Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy & Hawaii Animal Travel Guide | 1-833-275-6017

Travelers planning to fly with pets on Hawaiian Airlines must review specific policy requirements before booking tickets, as regulations vary significantly based on departure location and destination. Hawaii maintains strict animal entry rules to preserve its status as the only rabies-free state in the United States. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory for all animals entering the state, and airline policies are designed to align with these state mandates. Understanding the distinction between inter-island travel and flights to the U.S. Mainland is essential for pet owners preparing for transport.

Accepted Animals and Cabin Restrictions

Hawaiian Airlines transports dogs, cats, and household birds, though conditions and restrictions apply depending on the type of animal and the flight path. Small dogs, cats, and rabbits are accepted as pets traveling in the cabin, provided they meet specific carrier and health requirements. However, rabbits are permitted to travel as pets in the cabin only when departing from the state of Hawaii. Rabbit transport in the cabin is exclusively available on Neighbor Island flights operating within the state of Hawaii.

Household birds are not accepted for carriage in the cabin under current policies. Instead, birds may be accepted as checked baggage, but this option is limited to travel within the State of Hawaii. For information regarding pets traveling as checked baggage, passengers are directed to consult the airline’s specific page on Pets Traveling as Checked Baggage. Policies regarding the acceptance of live animals are further detailed in the airline’s Contract of Carriage Rule 19.

Carrier Dimensions and Check-In Procedures

To ensure pets can travel safely and comfortably in the cabin, Hawaiian Airlines complies with regulations for in-cabin transport that dictate strict carrier sizes. The maximum allowable pet carrier size is 17 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 9.5 inches tall. Carriers will be measured during check-in to ensure compliance with these dimensions. Guests are advised to refer to the Pet in Cabin travel guide for all requirements prior to arriving at the airport.

There are also age restrictions for passengers traveling with animals. A guest must be 18 years or older to travel with a pet in the cabin. This requirement ensures that the individual responsible for the animal is legally an adult and capable of managing the carrier and pet throughout the duration of the flight. The airline emphasizes that pet comfort and safety are important, noting that pets are considered part of the passengers’ family.

Baggage Allowance and Fees

The impact of a pet carrier on a passenger’s baggage allowance depends on the route. A pet traveling in the cabin does not count towards carry-on baggage allowance for flights within Hawaii. However, the carrier will count towards the two-piece carry-on limit for flights to the U.S. Mainland. Passengers flying to the Mainland must account for the pet carrier as one of their two allowed carry-on items.

Financial considerations for pet travel vary by region. For pets traveling in the cabin on inter-island flights within Hawaii, the fee is $35. Travelers flying with pets on Hawaiian Airlines should be aware of these associated travel fees when budgeting for their trip. Information regarding fees and carrier restrictions is maintained to ensure clarity for pet owners preparing for travel.

State of Hawaii Animal Entry Requirements

All travel into Hawaii is subject to State of Hawaii Animal Entry Requirements. Because Hawaii is the only rabies-free state in the U.S., the state has strict regulations and requirements that must be completed prior to travel to maintain this status. Animals may face animal quarantine unless they meet specific program requirements. These regulations apply to all travel into Hawaii, regardless of the airline used.

Travelers are urged to complete all necessary state requirements before arriving. The strictness of these rules is intended to prevent the introduction of rabies to the islands. Failure to meet these requirements can result in quarantine for the animal upon arrival. Passengers should verify all state entry protocols independently of airline policies to ensure full compliance with local laws.

Policy Updates and Resources

Policy information was updated on January 9, 2026, reflecting the most current guidelines for pet travel. A travel guide titled Hawaiian Airlines Pet in Cabin Travel Guide was published in June 2024, outlining necessary requirements for pets to travel safely and comfortably in the cabin. Passengers seeking the most complete information should view the complete Pet in Cabin Travel Guide linked through the airline’s official resources.

For further assistance or to verify specific details regarding a booking, contact information is available through associated travel resources. A contact number listed in travel policy summaries is 1-833-275-6017. However, passengers are encouraged to visit the official Hawaiian Airlines website section on Traveling with Animals for the most direct access to special assistance and policy documents. Verified reporting confirms that understanding these policies is crucial before booking a ticket.