What are you allowed to bring back from Hawaii?

Items from Hawaii that travelers may bring without restriction into the U.S. mainland and Guam (after passing USDA pre-departure inspection): Beach sand. Coconut. Coffee, roasted or green (but not fresh whole coffee berries with pulp)



Traveling from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland in 2026 involves strict USDA agricultural inspections to prevent the spread of invasive species. You are generally allowed to bring back treated flowers and leis (excluding citrus-related plants or jade vines), seashells, rocks, and sand. Fresh pineapples and treated papayas are permitted if they are properly inspected and packed. However, you are strictly prohibited from bringing back most other fresh fruits and vegetables (like mangoes, lychee, or berries), plants in soil, and certain "pest-prone" flowers like Mauna Loa. One popular "yes" item is roasted coffee, which can be brought back in unlimited quantities, but green (unroasted) coffee beans require specific inspection. All items must be declared at the USDA agricultural scanner at the Hawaii airport before you check in for your flight; failure to do so can result in on-the-spot fines of up to $1,000.

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Commercially packaged foods are allowed to be transported from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland. For information on transporting fruits and vegetables, contact USDA Inspection Offices listed above or link to the USDA Fact Sheet above.

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Once you wear a beautiful floral Lei here in Hawaii, you'll want to keep it as long as possible. Maybe you've been to a special occasion like a wedding or cultural event such as a Lu'au and would love to take it home or bring Lei home for loved ones! Can you bring Lei back home after leaving Hawaii? Yes, you can!

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Firearms and ammunition, as well as any replicas or imitations. Explosives and flammable items, such as fireworks, gas, and aerosols. Poisonous and toxic substances, including pesticides and certain chemicals. Lithium batteries and other hazardous materials, as these can pose a safety risk if not handled properly.

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Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

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Any type of dutiable good, food, plant or animal product must be declared. If you and your travel companions together are carrying $10,000 or more in cash or other negotiable instruments such as endorsed checks, you must declare it upon arrival. If you do not, it is subject to forfeiture.

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To prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases, APHIS inspects all passenger bags moving from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland, Alaska, and Guam. APHIS officials perform the inspection at the airport prior to your departure. Please be prepared to open and close your own bags.

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Alaska and Hawaii are US States. You don't have to clear customs. Flying from the US Mainland is just like driving from from one state to another in the Lower 48 States. The only difference is you traveling by plane and not in a car or truck.

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