Hawaii

Unlike arriving in Las Vegas or New York, landing in Hawaii means crossing a “cordon sanitaire”. The archipelago is the most isolated place in the world and is actively fighting invasive species.

Here are the 3 unique procedures you'll encounter.

The Compulsory Agricultural Declaration - Akamai Arrival

This is the No. 1 formality specific to Hawaii. It is managed by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Akamai Arrival is the new official biosecurity system (to be phased in by 2025) that digitizes Hawaii's traditional agricultural declaration. Hawaii is the most isolated archipelago on the planet. Its ecosystem has evolved in isolation for millions of years, without predators or disease. As a result, Hawaiian nature is “naïve” (in the biological sense). It has no natural defenses against external aggression.

Who's concerned?
Absolutely all travelers arriving on the archipelago, whether from Paris, Tokyo or Los Angeles.

THE Plants and Animals Declaration Form available on the website https://akamaiarrival.hawaii.gov/ or distributed in paper form (cardboard) by the flight crew about 45 minutes before landing. Only one form is needed per family (people living in the same household). You must hand this signed form to an official just before leaving the secure area of the airport.

⚠️ The critical point : Don't lie. If you have an apple given to you on the plane that you didn't eat : declare it Or throw it away in the amnesty garbage cans (Amnesty Bins) located before the inspection. Importing a single item of undeclared fresh fruit can result in an immediate fine of up to 1,000 $.

The Clean Gear Protocol (against ROD)

It's a less administrative but just as official process, overseen by eco-guards. Hawaii is facing a scourge called Rapid ‘Ōhi'a Death (ROD), a fungus that kills endemic trees.

The process : If you bring your own hiking equipment (hiking boots, poles, tents) used on previous trips.
Obligation: Your equipment must be perfectly clean, without any trace of mud or dried earth from another country.
Control : On arrival, customs officials may inspect the soles of your shoes in your luggage. If there is soil, they may confiscate the equipment for decontamination or destruction.
Expert advice : Scrub your soles with bleach or alcohol before packing.

Travelling with a pet The program“5 Day or Less“

Hawaii is the only American state rabies-free (Rabies-Free). If you thought you were bringing your dog or cat to Florida, forget it. Without preparation, your pet will be quarantined for 120 days at your expense.

To avoid this, follow the Direct Airport Release (DAR) :

• Vaccines : 2 rabies vaccinations (the last at least 30 days before arrival).
• Blood test (FAVN) : To be carried out in an approved laboratory at least 30 days before arrival in Hawaii.
• Microchip : Mandatory.
• Original documents : To be presented to the quarantine inspector at the airport (Honolulu HNL only, other airports require a special inspection permit). The quarantine rules are here.
  

The “Mālama Hawai'i‘ concept (Cultural entry)

Although this is not a legal requirement, it is a specific approach encouraged by the tourist office (Hawaii Tourism Authority).

You “give back” to the earth (Mālama means taking care of). Some hotels and airlines offer discounts or free nights if you devote half a day to volunteer work (beach clean-up, reforestation, ocean preservation).

You have to register with the official partners before departure. It's a “smart” and respectful way to enter the territory.

And ESTA? Good thinking! As with the “continental” United States, and like all good American states, Hawaii requires a ESTA to be visited by visa-exempt nationals.

Fill out the form for ESTA USA