Traveling from Hawai‘i to the U.S. Mainland

The federal U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates plant material transported from Hawai‘i to the U.S. mainland (not the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture). Click on the links below for USDA regulations.

USDA inspection stations are located in front of the airline check-in counters. USDA inspection stations usually open at the same time as the airline check-in counters (generally two hours prior to a flight). You must go through the inspection station that is located in front of your airline check-in counter.

USDA inspection video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQRW_I0phs8&t=196s

USDA Inspection Offices:

  • Honolulu, O‘ahu:              (808) 834-3240
  • Kahului, Maui                (808) 877–5261
  • Lihue, Kaua‘i:                 (808) 632-2505
  • Hilo, Island of Hawai‘i:     (808) 933–9040
  • Kona, Island of Hawai‘i:   (808) 326–1252

 USDA Customer Service Call Center:

Need help? Can’t find what you’re looking for?
Contact the APHIS Customer Service Call Center
1-844-820-2234
Monday-Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET

 

FOOD PRODUCTS

Commercially packaged foods are allowed to be transported from Hawai‘i to the U.S. mainland.

For information on transporting fruits and vegetables, contact USDA Inspection Offices listed above or link to the USDA Fact Sheet above.

TRANSPORTING ANIMALS

For information on transporting animals from Hawai‘i to the U.S. Mainland, link to the USDA website for each state’s requirements:  https://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/animal_import/animal_imports_states.shtml
Transporting wildlife (including wild bird species and chameleons) to the U.S. Mainland requires a permit from the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources. Link to DLNR Forestry & Wildlife:  https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/ Phone:  (808) 587-0166.

There are no State of Hawai‘i regulations or requirements in transporting dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, pet birds, rats & mice and chinchillas out of the state. However, pet owners should check with their airline and the state or country they are transporting the animal to for transport requirements.

TRANSPORTATION SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (TSA)

  • O‘ahu – (808) 838-2406

TSA Customer Service Website: https://www.tsa.gov/contact/customer-service