Domestic Travelers
If you're an American, or carry a Permanent Resident Card, you only need to follow Transportation Security Administration (TSA) identification requirements to board a plane bound for Hawaii. The TSA website lists more than a dozen acceptable forms of ID (see Resources). These include any valid government-issued photo ID that includes your name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature.
International Travelers: Visas
Because Hawaii is one of the United States of America, international travelers must carry the same travel documents required to visit the mainland. In all cases a valid passport is required. In many cases, a travel visa issued by the U.S. Department of State also is required. Before you travel, contact the U.S. Embassy in your country. These are listed on the U.S. Department of State website (see Resources).
International Travelers: Visa Waiver Program
As of January 2010, nearly three dozen countries are included in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program allows people from participating countries to enter the United States for up to 90 days without first getting a visa. But as of January 20, 2010 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security began enforcing the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) requirements for VWP travelers. ESTA is an online program that determines the eligibility of travelers from VWP countries to visit the U.S. If you're traveling from a VWP country and have not registered with ESTA, you will not be allowed to enter the United States, including Hawaii.
Domestic Travelers with Children
U.S. citizens under age 18 do not need any identification to travel to Hawaii.
International Travelers with Children
Children of international travelers headed to Hawaii must carry a passport and, if necessary, a visa. Children must follow the same rules as adult when it comes to the Visa Waiver Program and registering travel with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization.
