Do You Need a Passport to Go to Hawaii in 2025? Here’s What You Must Know

As travel plans heat up for 2025, many Americans are setting their sights on Hawaii. Known for its breathtaking beaches, vibrant culture, and island hospitality, Hawaii remains a top domestic destination. But a common question keeps popping up: Do you need a passport to go to Hawaii?

The confusion is understandable. Hawaii is an island chain far from the mainland U.S., and getting there can feel like international travel. In this guide, we’ll clear up any uncertainty about what identification you need, especially with the upcoming REAL ID enforcement deadline in 2025.

Do You Need a Passport to Go to Hawaii?

The short and simple answer for U.S. citizens is no, you do not need a passport to go to Hawaii. Hawaii is one of the 50 U.S. states, and traveling there from any other state is considered domestic travel.

This means if you’re flying from California, New York, Texas, or anywhere else in the United States, you do not need to carry a passport. Instead, you’ll need a valid, government-issued photo ID—preferably a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license.

🛫 Do you need a passport to go to Hawaii?

What About Non-U.S. Citizens?

If you are not a U.S. citizen, the rules are different. Foreign travelers flying to Hawaii from outside the U.S. (such as from Japan, Australia, or Canada) will absolutely need a passport and possibly a visa or an ESTA if eligible.

Even if you’re visiting Hawaii as part of a multi-stop U.S. trip, you must enter the country with proper international documentation. Once in the U.S., your travel to Hawaii becomes domestic, but your passport is still required for ID purposes and reentry.

Do You Need a Passport to Fly to Hawaii?

For domestic flights from the mainland U.S. to Hawaii, you don’t need a passport—but you do need valid ID.

Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA will require a REAL ID or another federally accepted form of identification to board domestic flights. This includes all travel to Hawaii.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license (marked with a star)
U.S. passport or passport card
Military ID
DHS trusted traveler cards (e.g., Global Entry)

🛩️ Do you need a passport to fly to Hawaii?

If you don’t have a REAL ID by the 2025 deadline, using your passport as ID is perfectly fine for domestic air travel, including to Hawaii.

Do I Need a Passport to Fly to Hawaii?

If you’re asking, “Do I need a passport to fly to Hawaii if I’m a U.S. citizen?”—you don’t. But, make sure you carry one of the TSA-approved forms of ID mentioned above.

For non-citizens, a valid passport and visa status remain critical, even if you’re traveling within U.S. borders.

💡 Do I need a passport to fly to Hawaii?

Passport to Fly to Hawaii: Is It Ever Required?

There are a few rare cases where a passport might be needed:

International stopovers: If your flight to Hawaii routes through a foreign country (though uncommon), you may need a passport.
Cruises: If you’re cruising to Hawaii and the ship visits international ports like Canada or Mexico, a passport is required—even if the cruise begins and ends in the U.S.
Using passport as ID: If you don’t have a REAL ID, your passport serves as a valid backup.

🚢 Passport to fly to Hawaii

REAL ID Act: Final Deadline Is May 7, 2025

The REAL ID Act, originally passed in 2005, will finally be enforced nationwide starting May 7, 2025. After this date, passengers must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license (or other accepted ID) to board any domestic flight.

Here’s how to know if your license is REAL ID-compliant:

Look for a star symbol (gold or black) in the top-right corner.
If your license does not have a star, it may not be accepted after May 2025.
You can apply for one at your local DMV with the proper documents.

Until then, a regular driver’s license is still valid for boarding domestic flights. But we highly recommend upgrading to avoid future issues.

Children and ID Requirements

Minors under the age of 18 are not required to show ID when flying domestically with an adult companion. However, it’s smart to carry some form of identification, such as:

A birth certificate
A student ID
A passport (optional but useful)

For unaccompanied minors, most airlines require a parent/guardian to provide documentation and escort the child through check-in.

Cruise Travel to Hawaii: Different Rules Apply

Planning to reach Hawaii by sea? Then your passport requirements will depend on your cruise itinerary:

Closed-loop cruises (departing and returning to the same U.S. port) do not require a passport for U.S. citizens.
Cruises that visit foreign ports, like Canada or Mexico, will require a valid passport.

If your cruise is international, even partially, it’s best to carry your passport to avoid denial of boarding.

Do Green Card Holders Need a Passport?

Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) do not need a passport to travel domestically within the U.S., including Hawaii. Your Green Card is proof of lawful status and acceptable for domestic air travel along with REAL ID requirements.

Still, some airlines may request additional ID or documentation—especially if you’re flying internationally before or after visiting Hawaii.

Conclusion

So, do you need a passport to go to Hawaii in 2025? In most cases, no—if you’re a U.S. citizen, a passport isn’t required. But with the enforcement of the REAL ID Act right around the corner, you’ll want to make sure your driver’s license or state ID is compliant.

For non-citizens, cruise travelers, or anyone unsure of their itinerary, carrying a valid passport is always a safe bet.

Whether you’re jetting off to Honolulu or exploring the Big Island, knowing the travel document rules can help you enjoy your trip with no last-minute surprises. Mahalo, and safe travels!