- Travel insurance is not required for Hawaii, but it is highly recommended in case any last minute situations or medical emergencies occur.
- Travel insurance can cover trip cancellations, delays, interruptions, baggage loss, and medical emergencies in Hawaii.
- Travel medical insurance is recommended for travelers from outside of the US, as medical expenses can be costly.
- If you are a citizen of one of the 40+ countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you do not need a traditional visa for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days.
- If you are a U.S. citizen arriving in Hawaii from a foreign country, you will need a valid U.S. passport to clear Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Is Travel Insurance Required for Hawaii?
No, travel insurance is not a requirement for Hawaii. However, it is recommended, especially with Hawaii being a collection of islands. Travel insurance can offer coverage for trip-related costs, as well as medical emergencies you may run into during your trip. Standard U.S. health insurance is accepted in Hawaii. However, emergency airlifts off remote islands or back to the mainland can cost tens of thousands of dollars, making travel insurance crucial.
What Can Travel Insurance Cover for Hawaii?
Whether you want to relax on the beaches of Oahu or explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on The Big Island, travel insurance can be a key part of your Hawaii adventure.
There are two types of travel insurance: travel medical insurance and comprehensive travel insurance.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for Hawaii can provide coverage for your trip costs, including flights, activities, and accommodations, as well as medical protection. Travel insurance is recommended for U.S. citizens taking a trip to Hawaii, and can cover:
Trip Delay: If your trip to Hawaii is delayed for some reason, travel insurance can reimburse your pre-paid activities or accommodations for your trip.
Trip Interruption: If you must end your Hawaii trip early due to an emergency, travel insurance offers a trip interruption benefit that can reimburse your unused expenses, and a flight home if needed.
Trip Cancellation: If you must cancel your Hawaii trip for a covered reason, travel insurance can reimburse your prepaid, non-refundable costs.
Emergency Medical Evacuation: If you require emergency medical evacuation while in Hawaii, travel insurance can cover the cost of transportation to the nearest medical facility or back home if necessary.
Accident and Sickness: If you are injured or sick while in Hawaii, travel insurance offers an accident and sickness benefit that can cover your medical costs.
Lost Baggage: While Hawaii is typically quite safe, there is a chance that your bags may be lost or stolen in crowded, tourist areas. If this occurs, travel insurance can cover the cost of your items.
Best Travel Insurance for U.S. Travelers to Hawaii
Best Travel Insurance with High Medical Coverage Limits Hawaii: iTravelInsured Travel LX
Best Affordable Travel Insurance for Hawaii with CFAR and IFAR Add-Ons: iTravelInsured Choice
Best Overall Travel Insurance Plan for Hawaii: Pathway Premium
Travel Medical Insurance
Travel medical insurance has a primary purpose of covering medical situations or emergencies. For travelers from outside the US, travel medical insurance plans are strongly recommended, and should provide at least $100,000 in medical coverage and a minimum of $250,000 for medical evacuation. Travel medical insurance may cover:
Emergency Medical Evacuation/Repatriation: Travel medical insurance can cover emergency medical evacuation and repatriation if needed while you are in Hawaii. Emergency medical evacuation can cover your transportation costs to a proper medical facility or back home.
Prescribed Medication: If you are prescribed medications while in Hawaii, travel medical insurance can cover these expenses.
Repatriation of Remains: Travel medical insurance can include repatriation coverage, which pays to transport you back to your home country for ongoing medical care or to return your remains if you pass away.
Hospitalization: If you must be hospitalized in Hawaii, travel medical insurance can cover emergency room visits, doctor consultations, surgeries and more.
How Much Does Travel Insurance for Hawaii Cost?
Travel Insurance
Quoted for a 14-day trip, $3,000 in trip costs insured per person. Averages calculated across 7 plans on VisitorsCoverage.
| Traveler Profile | Average Cost | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Solo traveler, 30s | ~$117 | $88-$196 |
| Solo traveler, 50s | ~$169 | $115-$271 |
| Senior solo (65+) | ~$366 | $227-$548 |
Travel Medical Insurance
Quoted for a 14-day trip, with a $250 deductible, with the minimum of $50,000 in coverage. Averages calculated across 6 plans on VisitorsCoverage.
| Traveler Profile | Average Cost | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Solo traveler, 30s | ~$15 | $10-$30 |
| Solo traveler, 50s | ~$39 | $23-$82 |
| Senior solo (65+) | ~$76 | $38-$195 |
Though it is cheaper than comprehensive policies, travel medical insurance exclusively covers medical situations and emergencies. It generally does not protect against logistical issues like trip interruptions, lost luggage, rental car damage, or injuries from adventure sports.
When purchasing a plan, it is best to select a plan that offers at least $100,000 in coverage rather than the standard $50,000.
Why Should Travelers Buy Travel Insurance for Hawaii?
Remote Geography and Medical Evacuation
Hawaii is the most isolated island chain on earth. While Oahu has world-class medical facilities (like Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu), islands like Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, have limited hospital capacities. If you suffer a severe medical emergency, you may need to be airlifted to Honolulu or even the U.S. mainland. Travel insurance can cover your transportation and medical costs.
Adventure and Ocean Risks
Hawaii is popular for outdoor adventure, but activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, hiking, or riding in helicopters still have risks. Accidents happen, so having a policy that includes adventure sports coverage ensures that any activity-related mishaps are fully covered.
Weather and Natural Hazards
Hawaii's tropical environment is beautiful, but can be unpredictable. Your travel plans can easily be disrupted by tropical storms, hurricanes, volcanic activity, flooding, etc. Travel insurance can cover your delayed flights, missed connections, and accommodations that you may need due to such situations. However, it is important to note that travel insurance will not cover weather or natural hazards if you purchase your policy after they have already been announced.
What Are the Requirements for Traveling to Hawaii in 2026?
Because Hawaii is a U.S. state, its entry requirements are exactly the same as the federal requirements for entering the rest of the United States. There are no special “Hawaii-only” visas or passports.
Passport Requirements:
If you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) flying domestically from the U.S. mainland or another U.S. territory, a passport/visa is not required.
If you are a U.S. citizen arriving in Hawaii from a foreign country, you will need a valid U.S. passport to clear Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Visa Requirements:
If you are a citizen of one of the 40+ countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which includes the U.K., Australia, Japan, South Korea, and most of the European Union, you do not need a traditional visa for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days.
However, you must apply for and receive an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online before boarding your flight to Hawaii. It costs $21, and is valid for two years.
If your country is not part of the Visa Waiver Program (such as India, China, Mexico, or Brazil), or you want to stay in Hawaii for more than 90 days, you must obtain a U.S. visa.
Regardless of your visa type, international visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended period of stay in the U.S.
What to Know Before Your Trip to Hawaii
- Money: Hawaii uses the United States Dollar (USD) as its official currency. Standard U.S. tipping culture applies in Hawaii (18% to 22% at sit-down restaurants). Credit cards and mobile payments are widely accepted everywhere from Honolulu to resort areas. ATMs and traditional banks are also available.
- Weather: Hawaii enjoys a tropical climate year-round. There is Kau (summer from May to October), which is warmer and drier, and Hoʻoilo (winter from November to April), which brings slightly cooler temperatures, and more rain.
- Culture: People in Hawaii are generally known for their laid-back, community-oriented, and deeply hospitable nature. Rooted in the “Aloha spirit,” they prioritize kindness, respect, and sharing.
- Crime: Hawaii is generally a very safe destination, but it is important to be aware of your surroundings. Never leave valuables unattended on the sand, and never leave anything visible in your car.
- Public transportation: While Oʻahu has a highly rated, comprehensive island-wide bus and rail system, the neighbor islands (Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island) rely primarily on less frequent, fixed-route bus networks that can be challenging for daily commuting without a car.
- Nature: You can explore active volcanoes, dense tropical rainforests, towering waterfalls, alpine deserts, and beaches with white, black, or even green sand. The coral reefs have sea turtles (honu), dolphins, and endangered monk seals. Visitors are heavily encouraged to practice responsible tourism.
Travel Resources for Hawaii
- For U.S. Passports: Book an appointment at the Honolulu Passport Agency located in the Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Federal Building (300 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite I-330).
- For U.S. Emergency Assistance: Call the U.S. Department of State at 1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. or Canada) for immediate help.
- For Local Passport Acceptance: Find a local acceptance facility, such as the Ala Moana or Kapolei Satellite City Hall, through the City and County of Honolulu Passport Services.
- For Foreign Citizens: If you are seeking foreign diplomatic services while in Hawaii, directory information and events are maintained by the Consular Corps of Hawaiʻi.
