Hawaii has strict laws regarding the importation of animals.  Some animals that may be allowed as pets in other states or countries may be restricted or prohibited in Hawaii.  Importing an illegal animal carries a penalty of up to three years in prison and fines up to $500,000.

• For information on rabies quarantine for dogs and cats, click here.
• For information on transporting livestock, click here.
• Not all types of pet birds are allowed to be imported.  For instructions on permits required for importing birds and poultry, click here.

If you are not sure about the import status of animals other than dogs and cats, please contact the Plant Quarantine Branch at (808) 832-0566.

CONDITIONALLY APPROVED ANIMALS (Other than dogs, cats, birds, livestock)

Animals on the Conditionally Approved List are allowed to be imported to Hawaii, but require:

To download the permit application, click here.

• Remit the application with the $5.00 fee (cashiers check or money order)
• Processing time is about two to three weeks.
• Permits are valid for one shipment within one year of date of issue.
• Multiple pets of the same species may be listed on one application as long as the pets are traveling together. 
• Pets of different species require separate applications.

• At the time of travel, pets are required to be accompanied by a health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within 7 days of arrival in Honolulu.  The health certificate should indicate that the animal is free of external parasites.
• Honolulu is the only port of entry for animals on the Conditionally Approved List.  Once inspected and cleared in Honolulu, pets may be taken to neighboring islands.

Common animals on the Conditionally Approved List include:  Guinea pigs, domesticated rats and mice, chinchillas, certain types of aquarium fish. 

Domesticated rabbits do not require an import permit, but they do require a health certificate.

Also, live shellfish for eventual consumption (including lobster, crab, clams, etc.) require an import permit from the Plant Quarantine Branch.

For the complete list of Conditional Approved Animals, click here.

RESTRICTED OR PROHIBITED ANIMALS

For the list of Restricted and Prohibited animals, click here.

• Animals on the List of Restricted Animals Part A – may be imported for research by universities or government agencies, or for exhibit in municipal zoos or government-affiliated aquariums, or by other institutions for medical or scientific purposes as approved by the Hawaii Board of Agriculture.
• Animals on the List of Restricted Animals Part B – may be imported for filming or exhibition or for research by zoological parks or for aquaculture production with approval from the Hawaii Board of Agriculture.

Any animal that is not found on any of the list is considered prohibited.