Hawaiian Air
Pet Travel & Shipping Information
**Please Note:** The research agent was unable to verify these policies directly on hawaiianair.com due to technical limitations. This information is based on existing database records last updated September 17, 2024. We recommend confirming all details, fees, and requirements directly with Hawaiian Airlines before booking, especially embargo dates and route-specific restrictions.
Pets allowed?: Yes
Hawaiian Airlines welcomes pets in the cabin, as checked baggage, and through their cargo service. Dogs, cats, and household birds may travel depending on route, weight, and temperature conditions. Pets are allowed on flights between Hawaii and North America (with specific route exclusions) and on neighbor-island flights within Hawaii. International routes do not accept pets in cabin or as checked baggage.
Pets as carry-on?: Yes
In-Cabin Pet Travel
Hawaiian Airlines accepts small dogs and cats in soft-sided carriers in the main cabin.
Carrier Requirements: - Soft-sided, leak-proof carrier - Maximum dimensions: 16" L × 10" W × 9.5" H - Must fit under the seat in front of you - Pet must remain in carrier while in the terminal and onboard
Weight Limit: - Pet + carrier combined: 25 lbs maximum - If over 25 lbs, pet must travel as checked baggage
Per Carrier: - One adult dog or cat, OR - Two puppies or kittens of the same breed/litter (must be 8 weeks to 6 months old)
Route Restrictions: - Allowed: Flights between Hawaii and North America (except routes below), and neighbor-island flights within Hawaii - NOT allowed: First Class on North America flights, flights to/from New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Orlando (MCO), Austin (AUS), or any international routes (including Pago Pago)
Seating Restrictions: - Carriers prohibited in bulkhead rows, emergency exit rows, and rows adjacent to emergency exits
Check-In: - Web, kiosk, and mobile check-in will be restricted - Check in at the airport so staff can inspect your pet, carrier, and documentation
Pets as checked baggage?: Yes
Checked Baggage Pet Travel
Pets may travel as checked baggage in hard-sided kennels when they exceed in-cabin size/weight limits.
Weight Limit: - Pet + kennel combined: 70 lbs maximum - If over 70 lbs, pet must be transported via Hawaiian Air Cargo
Kennel Requirements: - Hard-sided (wood, metal, or comparable strength) - Leak-proof with secure latches to prevent escape - Adequate handholds for lifting - Large enough for the animal to sit, stand upright, turn around, and lie down naturally - Must contain absorbent material (blanket, towel, shredded paper, or absorbent pad) - Pet must NOT be leashed or restrained inside the kennel
Accepted Kennel Sizes:
| Series | Max Dimensions (L×W×H) | Max Weight (pet + kennel) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 21" × 16" × 15" | 18 lbs |
| 200 | 28" × 20.5" × 21.5" | 25 lbs |
| 300 | 32" × 22.5" × 24" | 40 lbs |
| 400 | 36" × 25" × 27" | 70 lbs |
Per Kennel: - One adult dog or cat, OR - Two puppies or kittens of the same breed/litter (8 weeks to 6 months old), OR - Two adult household birds (or two of the same breed if at least 14 days old)
Route Restrictions: - Allowed: Flights between Hawaii and North America, and neighbor-island flights within Hawaii - NOT allowed: International routes to/from Hawaii (including Pago Pago)
Temperature Restrictions: - Origin, destination, and connection airports must be between 20°F and 85°F - See embargo section for seasonal restrictions
Booking & Check-In: - Book your pet when you make your flight reservation (subject to space availability) - Reservations phone: 1-800-367-5320 - Check in one hour prior to general check-in time - Airport check-in required for document and kennel inspection
Pets as cargo?: Yes
Hawaiian Air Cargo
Pets exceeding 70 lbs (combined pet + kennel weight) must be shipped through Hawaiian Air Cargo.
Booking Requirements: - Book no more than 30 days in advance - Book at least 2 days before departure - Contact HA Cargo Capacity: 1-877-422-2746
Temperature Limits: - Cargo shipments accepted when temperatures are between 20°F and 85°F at origin, destination, and connection points - Pets will not be accepted if environmental conditions pose a risk to safety
Hawaii-Specific Requirements: - All animals shipped to Hawaii must comply with Hawaii Department of Agriculture quarantine rules - Shipper must arrange clearance with Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Animal Quarantine Division - Contact Animal Quarantine Division: 808-483-7151 - Pets arriving after 4:30 PM HST may require overnight quarantine and cannot be released the same day
Kennel & Documentation: - Same hard-sided kennel requirements as checked baggage - Health certificates and permits required (see Documentation section)
Airline Embargo Information
Seasonal Embargo:
Hawaiian Airlines observes a seasonal embargo from April 15 through October 15 due to high temperatures.
Temperature Restrictions (Year-Round): - Pets cannot be accepted if the temperature at origin, destination, or connection airports exceeds 85°F (29°C) or falls below 20°F (-7°C) - These restrictions apply to checked baggage and cargo shipments
Cold Weather Acclimation: - For temperatures between 20°F (-7°C) and 45°F (7°C), you must provide an acclimation certificate from your veterinarian dated within 10 days of travel
Safety First: - Hawaiian Airlines will not accept pets when environmental conditions pose any risk to the animal's safety - Always check current conditions at your origin, destination, and any connection airports before your travel date
Kennel / Pet Carrier Information
In-Cabin Carrier: - Type: Soft-sided, leak-proof - Dimensions: 16" L × 10" W × 9.5" H (maximum) - Weight: Pet + carrier combined may not exceed 25 lbs - Placement: Must fit under the seat directly in front of you
Checked Baggage & Cargo Kennels: - Type: Hard-sided (wood, metal, or comparable strength) - Construction: Leak-proof, secure latches to prevent escape, adequate handholds for lifting - Size: Large enough for pet to sit, stand upright, turn around, and lie down comfortably - Bedding: Must contain absorbent material (blanket, towel, shredded paper, or absorbent pad) - No restraints: Pet must NOT be leashed or restrained inside kennel
Approved Kennel Series & Size Chart:
| Series | Maximum Dimensions | Max Weight (pet + kennel) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 21" L × 16" W × 15" H | 18 lbs |
| 200 | 28" L × 20.5" W × 21.5" H | 25 lbs |
| 300 | 32" L × 22.5" W × 24" H | 40 lbs |
| 400 | 36" L × 25" W × 27" H | 70 lbs |
Important: - If your pet + kennel exceed 70 lbs, cargo shipping is required - Kennels must meet IATA Live Animal Regulations and USDA standards
Documentation Requirements
Health Certificates:
Travel Within Hawaii (Neighbor Islands): - No health certificate required
Travel Between Hawaii and North America: - Health certificate dated within 14 days prior to arrival is required - Must be issued by a licensed veterinarian
Direct Flights from North America to Lihue (LIH), Kahului (OGG), or Kona (KOA): - Valid health certificate (14 days), PLUS - Valid Neighbor Island Inspection Permit from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Return Travel: - Returning to Hawaii: Health certificate must be dated within 14 days of arrival - Returning to U.S. Mainland: Health certificate must be dated within 30 days of return arrival
Cold Weather Acclimation Certificate: - Required when temperatures at origin, destination, or connection airports are between 20°F (-7°C) and 45°F (7°C) - Must be issued by your veterinarian within 10 days of travel - Certifies that your pet is acclimated to cold temperatures
Liability Release Form: - Required for specific breeds (see Restrictions section) - Obtain from Hawaiian Airlines before travel
Age Verification: - Airline may require veterinary documentation to confirm your pet's age, especially for puppies and kittens traveling together
Hawaii Quarantine Requirements: - Contact Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Animal Quarantine Division for complete entry requirements: 808-483-7151 - Pets arriving after 4:30 PM HST may require overnight quarantine
Important: Gather all documentation well in advance of your travel date. Airport check-in is required so staff can inspect your pet and verify all paperwork.
Restrictions
Breed Restrictions - Liability Release Required
The following breeds require a signed liability release form from Hawaiian Airlines:
Dogs: - American Pit Bull Terrier - American Staffordshire Terrier - Boston Terrier - Boxer - Brussels Griffon - Bulldog (all types) - Bull Mastiff - Bull Terrier - Chow Chow - Dutch Pug - English Bulldog - English Toy Spaniel - French Bulldog - Japanese Pug - Japanese Spaniel (Chin) - Lhasa Apso - Pekingese - Pit Bull - Pug - Shar Pei - Shih Tzu - Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Cats: - Burmese - Exotic - Himalayan - Persian
Note: Many of these breeds are brachycephalic (snub-nosed) and may be at higher risk during air travel due to breathing difficulties. The liability release form acknowledges these risks.
Route & Cabin Restrictions: - No in-cabin pets: First Class on North America flights; flights to/from JFK, BOS, MCO, or AUS; any international routes (including Pago Pago) - No checked or cargo pets: International routes to/from Hawaii (including Pago Pago) - Seating: Carriers not allowed in bulkhead, emergency exit rows, or rows adjacent to exits
Age Restrictions: - Puppies and kittens must be at least 8 weeks old to travel - Two puppies or kittens may share a carrier only if they are 8 weeks to 6 months old and of the same breed/litter - Airline may require veterinary documentation to verify age
Notes
Important Reminders:
- Sedation Not Recommended: Consult your veterinarian, but sedation is generally not recommended for air travel as it can affect your pet's respiratory and cardiovascular systems at altitude
- Check-In Requirements: Web, kiosk, and mobile check-in are restricted for passengers traveling with pets. Plan to check in at the airport at least one hour prior to general check-in time
- Space Limited: Pet spaces are limited on each flight. Book early when making your reservation
- Reservations: Call 1-800-367-5320 to add a pet to your reservation
- Cargo Bookings: Call Hawaiian Air Cargo at 1-877-422-2746 (book 2-30 days before departure)
- Weather Monitoring: Always check temperatures at your origin, destination, and connection cities before travel, especially during the April 15 - October 15 embargo period
- Carrier Familiarization: Acclimate your pet to their carrier well before travel day to reduce stress
International Travel
International Travel Restrictions
Hawaiian Airlines does not accept pets in the cabin or as checked baggage on international routes to/from Hawaii, including flights to/from Pago Pago (American Samoa).
Hawaii-Specific Rules:
While Hawaii is a U.S. state, it has strict animal quarantine regulations:
- Health Certificate Required: Pets traveling between Hawaii and the U.S. Mainland need a health certificate dated within 14 days prior to arrival
- Neighbor Island Permit: Direct flights from North America to Lihue (LIH), Kahului (OGG), or Kona (KOA) require a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture in addition to the health certificate
- Quarantine Rules: All animals entering Hawaii must comply with Hawaii Department of Agriculture quarantine requirements
- Late Arrivals: Pets arriving after 4:30 PM HST may not be released the same day and may require overnight quarantine
- Contact: Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Animal Quarantine Division - 808-483-7151
Mexico & Canada:
No specific information is available for Hawaiian Airlines pet policies to Mexico or Canada. Contact Hawaiian Airlines reservations at 1-800-367-5320 for routing and documentation requirements if traveling to these destinations.
General Advice:
For any international pet travel, research the destination country's import requirements well in advance, including required vaccinations, permits, and quarantine periods.
Airline Fees
In-Cabin Fees: - Within Hawaii (neighbor-island): $35.00 USD - Between Hawaii and North America: $125.00 USD
Checked Baggage Fees: - Within Hawaii (neighbor-island): $60.00 USD - Hawaii to North America: $225.00 USD - North America to Hawaii: $225.00 USD
Cargo Fees: - Contact Hawaiian Air Cargo for pricing: 1-877-422-2746
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current rates when booking.
Web Links
Contact Numbers
- (800) 367-5320 Main