Do You Need To Pack Your Passport On A Hawaiian Vacation?
By Nicole Cord-Cruz
VACATIONS
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.