Hawaii’s tropical beaches and Aloha spirit may seem a far cry from the continental United States, but Hawaii is indeed a U.S. state, in the same way as every other. It just happens to be located a bit further away.
Information correct as of July 22, 2019, obtained from www.travel.state.gov. Please always check the latest guidance at U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs before booking a trip.
*Price valid as of 01/04/2019. Double check current prices on Skyscanner.com, they may be even cheaper!
The tropical islands of Hawaii are about a six-hour flight from most destinations on the west coast of the continental United States. Chicago and New York both offer nonstop flights that will take 9.5 hours and about 11 hours, respectively.
So… Do I Need a Passport to go to Hawaii?
If you are a U.S. citizen, the answer is absolutely not. As long as you have an acceptable form of government ID, you will not require a passport to travel to Hawaii.
| Citizenship | Passport Needed | Other Documents |
|---|---|---|
| American | No | a photocopy of your ID/Passport is recommended, but not required |
| Non-American | Yes | Same requirements as visiting any of the United States, including visas/ESTA |
Non-U.S. citizens do require a passport, and all the same documentation and visas needed to enter the United States of America at any other port.
Which Documents do you need to go to Hawaii as a U.S. Citizen?
To Fly to Hawaii:
- a valid driver’s license or photo identification card accepted by the TSA; you can also use your passport as identification.
Please note,
“Starting October 1, 2020, every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID compliant license/ID, or another acceptable form of identification, for accessing Federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding commercial aircraft.”
Department of Homeland Security
Traveling to Hawaii as a Non-American?
You are required to have a valid passport with 6+ months before the expiration. You must also have a valid visa/ESTA.
Ensure you leave a copy of each of these documents at home and also travel with a softcopy just in case you lose your original documents.
How To Get a Passport?
- In-person at a local office
- Online expedited services via Passport Center
- 2 regulation photos of yourself
It is recommended to apply for a passport before you ever need one, as the process can take some time. Who knows? Once you’re in Hawaii, you’re only 9 hours from New Zealand!
If you know you want to fly internationally and you don’t have much time to get a passport, look into having it expedited. For an added cost you can have a passport in as little as two weeks.
What to Expect When You Visit Hawaii
Out of all 50 states, Hawaii is the perhaps the best place to go for new cultural experiences, from traditional hula dancing and handmade canoes to Hawaiian herbalist massages.
The images that come to mind when you envision paradise are likely a close match to the real-life landscapes of the Hawaiian Islands.
White sandy beaches, palm trees, warm sunny weather year-round, tropical drinks on hammocks, you-name-it.
But Hawaii also has world-renowned surfing and challenging hikes to some of the most stunning viewpoints in the world. Incredible seafood can be found across the islands, along with delicious local coffee and beer. In the warm Pacific waters, the scuba diving, snorkeling, and whale-watching will blow your mind.
Hawaii uses standard U.S. currency (and maybe sometimes leis).
