Entering Hawaii from Mainland US or Elsewhere

Department of Agriculture
Rabies Quarantine Branch
99-951 Halawa Valley Street
Aiea, Hawaii 96701-5602
Telephone Number:(808) 483-7151

http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/aqs 

Hawaii has much stricter pet admissions procedures than the continental U.S. This is due to the fact that Hawaii is a rabies-free territory and wants to remain as such. People traveling with pets to Hawaii from the mainland U.S. or Alaska must have their pets meet the requirements as well. With the exception of exemptions from the rabies-free countries of New Zealand, Australia, Guam and the British Isles, all dogs entering Hawaii must complete either the 120-day or 5-day-or-less rabies quarantine. Through the 5 day or less quarantine program it is possible to take your dog directly out of the airport with you if all steps are properly followed.  http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/faq answers a number of questions regarding quarantine regulations. http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/aqsbrochure.pdf is the official brochure regarding Hawaii Rabies Quarantine, and covers fees, pertinent procedural information for pets coming into Hawaii, pet admissions upon arrival, and care for your pet before/during and after quarantine.

Pets coming into Hawaii are required to have a micro-chip implant, a health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within 14 days prior to arrival, be vaccinated for common infectious agents, and have their rabies vaccination completed with an approved inactivated rabies vaccine. Dogs over 90 days of age at the time of arrival must be vaccinated not less then 10 days—nor more than the manufacturer’s recommended booster interval before arrival against: Canine distemper virus, canine infectious hepatitis virus or canine adenovirus-2, canine parvovirus, canine parainfluenza virus, leptospirosis, bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough). Canine coronavirus is recommended but optional. Puppies between 2-3 months are to be vaccinated according to AVMA guidelines.

Honolulu is the only port of entry for ALL animals. Your pet must first come to the Animal Quarantine Station on Oahu for positive identification and examination. Inspection hours for dog and cats at Honolulu International Airport (HNL) are between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, including weekends and holidays. This is very important information for visitors who are qualifying their pets for direct release. Flights should be arranged to arrive by 3:30 pm to assure they can be seen that day or they may have to stay overnight, and if they are not picked up by 10 am the following day a $59 charge may be added. Further important information regarding the 120 day quarantine laws, advisory updates, their “5 day or less quarantine program, contact information, reentry requirements, forms, facts, and more can be found at the following website: http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/info . The owner, consignee, handler, or carrier shall pay all expenses including private veterinary examinations and returned shipments to shipper or consignor for animals failing to meet pre-arrival requirements.