Travel Requirements: Hawaii For Canadians

Planning a trip to Hawaii from Canada? Here's what you need to know. As a Canadian, you don't need a visa to enter Hawaii if you're staying for 6 months or less, but you will need a valid passport and may be asked to provide proof of onward travel or return tickets. Additionally, as of October 2021, you must present proof of vaccination when departing Canada by air. To enter Hawaii, you must fulfil certain conditions, including providing evidence of a full course of COVID-19 vaccines 14 days before arrival, a negative COVID-19 testantigen) taken 3 days prior to departure, and completing the Hawaii Safe Travels Form.

Required documents for Canadians travelling to Hawaii

Hawaii is a US state, so Canadians travelling there must carry the necessary documents for entering the US. Canadians can enter Hawaii by air or by sea, and the documentation requirements vary slightly between these two modes of transport.

Entering Hawaii by Air

If you are flying to Hawaii, you must present a valid passport or NEXUS card to enter the USA. You must also present proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test result (antigen or PCR) taken within three days of departure. Additionally, you must complete the Hawaii Safe Travels Form before departure, which requires you to upload a COVID-19 test result or vaccination record to obtain a QR code that you will need to present upon landing.

Entering Hawaii by Sea

If you are entering Hawaii by sea via a cruise, you must present a valid passport or NEXUS card to enter the USA. As of October 2021, travellers departing Canada by air are also required to present proof of vaccination.

Other Required Documents

If you are moving to Hawaii, you will need to provide a proof of identity, which can be a valid passport or NEXUS card. If you are travelling with your family, you will also need to present at least one of the following documents:

• Enhanced Driving/Identification card
• SENTRI enrollment cards

If you are moving to the US to start a business or invest, you will need to acquire a Business Visa or an Investor Green Card.

Additional Information

It is important to note that Hawaii has its own set of entry requirements that are separate from those of the US mainland. Currently, there are no additional state requirements for passengers flying directly into Hawaii from an international destination. However, it is always recommended to check for the latest updates before planning your trip.

COVID-19 requirements for Canadians travelling to Hawaii

As of November 8, 2021, Hawaii has lifted its additional testing requirements for US travellers and aligned its entry requirements with those of the US. However, Canadians travelling to Hawaii must still comply with the following COVID-19 requirements:

• Present evidence of a full course of COVID-19 vaccines 14 days prior to arrival. Mixed vaccines are permitted.
• Present a negative COVID-19 test (either PCR or antigen) taken three days before departure.
• Complete the Hawaii Safe Travels Form prior to departure. This requires uploading a COVID-19 test result or vaccination record to obtain a QR code, which must be presented upon landing.

Please note that these requirements apply regardless of whether you fly non-stop to Hawaii or take a connecting flight. If you connect through the continental US, you will need a test result to enter the US on the first leg of your journey.

Returning to Canada

When returning to Canada, travellers must complete a negative molecular test within 72 hours of boarding their flight. While this is obtainable on all the Hawaiian islands, it can be expensive, costing around US$150 outside of Oahu. In Oahu, free NAAT tests are available at CVS and Walgreens.

Fully vaccinated Canadians can return to Canada without undergoing quarantine, provided they complete a negative test at the airport on arrival. To be considered fully vaccinated, travellers must have received a full series of one of Health Canada's approved vaccines at least 14 days before entering Canada.

Transport options from Canada to Hawaii

There are several transport options for travelling from Canada to Hawaii. The most common mode of transport is by air, with flights available from several Canadian cities. Alternatively, it is possible to ship a car or other vehicle to Hawaii from Canada.

Flying from Canada to Hawaii

Flights are available from Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and other Canadian cities to various destinations in Hawaii, including Honolulu, Kahului, Kona and Hilo. The flight time from Vancouver to Honolulu is around 9 hours and 37 minutes, while the flight time from Calgary to Honolulu is approximately 11 hours. There are currently no non-stop flights from Toronto to Honolulu, and most flights have a connection in Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles or Vancouver.

Shipping a Vehicle from Canada to Hawaii

It is also possible to ship a car, truck, bus, RV, motorcycle or boat from Canada to Hawaii. Vehicles can be shipped by RoRo vessel from the mainland ports of Long Beach and Oakland, California. There are several companies that offer this service, with prices varying depending on the type and size of the vehicle, the delivery location in Hawaii, and the required time frame.

Recommended activities in Hawaii

To travel to Hawaii from Canada, you must be able to present evidence of a full course of COVID-19 vaccines 14 days prior to your arrival, a negative COVID-19 test (either PCR or antigen) taken three days before departure, and a completed Hawaii Safe Travels Form prior to departure. You will also need a valid passport and a NEXUS card is recommended.

Now, for the fun part: recommended activities in Hawaii!

Oahu

• Waikiki Beach: surf or swim at the birthplace of modern surfing culture.
• Diamond Head State Monument: hike to the summit of this dormant volcano for stunning coastal views.
• Pearl Harbor National Memorial: visit the USS Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial to learn about World War II and the attack on Pearl Harbor.
• Iolani Palace: explore the official residence of Hawaii's monarchy and its restored opulence.

The Big Island

• Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park: get up close to volcanoes, hike the Kilauea Iki lava field, and explore lava tubes.
• Waimea Canyon State Park: also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this park offers scenic drives, panoramic lookouts, and hikes.
• Black sand beaches: visit the Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, for example, to experience the unique beauty of Hawaii's volcanic beaches.
• Kona Coffee Farm tours: learn about the process of coffee production and taste some local brews.

Maui

• Road to Hana: take a road trip to see Hawaii's untouched areas, swim in waterfalls, visit a black sand beach, and more.
• Wailea Beach: enjoy the clear waters, snorkel, surf, or watch the daily cliff-diving ceremony at sunset.
• Maui Ocean Center: explore the ocean's wonders without getting wet!
• ʻĪao Valley State Monument: immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this valley.
• Snorkelling tours: see an array of Hawaiian marine life, including turtles, tropical fish, and reef formations.

Kauai

• Na Pali Coast: take a boat tour or hike along this stunning coastline.
• Wailua Falls: admire the beauty of these falls and the surrounding area.
• Waimea Canyon State Park: as above, this park is known for its colourful canyon and scenic views.
• Kauai Museum: learn about the history and culture of Kauai and Hawaii.
• Lydgate Farms Kauai Chocolate: tour this award-winning chocolate farm and taste some of the world's best chocolate.

Healthcare in Hawaii

The Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) is the primary provider of healthcare services in the state. It operates facilities on three different islands, offering acute and long-term care services to all, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. In 2018, HHSC hospitals provided over 13,000 acute care admissions, handled 75,000+ emergency room visits, and delivered 1,872 babies. The HHSC complies with non-discrimination laws and does not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, etc.

The Healthcare Association of Hawaii (HAH) is another key organisation, advocating for all Hawaiians to have access to critical services, including preventive care. HAH has recognised the work of Rep. Scott Saiki with its 2024 Achievement in Advocacy Award. The association also highlights the state's need for healthcare professionals, which has increased by 76% since 2019, exacerbated by the pandemic.

Hawaii was ranked #1 in the 2022 Scorecard on State Health System Performance, which identifies healthcare deficiencies and how they have been impacted by the pandemic. The report highlights areas such as uninsured adults, mortality amenable to healthcare, and potentially avoidable emergency department visits for those aged 65 and above.

During the pandemic, Hawaii experienced a disastrous surge of COVID-19 cases, and HAH emphasised the importance of vaccination, mask-wearing, physical distancing, hand hygiene, and staying home when sick.

Frequently asked questions