Boat on water in Hawaii
Boat on water in Hawaii

Do You Need To Pack Your Passport On A Hawaiian Vacation?

By Nicole Cord-Cruz

VACATIONS

Lei near passport on table
Unlike other tropical locales, you don't need a passport to visit the beautiful islands of Hawaii — that is, if you're a U.S. citizen or a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR).
Land in Hawaii
Since Hawaii is an official U.S. state, you don't need a passport to land there. The same goes for territories like Guam, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands.
Aloha on a beach
However, this only applies if you're heading to Hawaii straight from the contiguous United States or another U.S. territory. If you are, all you need is a valid ID.
Man taking ID from woman
Note that starting May 7, 2025, all U.S. citizens and LPRs will need to show federal-compliant REAL ID driver's licenses or state ID cards to board domestic flights.
People getting off cruise ship in Hawaii
You won't need your passport if you're going to Hawaii on a closed-loop cruise, but if your cruise leaves the U.S. or departs and arrives at different ports, you'll need it.