rules, unless the governor also eases those rules.

What if cases start to rise again?

The governor said he remains concerned about potential outbreaks among unvaccinated residents, and urged those who have not yet gotten the shot to do so.

He also said that other restrictions still remain in place.

And those ― including the state’s mask mandate ― aren’t poised to go away until the state reaches a vaccination rate of 70%.

He also said that if cases go up, some restrictions could return.

Copyright 2021 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.

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Hawaii Travel Rules & Updates

Quarantine rules & travel updates for 2022, information on covid-19 (novel coronavirus), 'safe travels' has concluded as of march 26, 2022 for domestic u.s. travelers .

According to Governor Ige, the state of Hawaii will drop the current 'Safe Travels' program for domestic U.S. travelers at midnight on  March 25, 2022 .

That now means  as of March 26th , domestic travelers to Hawaii will no longer need to fill out online forms via Safe Travels, no longer have to worry about QR codes, no longer have to provide proof of vaccination, and ultimately, there won't be any additional requirements or restrictions to fly to Hawaii on a domestic flight.

More information, including all travel advisories, and the steps for international travels can be found on our  Hawaii Travel Updates  page.

All of the following information is now for historical purposes only!

Hawaii has re-opened to Visitors with a pre-travel test or vaccine exemptions for select travelers

Aloha, this page is meant to cover information on Hawaii's travel requirements, quarantine rules, the Novel Coronavirus, and how it has affected tourism within Hawaii. On this page, we'll go over each of the major changes that have taken place in Hawaii due to COVID-19, along with sharing additional links & resources, to help assist visitors. As of July 8, 2021, for those vaccinated within the U.S. , there is now a vaccination exemption available for all Hawaii-bound travelers. For non-vaccinated trans-Pacific travelers and all international travelers (until November 8, 2021) , there remains the option of a state-approved pre-travel test to visit Hawaii and bypass the 5-day (number of required days changed on January 3, 2022) mandatory quarantine requirement.

Travel update for all International Travelers

Updated rules began nov. 8, 2021.

New rules and requirements go into place on  November 8, 2021 ,  for  International Travelers  and for  U.S. citizens flying from International Destinations , when the State of Hawaii begins welcoming international travelers under the new federal requirements.

See our  Travel Restrictions page  and the section for  International Travel  for full details.

Editor's Note...

Hawaii's re-opening has honestly been an evolving process  with numerous changes and ongoing  updates. We will provide additional regular updates to our readers, from  official sources , on this page as additional information becomes available to us. We also encourage our readers to  sign up  for our 'Hawaii Travel Update' emails to receive pertinent information on all of the recent developments regarding travel to Hawaii.

• More information on the current travel rules & restrictions can be found on our updated page for  Hawaii Travel Restrictions →
• A complete list of the trusted travel partners, for pre-travel testing, can be found here:  Hawaii Trusted Travel Partners & Test Costs →
• Details and thorough information on Hawaii's pre-travel testing can be found on our  Hawaii Testing Requirements & Test Procedures →
• Additional details on Hawaii's policy for vaccinated travelers can be found in our updated article:  Hawaii COVID-19 Vaccination Policies →
• Detailed information on Hawaii's use of Health/Vaccine 'passports' can be found in our article:  Hawaii Vaccine & Health Passport Travel →

— article continued below —

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Visiting Hawaii soon? Be sure to grab a copy of one of our updated Hawaii Visitor Guides .

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Latest Travel News

Beginning in October 2020, we created a new page dedicated to the day-by-day updates that are occurring with Hawaii's reopening process: Hawaii COVID-19 Travel News & Headlines →

What's Open, Closed, and Reopening Soon in Hawaii?

Now that visitors can once again enjoy Hawaii's remarkable natural beauty, great open spaces, unique experiences, and signature hospitality, we've created a new article to cover everything you need to know about What is Open, Closed, or Reopening Soon →

On that page, we've compiled a list of all the major Hawaii resorts, hotels, b&b's, inn's, and attractions that have already reopened or plan too soon, and their reopening dates when applicable.

The following is a summary of the content covered on this page. Click any link to drop to that specific section.

• Visiting Hawaii with a pre-travel test
• Visiting Hawaii without a pre-travel test
• What is the current situation in Hawaii?
• Inter-island travel status
• Our advice on visiting Hawaii
• What's closed and what's open
• Sign up to receive COVID-19 email updates

Additionally, future travelers may be interested in reading our updated Hawaii Travel Restrictions & Requirements entry.

Traveling to Hawaii with a Pre-Travel Test Result

Quarantine bypass permitted.

• Travelers who, upon entry into the state, provide written confirmation from a state-approved COVID-19 testing facility of a negative test result from a test administered to the traveler within 72 hours from the final leg of departure, will be able to bypass Hawaii’s mandatory quarantine order.
• More information about state-approved testing and the current approved & trusted testing partners can be found on our new page Hawaii Covid Testing and Procedures →
• To reiterate, the test result must be done prior to arrival and the traveler must present evidence of this test upon arrival.
• As of  July 8, 2021 ,  all travelers  vaccinated in the U.S.  are now able to travel via trans-Pacific routes  without a pre-travel test . As of July 8th, travelers entering the state who have been vaccinated in the U.S. may bypass the quarantine without a pre-travel test. Proof of vaccination will be required. See our Hawaii Health Passport page for more information.
• All Hawaii Travel Restrictions may be dropped once the state of Hawaii reaches a 70% statewide vaccination rate, using local state data, not national data (as seen on the news).
• Travelers will be able to upload their negative test result when they complete their travel and health forms ( the health form requirement ends January 4, 2022 ) on the Safe Travels digital system: travel.hawaii.gov
• All travelers wishing to bypass the 5-day (number of required days changed on January 3, 2022) mandatory quarantine must have their negative COVID-19 test results, from a trusted testing partner , prior to departure  for the state of Hawaii. If test results are not available before boarding the final leg of the trip, the traveler must quarantine for 5 days (number of required days changed on January 3, 2022), or the length of their stay , whichever is shorter.
• Travelers (including children who are 5 years or older ) will be subject to the pre-test requirement.
• No testing will be provided upon arrival at the airport! Travelers (returning residents and visitors) are not able to test upon arrival in Hawaii because this is a  pre-travel testing program.
• The Hawaii State Dept. of Agriculture paper form continues to be distributed to passengers during flights and is still required to be completed prior to arrival.
• For visitors who cannot provide evidence of a negative test result , the 5-day quarantine will remain in effect . If the quarantine is refused, the passenger must make arrangements to leave the island immediately without leaving the airport.
• The pre-test is one part of a multi-layered screening process that includes arrival temperature checks, completion of the State Travel and Health form, and secondary screening for those with symptoms or temperatures of 100.4 degrees or higher.

Traveling to Hawaii without Pre-Travel Test Result

5-day quarantine required.

Effective March 26, 2020,  and until further notice Hawaii Governor David Ige is mandating all visitors arriving in the Hawaiian Islands to self-quarantine for 5 days . This means all passengers traveling to Hawaii (visitors and returning residents) must self-quarantine for 5 days (number of required days changed on January 3, 2022) following arrival.

Beginning July 8, 2021, all travelers vaccinated within the U.S. will be able to travel via trans-Pacific routes without a pre-travel test. Beginning July 8th, travelers entering the state who have been vaccinated in the U.S. may bypass the quarantine without a pre-travel test. The steps to follow for the vaccine exemptions are included here .

• The new online Safe Travels application is now mandatory for all travelers. The application can be found by clicking here .
• For more information, see our updated section about the new  Safe Travels program .
• According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, visitors who are required to self-quarantine for 5 days must designate a hotel or motel as their designated quarantine location.
• The state of Hawaii’s  Department of Transportation Website further explains the entrance and quarantine process.
• No person who is subject to the mandatory self-quarantine is allowed to stay in a short-term or vacation rental . This is according to data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA).
• Additionally, operations that rent vehicles may not rent to any person who is subject to a 5-day traveler quarantine order unless an exemption is granted.
• Violation of the quarantine will be a misdemeanor and subject to a possible fine and/or jail time.
• The quarantine mandate will continue until further notice for all arrivals, and visitors are responsible for quarantine costs.

More information on the current COVID-19 rules & restrictions, including for each county/island, can be found on our Hawaii Travel Restrictions page.

Current Situation in Hawaii

• We've moved the Hawaii Daily COVID-19 numbers to our Hawaii News page where we'll update with the latest figures daily.
• To help mitigate the spread of the virus, residents and visitors are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines regarding hygiene, social distancing, and avoiding gatherings with multiple people.

Visitors should know that Hawaii’s visitor industry continues to maintain the highest standards for sanitation and has taken additional steps to enhance its efforts at hotels, attractions, restaurants, and other public spaces across the Hawaiian Islands to prevent the spread of infectious diseases amongst residents and visitors.

The industry is also taking proactive steps to educate its workforce to continue practicing good hygiene at home and on the job. Visit the official GoHawaii.com website for more details on this event here .

Our Advice on Visiting Hawaii

For any travelers who cannot provide proof of negative test result prior to departure or for travelers that do not have a valid vaccine exemption under the current rules  - provided this would mean that the visitor(s) would need to remain in their rooms for most or all of their vacation, we are strongly recommend travelers to postpone any trips to Hawaii until they can properly be tested or immunized for COVID-19 before departing for Hawaii.

Inter-island Travel in Hawaii

At a news conference on June 4, 2021, Governor David Ige announced that beginning  June 15, 2021 , traveling inter-island within Hawaii will no longer require a pre-travel test and there will be no quarantine requirements for inter-island travel. There will be no restrictions flying between islands within Hawaii.

Facemasks in Hawaii...

All travelers to Hawaii should always wear a mask while visiting Hawaii during the COVID-19 pandemic, not only because it's the right way to show Aloha, but also because in all indoor situations, wearing a mask is required by law. Governor David Ige has now implemented a statewide mask mandate in Hawaii. Unless you are in your room/house/condo, at the beach, or actively eating in a restaurant, you should wear a mask while in Hawaii, especially if you cannot properly socially distance (six feet minimum).

At this time, everyone must officially wear face masks in all indoor public spaces in Hawaii.

• May 2021 Update:  In late May, Governor Ige announced that  masks are no longer required outdoors , and that ocean sports would again be allowed in Hawaii. The Governor also added the amended outdoor mask rules are effective immediately and apply to everyone, regardless of vaccination status.  Masks are still required for all indoor activities  ― across the board. Travelers and residents can read more on this story in the  local news .

Each county may additionally have its own unique rules; we've included the individual county links below:

• Oahu Details
• Kauai Details
• Maui (Molokai & Lanai) Details
• Big Island of Hawaii Details

Additional Hawaii Information

Covid-19 resources & links.

The following resources have been compiled by GoUS Hawaii to better assist travelers in navigating the various restrictions and state-approved test requirements for visiting Hawaii during the COVID pandemic. If you have questions, we are always happy to assist, and you can contact us anytime. You may also want to direct your questions to an official state resource, and we've compiled an updated list of Hawaii Official COVID-19 Contacts for travelers, including phone numbers and email addresses when applicable.

Stay Updated with Local Hawaii Media Sources

• Hawaii News Now -  www.hawaiinewsnow.com
• KHON 2 News -  www.khon2.com
• KITV 4 News -  www.kitv.com
• The Garden Island -  www.thegardenisland.com
• Honolulu Star-Advertiser -  www.staradvertiser.com
• The Maui News -  www.mauinews.com
• Maui Now -  https://mauinow.com/category/coronavirus/

Island of Hawaii

• Hawaii Tribune-Herald -  www.hawaiitribune-herald.com
• West Hawaii Today -  www.westhawaiitoday.com
• Big Island Now -  https://bigislandnow.com/category/coronavirus

Preventative Actions & Keeping Healthy

The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) is encouraging everyone to help prevent the spread of respiratory illness with these everyday actions:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Seniors and individuals with underlying health issues should avoid large crowds.
• Sign up for public notifications at  https://health.hawaii.gov/news/covid-19-updates/ .

Visiting Hawaii

Upcoming months of travel.

We think it is safe to say that any month of the year you will not be disappointed when you visit the Hawaiian islands. Here's an overview of what to expect in the coming months. Not sure when to visit? Read about the  Best Month to Visit , where we present an overview of each month OR take the quiz on our  Best Time to Visit Hawaii  page.

Information Disclaimer: Details and information on this page, including dates, may change on a day-by-day basis. While we will be making every effort to keep these pages relevant and up to date, the decision to travel is ultimately your own responsibility. Please travel safely and keep an eye on our Hawaii Re-opening page for more information regarding COVID-19 and re-opening in Hawaii.

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Hawaii Extends COVID-19 Protocols — What to Know If You're Heading to the Aloha State

The order is in effect until Nov. 30.

Hawaii's Gov. David Ige has extended the state's emergency order, continuing capacity restrictions on restaurants, bars, and gatherings, and continuing to require people to wear masks indoors.

The order , in effect through at least Nov. 30, does not change the state's Safe Travels program, which allows domestic tourists to skip quarantine by showing proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test from a "trusted partner" site.

Ige, who had previously asked visitors to cut back on trips to Hawaii , said the number of new cases has been trending downward, "however COVID continues to cause high rates of infection throughout our state."

"I am aware that my request to visitors to delay travel to the islands had some impact in the number of visitors that we saw. I did believe that it was very important that we slow down the number of visitors that were coming to the islands at that point in time," Ige said during a news conference . "I do think it was helpful in order to help us get through this delta surge. And certainly with the trend in the right direction with the number of infections falling… we will be considering getting to a point where we will be inviting visitors back to the islands."

The state first re-imposed capacity restrictions in August, reducing indoor activities to 50%, including in restaurants and bars.

In Hawaii, 76.6% of people have gotten at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 68.2% are fully vaccinated, according to Hawaii's COVID-19 website . The state is seeing a 3.5% test positivity rate on a weekly basis, which is much lower than the end of the summer.

Initially, Ige intended to lift all travel restrictions and officially end its Safe Travels program when the state hit a 70% vaccination rate, but Ige said that has changed.

"We felt that we would be able to reach a 70% vaccination rate and we would be able to lift the emergency proclamation and really get back to life as normal," Ige said. "As we all have seen, delta has changed that equation."

Going forward, he said he would consider things like hospital capacity, but there wasn't one "simple metric."

"We want to ensure that travelers are vaccinated, that they are respectful of our requirements here," he said. "And certainly we would be looking at messaging the notion that Hawaii continues to and would welcome visitors at the appropriate time."

When people do go to Hawaii traveling responsibly is key, including planning culturally enriching experiences and heeding posted signs and local alerts and laws.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

Hawaii tightens COVID restrictions for restaurants, bars but does not change visitor entry requirements

Hawaii is tightening COVID-19 restrictions amid an alarming spike in cases, but the state is not changing tourist entry requirements, at least yet.

Gov. David Ige said late Tuesday that restaurant and bar capacity will be reduced to 50% effective immediately. Capacity was raised to 75% in early July as vaccination rates climbed, welcome news to restaurant operators and visitors who have been scrambling to find reservations . But the dangerous delta variant dictates a cut in capacity, Ige said.

Hawaii is seeing a seven-day average of more than 500 cases a day and a test positivity rate of 7.25%, Ige said. Those figures a month ago: 60 cases a day and a test positivity rate of 2.25%.

"We need to take action, and we need to take action now,” he said.

He called restaurants and bars high-risk activities and said social distancing will be required. "There will be no mingling, and masks must be worn at all times except when actively eating or drinking,'' he said.

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►Puerto Rico restrictions : COVID-19 vaccine required for stays in hotels, Airbnbs  

Ige said Hawaii is evaluating its Safe Travels program , which includes the most strict travel restrictions in the United States. Visitors must present a negative coronavirus test or be vaccinated to bypass the state's mandatory 10-day quarantine.

Visitors with upcoming trips have peppering travel agents and Hawaii travel message groups with questions about possible changes, including a return to pre-departure travel testing requirements for all visitors regardless of vaccination status. That was the case before July 8, when a vaccine exemption took effect .

"At this point and time we won’t be … making any specific changes to the Safe Travels program,'' Ige said.

The governor noted that the number of COVID-19 cases among visitors is "relatively low,'' at 1 or 2%. The bulk of travel-related cases are from residents returning to the island with infections.

►COVID-19 tests and lots of paperwork:   Here's how to navigate Hawaii's strict entry requirements

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Hawaii Travel Restrictions Are Lifting: What to Know Before You Plan a Trip

By Rachel Chang

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Hawaiian vacations are about to become even more relaxing. Last week, Governor David Ige announced that the state will end both its travel quarantine requirements and the Safe Travels program, meaning there will be no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for domestic arrivals starting on March 26. (Travelers arriving from foreign countries will still need to continue following the U.S. government's testing requirements .)

Currently, Hawaii requires a mandatory five-day self-quarantine with exceptions for those who are fully vaccinated ( boosters are not required ) or who show proof of a negative COVID-19 test from an approved partner within 72 hours of departure of the final leg of their flight. For either option, travelers must upload documentation to the Safe Travels site before departure, in addition to having a hard copy in hand upon arrival (digital vaccination cards through AZOVA , CLEAR and CommonPass are approved for this). 

The Safe Travels program—which launched back in October 2020 —remains in effect for those arriving through March 25. After that, it will be as easy to arrive in Hawaii as it is to cross any other U.S. state border without any pandemic-age checks. 

“We started the Safe Travels program to protect the health, lives, and livelihoods of the people of Hawaii,” Ige said in a statement. But with the virus ebbing across the state, those protections are no longer necessary. “Right now, we are seeing lower case counts, and hospitalizations are coming down,” Ige said.

Travelers have long been drawn to the islands' approach to the pandemic. “People feel comfortable going to Hawaii because of the increased precautions they've taken,” travel specialist Hannah Cote of Legacy Travel, Inc. says. “Given how strict they have been and how seriously they have taken COVID, I think people trust that they've done all they could to protect the people coming to the islands.”

Another protective measure that will end on March 25 is indoor masking requirements: On Tuesday Hawaii became the last U.S. state to announce plans to drop its mask mandate . “We are aware that we could make a spot decision and try and decide in a situation-by-situation basis,” Ige told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Friday. “But we believe that it would be better to have the mandate or drop the mandate.”

Even during its strictest measures, travelers saw Hawaii as a pandemic-era paradise,  perhaps because of its outdoor offerings. Travelers came in such droves last summer that Ige issued a plea in August 2021 for them to not visit as the state's hospitals and ICUs were filling up. While things are under control now, the loosening of restrictions will draw even more visitors to the islands. That means travelers should plan ahead.

“Hawaii is busier than ever,” Cote says. She suggests working with a Hawaii travel expert to help navigate the demand. “Dining reservations are a must, with some of the most popular and desired dining spots filling up six months in advance.” It's also a good idea, according to Cote, to plan well ahead (now for fall and winter travel) in order to secure spots on tours and score better rates on hotels. 

In anticipation of the increased interest, airlines are also adding more flights to Hawaii. Most recently Delta announced last month three new Hawaii routes to launch at the end of the year, with Atlanta to Maui and Detroit to Honolulu, both starting on November 19, and New York's John F. Kennedy to Honolulu beginning December 17.

But even with added airline capacity and plenty of hotels to choose from, tourists should still expect crowds. “Pack your patience and plan on everything being busy,” Cote says. "Hawaii's popularity is only going to grow.”

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