General Information About Flying to Maui With Pets

A “Direct Release” is where a pet has met all of the qualifications to enter Hawai’i on another island than Oahu and skip the quarantine process. An approved representative from the HDOA will meet the owner at the airline gate or cargo hold to perform a required inspection of the pet and review paperwork before releasing the pet into the state.

Hawai‘i is the only state in the US that is rabies-free. It is important that Hawai’i maintains that status as the introduction of rabies would have dire circumstances for public health, Hawaii’s unique ecosystem, tourism, as well as local lifestyle.

Normal quarantine is 120 days at the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) on Oahu. However, as long as we have good communication, your furry ohana will not spend one second in quarantine!

Animals originating from other Rabies-Free locations (New Zealand, Australia, Guam and the British Isles) have less requirements. For pets traveling from other origins, there are NO exemptions.

– All pets must be vaccinated for Rabies **See checklist for specifics
– All pets must pass a Rabies Titer Test (FAVN)
– Apply for a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP) no later than 30 days prior to entry (AQS-279).
– Contact a Direct Release Coordinator no later than 30 days prior to entry
– Complete a 30 day waiting period PRIOR to arriving to Hawai’i
– Obtain domestic health certificate within 10 days of travel
– Receive a NIIP permit from the DDOA

Depending on the laboratory your pet’s sample was submitted to and that respective laboratories current workload can affect test result turnaround time.

On average, these test results can take between 4-8 weeks for results. Results are automatically sent back to the veterinarian who ordered the test and directly to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

In most cases, your veterinarian will contact you with results. You can also check your pets status on the department’s website.

Follow “Checklist 2” on the State of Hawaii Quarantine website for the Direct Airport Release at Kona, Kahului, or Lihue Airport.

We also have a simplified checklist we are happy to share!

Depending on your pet’s age and their Rabies Vaccination status can affect the timeline. On average anywhere from 90-180 days.

If landing on Oahu first, that is the island the inspection needs to be completed on. Please refer to “Checklist 1” on the State of Hawaii Quarantine website for Honolulu arrivals. There are no travel requirements for inter-island travel.

Depending on how old your pet is, how many Rabies Vaccinations they have had in their lifetime, and where you are originating from, costs can be $700+.

– Alaska Airlines
– Hawaiian Airlines
– United Airlines
– American Airlines

Contact the airline of your choice for more information!

Yes, but it depends on the size of your pet and the airline of your choice. They must be in an approved carrier unless they are a Registered Service Animal for the Blind or Disabled. We suggest checking with your airline for their specific requirements.