Do You Need a Passport to Go to Hawaii? (2025 Guide)

If you're a U.S. citizen flying from anywhere in the United States, Hawaii is a domestic trip—no passport required. Adults 18+ need an acceptable photo ID for TSA screening (driver's license, passport, passport card, etc.). Kids under 18 flying with an adult generally don't need ID for domestic flights.

Do You Need a Passport to Go to Hawaii if You're a U.S. Citizen?

If you're traveling by air from the U.S.: You do NOT need a passport, bring a TSA-accepted ID if you're 18+.

• Real ID: TSA says that beginning May 2025, adults must present a REAL ID-compliant license/ID or another acceptable ID (e.g., U.S. passport, passport card, DHS trusted traveler card) to cear airport security. If your license isn't REAL-ID marked, carry an alternate acceptable ID.
• Children under 18: TSA does not require ID for minors on domestic flights; airlines may have their own policies for unaccompanied minors, check ahead.

Can You Visit Hawaii With Just a Driver's License? Or Do You Need a Passport? (REAL ID)

• Since May 7th, 2025, adults ages with 18 and above must show ID which is in compliance with REAL-ID regulations. Check your ID card for the REAL ID star before the flight, or just use another acceptable ID.
• IF your license isn't REAL ID-compliant, a passport (book or card) will be an acceptable alternative for domestic flights.
  
  

"A New York State REAL ID license has a star on it. A New York State enhanced license has a flag. Both are REAL ID compliant." (Local Press Release TSA, 2025)
Source: Transportation Security Administration Official Website

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

• Arriving from outside the U.S.: You must meet U.S. entry rules, which means carrying a valid passport, and if eligible, ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or the appropriate U.S. visa. Your first U.S. port of entry, often Honolulu, is where you clear immigration.
• Already in the U.S. on a valid status: Domestic flights to Hawaii are permitted with a valid, government-issued photo ID (e.g., your foreign passport). Always carry proof of your lawful status.

Accepted IDs for Flights to Hawaii

Do You Need a Passport for a Hawaii Cruise?

It depends on the itinerary:

• Inter-island cruise only (Hawaii to Hawaii, no foreign ports): Typically no passport; a government-issued photo ID usually suffices. Always confirm with yout cruise line. Norwegian Cruise Line.
• Cruises that visit foreign ports (e.g., Mexico, Canada) or start/end at different U.S. ports: Document rules fall under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. U.S. citizens on closed-loop sailings (depart/return same U.S. port) can often used a government ID + birth certificate, but a passport is strongly recommended in case you must fly home mid-trip.

friendly reminder: double check your passport expiry date before traveling

Do You Need a Passport to Go to Hawaii: Quick Checklist

• 18+? Bring a TSA-accepted ID; by May 2025 your license must be REAL ID-compliant or bring an alternate acceptable ID (passport, passport card, Global Entry card, etc.).
• Under 18？ No ID needed when traveling with an adult on domestic flights (airline rules for unaccompanied minors vary).
• Name change? Ensure your ticket name matches your ID.
• International connection? If your itinerary originates outside the U.S., you'll clear U.S. immigration and need passport + ESTA/visa

Do You Need a Passport to Go to Hawaii if Your Trip Touches Another Country?

• For direct flights between U.S. and Hawaii: No passport is needed for U.S. citizens and also lawful permanent residents.
• If your flight is connecting through a foreign country, you will be needing a passport which meets the transit and entry rules of that country.