Moving With Pets To or From Hawaii (Quarantine Rules Explained

Written by a couple who've made this move both directions.

Moving to Hawaii with pets involves a strict quarantine process. Hawaii is rabies-free and protects that status by enforcing specific rules for moving with pets. Hawaii is one of the only rabies-free places on Earth which is why the import side is extremely strict. There are no exceptions for missing paperwork so it is crucial that you read and re-read the steps for preparing your pet and paperwork.

I’ll cover the three Hawaii quarantine programs, how to qualify for same-day release, what leaving Hawaii with a pet actually involves, and our own experience moving with our cat (both ways).

Also read: Signs It’s Time to Leave Hawaii

Quick Answer

Moving to Hawaii with pets requires meeting strict rabies-quarantine requirements if you want to qualify for Direct Airport Release without quarantine or the 5-Day-or-Less program. Missing paperwork can mean your pet stays in quarantine up to 120 days. Moving with a pet off Hawaii is much simpler as there is no Hawaii-side quarantine requirement. However, you must meet standard airline pet policies and obtain a health certificate for your pet(s).

Key Takeaways

• Hawaii has three pet entry programs: Direct Airport Release (no quarantine), 5-Day-or-Less ($244), and standard 120-day quarantine ($1,080). All one-time, flat fees, not daily rates (except late/non-qualifying pets, billed $14.30/day)
• To qualify for Direct Airport Release, prep must start 4–5 months before travel — microchip first, then two rabies vaccinations at least 30 days apart, then an OIE-FAVN blood test
• Missing even one document or deadline disqualifies a pet from same-day release — there are no exceptions
• Moving a pet off Hawaii is significantly simpler — no Hawaii quarantine applies, since the concern is keeping rabies out, not pets leaving
• Airlines have their own separate pet policies and fees that apply regardless of Hawaii’s quarantine rules, in both directions

Why Hawaii’s Pet Rules Are So Strict

Being one of the few places in the world that is rabies-free, it is understandable that Hawaii has strict rules in place for moving with pets. Since rabies isn’t present, the state protects that status aggressively at the border. By law, the quarantine program must be funded by user fees and not taxpayer dollars.

Moving to Hawaii: The Three Quarantine Programs

There are three quarantine programs in Hawaii to be aware of:

Direct Airport Release (DAR)

This program lets your pet go home with you the same day wit no quarantine at all. This is the goal for most people moving with pets to Hawaii.

5-Day-or-Less Program

This is a short stay at the state Animal Quarantine Station on Oahu. There is a flat fee (one-time) not daily.

120-Day Quarantine

If pets do not meet the requirements, they will fall into this program which is the standard/fallback program. Also a flat, one-time fee.

Direct Airport Release Fees

For Direct Airport Release at the Honolulu International Airport (HNL) it is a $185 per pet fee. For Neighbor Island Inspection Permit direct release at Kona (KOA), Kahului (OGG), or Lihue (LIH), it is a $165 per pet fee. There are not discounts for multiple pets and each pet is billed separately.

See the Animal Quarantine Page for any changes or updates.

5-Day-or-Less Program Fees

For the 5-Day-or-Less Program there is a one-time flat fee of $244 per pet. This applies if the paperwork isn’t submitted at least 10 days before arrival. It will apply even if pets would otherwise qualify for direct release. Pets that arrive before their eligible entry date will be quarantined and charged $14.30/day in addition to the program fee.

120-Day Quarantine Fees

This program has a flat one-time fee of $1,080 per pet and it is the full standard quarantine program. This program is the fallback for pets that don’t meet the pre-arrival requirements at all. This is rare when owners plan ahead and complete paperwork requirements. However, it is a real risk if timing is missed.

Suggestion: Please refer to the checklist that applies to you on the Animal Quarantine Information page. Read the page and checklist thoroughly. I studied that page and checklist to be sure I did everything needed to keep our pet from being in quarantine at all.

How to Qualify for Direct Airport Release

Start preparing 4-5 months before your move. This timeline is non-negotiable with the requirements below:

• Step 1: Be sure your pet has an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip implanted. This will need to be done before any rabies vaccinations count toward qualification.
• Step 2: Two rabies vaccinations must be given at least 30 days apart, both after the microchip is implanted. The second must be a booster and both must come from a USDA-licensed vet with records including the microchip number, vaccine manufacturer, lot number, and expiration date.
• Step 3: An OIE-FAVN blood test must be drawn after the second vaccination and sent to a Hawaii-approved lab (such as Kansas State University’s Rabies Lab). The result must come back at 0.5 IU/mL or higher. If it’s lower, the pet must be revaccinated and retested.
• Step 4: There is a waiting period that is generally a 30-day wait after the qualifying blood test before travel.

Note: As of February 2026, the Hawaii Animal Quarantine Branch enforced stricter document-package review. The older guides (2023-2024) may have outdated timing guidance.

Definition Callout: What Is the OIE-FAVN Test?

The OIE-FAVN test is the Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization test. It measures whether a pet has enough rabies antibodies in its system to safely enter Hawaii without quarantine.

What If My Pet Doesn’t Qualify?

If your paperwork is incomplete or the timeline is missed, your pet is routed to the 5-Day-or-Less program instead of same-day release. If the rabies pre-requirements aren’t met in time at all, your pet faces the full 120-day quarantine.

Planning ahead is essential to prevent your pet having to be in quarantine. Missing one document is the most common reason people moving to Hawaii end up in the more expensive/longer program.

Moving Off Hawaii With a Pet

If you’re moving off island with a pet, it is a much simpler process. There is no Hawaii-side quarantine requirement for pets leaving the islands. There is a standard USDA-endorsed health certificate requirement within 10 days of travel for airline purposes. You can receive the certificate from your vet.

Your destination state may have its own entry requirements. Most mainland states have minimal to no requirements for domestic pet travel. Your vet should be able to look up that information when you obtain your pet’s health certificate.

Also look up the pet policies of the airline you’re choosing to fly with as they may have carrier size rules, in-cabin vs cargo, and breed restrictions.

When we were preparing to leave Hawaii, I scheduled a vet appointment for the health certificate so that it would be on time for the airlines. We flew Alaska airlines as it was the only airline that allowed pets to fly in-cabin in first class. I made sure to check carrier size for Alaska as well.

Also read: Shipping Your Car and Belongings From Hawaii: What It Costs

Airline Pet Policies to Check (Both Directions)

Keep in mind that airline rules are separate from and in addition to Hawaii’s quarantine rules. Check with the airline you choose for in-cabin weight/carrier limits, cargo vs cabin eligibility, temperature restrictions for cargo travel, any advance booking requirements for pets, and any airline specific fees.

Check out: Shipping a Car To or From Hawaii: Matson vs. Pasha vs. Alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to bring a pet to Hawaii?

Direct Airport Release runs from $185-$165 per pet. The 5-Day-or-Less program is $244 per pet, and the full 120-day quarantine is $1,080 per pet.

How long does it take to prepare a pet to move to Hawaii?

Planning for 4-5 months minimum is ideal due to the microchip, vaccination, blood test, and waiting period timeline.

Does Hawaii require pets to quarantine when leaving the state?

No. There isn’t a Hawaii-side quarantine requirement for pets leaving the islands. The rules are in place to protect Hawaii’s rabies-free status on entry, not on departure.

What is Direct Airport Release?

This is a program that lets qualifying pets go home with their owner the same day they land in Hawaii. There is no quarantine so long as every pre-arrival requirement is met.

What happens if my pet’s paperwork is incomplete when we arrive in Hawaii?

Your pet is routed to the 5-Day-or-Less program or, in more serious cases, the full 120-day quarantine.

Does Hawaii ban any dog breeds?

No. Hawaii does not restrict entry based on breed.

Final Thoughts

When we planned our move to Hawaii, the pet preparation process was stressful for us. We had no idea what was involved. What helped was going to a vet with experience in preparing a pet for a move to Hawaii.

Besides that, take the time to read the entire Animal Quarantine Information page as well as the checklist (available on the page) that applies to you. Read these multiple times and double/triple check that you have met the requirements and timelines.

We flew with our pet in-cabin to Hawaii. Going through TSA was also stressful because you have to take your pet out of the carrier to walk through the X-ray machine.

When we exited the plane, we let someone know that we had our pet and we were escorted to the area where they process the paperwork. Our paperwork met all of the requirements and the last thing they did was take our pet to the back and did more checks.

That process took the longest but we were able to take our pet home with us which was a huge relief!

The good news is if you’re leaving Hawaii with your pet, it is a much simpler process. You’ll need to get a health certificate from the vet (be sure to schedule in enough time before flying out). Your vet should also be able to look up any state requirements depending on the state you’re moving to.

Plan ahead, read all of the requirements, stay on top of timelines, and the process should go smoothly. Good luck on your move!