Information for Travelers From Hawaii to the U.S. Mainland, Alaska, or Guam (2024)

FAQs

What do you have to declare when leaving Hawaii? ›

If you have any fresh fruits or vegetables, plants, flowers, souvenirs made from plants or wood, or other agricultural products with you, please tell the inspector. Failure to declare these items can result in delays and possible issuance of civil penalties ranging from $100 to $1,000 per violation.

Citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. can usually cross the border without difficulty. They do not require passports or visas; however, native born U.S. citizens should carry some l.D. such as a birth certificate or a passport with a photo.

APHIS prohibits or restricts the movement of many agricultural products from Hawaii into the U.S. mainland, Alaska, and Guam. These include most fresh fruits and vegetables and certain plants, such as flowers. That's because these items could harbor a dangerous stowaway—an invasive pest or disease.

If you live in the continental United States, you will need to check if your floral Lei are made of products allowed to leave Hawaii and just as important, allowed in your Home state. Agricultural inspectors will check your Lei to make sure it isn't made from any prohibited materials.

Domestic travel

Documents for travel to/from Hawaii and within the Hawaiian Islands are the same for any other U.S. state. If you are flying to Hawai'i within the United States, you only need a valid government photo ID.

Checked Bags: Yes

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags within the continental United States.

Yes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates food and agricultural items brought from Hawaii into the continental United States to prevent accidental spread of invasive pests and diseases.

Collecting shells, coral and other souvenirs is prohibited in all MLCDs. Because of its importance in building habitat, the taking of live coral is prohibited in all state waters. Picking things up in order to examine them is discouraged, but if you feel you must then put them back as they were.

Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible. Passengers flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland cannot take most fresh fruits and vegetables due to the risk of spreading invasive plant pests.

Lei greetings are not free, and they don't happen automatically when you disembark from your flight – you need to plan ahead. A lay in Hawaii can be arranged right at the airport when you arrive, and there are a number of companies that will perform a Hawaiian lei greeting with “Aloha!”.

Can you refuse a lei in Hawaii? ›

In Hawaiian tradition, while not necessarily considered "bad luck," it can be considered disrespectful or impolite to refuse a lei.

There is a special way to dispose of used flower leis respectfully. Flower leis should be returned to the earth. You can bury or burn them or scatter the flowers in a natural setting such as the sea or your garden. Never put leis in the trash as it is considered disrespectful.

Any person who defaces this declaration form, gives false information, or fails to declare, prohibited or restricted articles in their possession, including baggage, or fails to declare these items on cargo manifests is in violation of Chapter 150A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and may be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable ...

Collecting shells, coral and other souvenirs is prohibited in all MLCDs. Because of its importance in building habitat, the taking of live coral is prohibited in all state waters. Picking things up in order to examine them is discouraged, but if you feel you must then put them back as they were.

For the most part, we will accept one pre-packaged box of pineapples or treated papayas, per paid passenger, free of charge (subject to space availability) on flights departing from Hawaii to the North America. The box must not exceed 10 lbs in weight and must be pre-agriculture inspected.

It's not only illegal to take lava rocks from Hawaii, but it's also considered bad luck. Known as Pele's Curse, taking lava rocks from the islands is said to bring bad luck and misfortune upon the thief. So if you're planning on visiting the islands anytime soon, leave the rocks behind and enjoy your vacation!