Do You Need a Passport to Go to Hawaii? [2026 Guide]
ID requirements, REAL ID rules, and travel tips for US citizens flying to Hawaii
Where
No, you do not need a passport to go to Hawaii if you are a US citizen flying from the mainland or another US state or territory. Hawaii is the 50th US state, and flights are treated as domestic routes under TSA rules.
From May 7, 2025 onward, adults 18 and older must show a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another TSA-approved photo ID to clear security. A US passport book or card is accepted but not required for domestic flights to Hawaii.
There are no customs checkpoints, no immigration, and no visa requirements when traveling between US states and Hawaii. You will use US dollars, your regular American cell phone plan, and standard domestic airport procedures.
Document Requirements at a Glance
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US Passport Book | No | Not required for US citizens on domestic flights |
| US Passport Card | No | Optional; accepted as TSA ID |
| REAL ID | Yes (from May 2025) | Required for most adults on domestic flights after enforcement |
| Driver's License | Yes (pre-REAL ID) | Must be REAL ID-compliant after enforcement date |
| Birth Certificate | No | Only for minors without photo ID (airline policy varies) |
| Visa | No | Hawaii is a US state |
| Travel Authorization | No | No ESTA or eTA needed for US citizens |
What ID Do You Need to Fly to Hawaii?
Flying to Hawaii follows the same TSA rules as any other domestic US flight. Starting May 7, 2025, adults 18 and older must present one of these accepted IDs at airport security:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID
- US passport book or passport card (accepted but not required)
- Military ID (DoD CAC or Uniformed Services ID)
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
Even though the flight can take 5 to 11 hours depending on your departure city, the trip is classified as domestic. You will not fill out customs forms or go through immigration at any point.
If your driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant after the enforcement date, you can still fly using a valid US passport or another TSA-accepted ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
No. For US citizens flying from the mainland or another US state or territory, Hawaii is a domestic destination. You do not need a passport, but you must show a REAL ID-compliant license or another TSA-approved ID starting May 7, 2025.
No. Hawaii is the 50th US state, so flights between Hawaii and other US states are domestic. There are no customs or immigration checks for US citizens on these routes, though you may pass through agricultural inspection.
In 2026, adults 18+ need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID, a US passport book or card, a military ID, a Green Card, or another TSA-approved ID to clear security for flights to Hawaii.
Yes, as long as you use another TSA-accepted ID such as a valid US passport book or card, a military ID, or a DHS trusted traveler card like Global Entry. Without any acceptable ID, you may be denied boarding.
TSA does not require ID for travelers under 18 on domestic flights when they travel with an adult. However, airlines may ask for proof of age, such as a birth certificate or school ID, especially for lap infants and discounted child fares.
US citizens do not need a visa to visit Hawaii. International visitors follow standard US entry rules and may need a visa or ESTA depending on their nationality and itinerary.
There are no federal customs or immigration checks for flights between US states and Hawaii. Instead, you may encounter agricultural inspections that screen for restricted plants, fruits, and animals.
The best balance of price, weather, and crowds is usually April–June and September–November. Peak season, with higher prices and more visitors, runs from December through March.
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