An ESTA is required to travel to Hawaii, and other islands that form part of the United States, without a visa. The ESTA visa waiver application takes just a few minutes and is 100% online.
Different from other destinations in the contiguous United States, the Hawaiian archipelago boasts beautiful nature, beaches, and waves that make it one of the best surfing spots in the world.
Do I Need a Visa or ESTA for Hawaii?
You need a visa to visit Hawaii if you are not from one of the countries included in the United States Visa Waiver Program.
This means that travelers from most African, Asian, and South American countries need a visa for Hawaii. You need a B1/B2 visa to visit Hawaii on vacation.
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries can travel to the U.S. with ESTA instead of a visa. More than 40 countries fall into this category, including all EU member states.
What do I need to know about ESTA for Hawaii?
The ESTA is an electronic travel authorization for Hawaii and other U.S. States. The system verifies you’re eligible for visa-free entry.
Your approved ESTA is checked by airline staff before boarding a flight to Hawaii or other destinations in the U.S. You cannot travel without this authorization.
It’s quicker and simpler to obtain an ESTA for Hawaii than a visa. The ESTA application is online, you can apply from anywhere and at any time of day.
Unlike when applying for a visa, you do not need to attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
How Long Can I Visit Hawaii for?
With ESTA, you can stay in Hawaii for up to 90 consecutive days. You must leave before the 90-day limit, but may return later in the year with the same permit.
The visa waiver is valid for 2 years from the date of issue, or until the passport expires, and can be used to make multiple trips to Hawaii or elsewhere in the U.S. during this period.
Under normal circumstances, an ESTA cannot be extended. Once your ESTA expires, you can simply reapply using the same online application process. A U.S. tourist visa is required to stay in Hawaii for longer than 90 days.
Once your ESTA expires, you can simply reapply using the same online application process. A U.S. tourist visa is required to stay in Hawaii for longer than 90 days.
What Travel Documents do I Need for Hawaii?
Here’s what you need to travel to Hawaii under the Visa Waiver Program:
- Valid biometric passport issued by a VWP country
- ESTA authorization
- Return flight or onward travel tickets
You should print a copy of the ESTA confirmation email in case airline staff request to see it.
The ESTA visa waiver is associated with the passport used to apply and cannot be transferred to a different travel document. If you have dual nationality, apply for ESTA and travel to the USA using the same passport.
Travelers who are not eligible for ESTA need to carry their valid tourist visa when entering U.S. territory.
Apply for an ESTA for Hawaii in 3 Steps
Eligible travelers can apply for ESTA in just 3 simple steps.
- Fill in the ESTA for Hawaii application form
Fill out basic personal information such as your name, date of birth, and contact details in addition to passport details.
There are also some safety and security-related questions which must be answered accurately and honestly.
- Pay the ESTA visa waiver fees
The ESTA Hawaii fees are paid securely online using a debit or credit card to finalize the application
- Submit the application for review
Review all the information carefully before submitting the request, any mistakes or missing information could lead to delays.
ESTA processing is fast with most people receiving their approved ESTA for Hawaii within 2 days. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
In What Situations Do I Need a Visa for the Island of Hawaii?
You must meet all the ESTA requirements to travel to Hawaii under the Visa Waiver Program.
Even if you are from a VWP country, you must get a visa instead of ESTA if any of the following situations apply.
- You’ll stay in the United States for longer than 90 consecutive days
- You’re visiting Hawaii or other U.S. territory for purposes other than business, tourism, or transit
- You’re not arriving by commercial flight or cruise ship
- You’ve been denied entry to the U.S. in the past or refused a U.S. visa
- You’ve been to Iraq, Iran Libya, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since 1st March 2011
American visa applications for visiting Hawaii are made through a U.S. Embassy or consulate. Bear in mind that visa processing takes several weeks and includes an interview.