7 Things to Know Nigh What Y'all Can Bring Into and Take Out of Hawaii

A few Hawaii Department of Agriculture guidelines the traveler should be aware of.
Vacation Coconut Postcard Message On Tropical Beach
Photograph: Getty Images

The Hawaiian Islands are 1 of the most geographically remote places on Earth. Separated from the U.S. Mainland by nearly ii,400 miles of open up bounding main, and by 3,850 miles from its nearest Asiatic landfall in Japan, the Islands are domicile to unique plants and animals too as several hundred years worth of geographically isolated, introduced species.

In an attempt to maintain ecological residuum and restrict the introduction of potentially harmful or disease-carrying new species, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture carefully monitors what comes into the state.

For the traveler, that ways that even though you may be coming to Hawaii from another part of the U.South., you'll be subject to agricultural inspections not dissimilar to foreign border patrol. And, when you leave Hawaii, yous're field of study to yet another gear up of rules set forth by the U.South. Section of Agronomics (USDA).

(For travelers that are visiting from outside of the U.S., y'all're withal subject to the Hawaii state rules too every bit those of the U.S. Community and Edge Protections Agency.)

We called Hawaii Dept. of Ag. Plant Import Specialist Lance Sakaino and scoured the websites of the Hawaii State Department of Agriculture, the USDA and the CBP to compile these vii useful tips for the average traveler heading to and from Hawaii:

1. You lot can take pineapples out, but you lot can't bring them in.

And, why would y'all want to, really? If y'all are coming from the U.S. Mainland to Hawaii, y'all'll be subject to the state'south agricultural rules and inspections. Contrary to popular belief, most other cut plants (not in soil and that are insect and disease costless) tin can be brought into the state.

Notable exceptions exist for plants that accept thriving populations hither (things such as pineapple plants and bromeliad plants and fruits, passion fruit plants and seeds, taro and darsheen, coconuts, coffee plants and plant parts including seeds and palm plants), and other agricultural plants that tin be grown from their ordinarily transported form (things like cruciferous root vegetables (call up radishes and rutabaga), corn on the cob and some grains). Orchid plants require an import permit and certificate of origin. And, more often than not speaking, if the Howdy DOA can't readily identify it—it's not coming in.

Pineapple At Market Tropical Fruit At South America

Photo: Getty Images

two. That apple you packed in your handbag for the plane simply didn't finish is OK to bring into Hawaii.

Your orange, even so, might not exist.  Citrus and pulpy fruits from Florida and Puerto Rico, due to the presence of the Caribbean fruit fly, are a no-no. If yous tin can prove that your orange is actually from California, or that it was subject to fumigation, and so it's welcome in the state of Hawaii. (If you're non sure what proof is needed—a grocery store sticker may non laissez passer muster—call or e-mail the Hawaii Dept. of Ag at 808-973-9560, hdoa.info@hawaii.gov).

iii. If yous're only coming for vacation, Fido and Fluffy should probably stay at dwelling house.

A whole post could be written on the ins and outs of importing pets to Hawaii. Suffice it to say that the process is not an easy one. Because rabies is non present in Hawaii, all dogs and cats—whether hither for a visit or to stay—are subject to strict rules that you would be wise non to break (importing an illegal animal carries a penalty of up to three years in prison and fines up to $500,000). If you lot still insist on traveling with your furry friend, you may exist required to enter the state through Honolulu's airport only and you'll even want to schedule your flying to make it by a certain time, otherwise your pet could be held by inspection agents. Exist sure to read about the paperwork, waiting periods and quarantines you'll demand to prepare for the trip on the State of Hawaii's Animal Industry Sectionalization quarantine page.

Guide dogs and service animals are, of form, allowed into Hawaii, but must have passed rabies tests in advance and have a "standard health certificate issued not more 30 days prior to arrival in Hawaii," amongst other things. Be sure to read all the rules and guidelines for traveling with your guide or service animal to Hawaii.

4. Your beef hasty from Trader Joes tin can come, only maybe non your jar of French foie gras.

According to the Land of Hawaii's Found Industry Division, most foods that are cooked, canned, frozen, commercially processed and/or packaged (including meat!) are welcome to Hawaii and do not demand to be declared or inspected… if y'all purchased them in the United states of americaA. If you're coming from another country, that'due south a dissimilar story. Whether you're flying directly from a foreign country, or transiting through another U.South. destination before arriving in Hawaii, products you bring with yous are subject area to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol regulations. Read their guidelines on traveling with nutrient for personal utilize.

5. Those flower lei from your friend'southward Hawaii wedding? You can take them home… usually.

Pink Petals In Lei

Photograph: Getty Images

Exist certain to inquire the lei maker in that location are whatsoever citrus found parts incorporated in the lei. Citrus flowers, leaves or other parts of any citrus plant are not allowed. Other restricted lei plants? Gardenia, jade vine or Mauna Loa. Read the U.S. Department of Agriculture'due south fact canvas on transporting lei for more information.

six. Around the Christmas holiday, you can bring parts of—or even whole—pino trees to Hawaii to help you celebrate.

Though, y'all'd probably be amend off buying from a local, certified Christmas tree retailer than paying the shipping fees on a single, whole tree. You're only allowed to bring in pino plants and parts in that magic, Christmasy window of Oct. twenty to December. 31. You'll demand a certificate of origin (from the department of agriculture equivalent from the state where the tree was grown), and, in some cases, a certificate of handling is needed likewise. For specific questions, phone call or email the Hawaii Dept. of Ag at (808) 973-9560, hdoa.info@hawaii.gov.

seven. If you plan to Isle hop, there are rules governing what you can accept between the Hawaiian Islands, as well.

For example, you tin can't take banana plants or parts (the fruit is OK) from Oahu or N and Due south Kona to other parts of the state due to a virus. And taro plants can't be taken off Hawaii Island.