Adult passengers (18 and over) are required to show a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID in order to be allowed to go through the checkpoint and onto their flight.

To fly to Hawaii in 2026, the identification requirements depend on whether you are a domestic or international traveler. For domestic flights from the U.S. mainland, the long-awaited REAL ID enforcement officially began on May 7, 2025. This means your standard driver's license is no longer sufficient unless it is a REAL ID-compliant card, typically marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. If you do not have a REAL ID, you must present an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport, passport card, Global Entry card, or a U.S. military ID. International travelers must present a valid passport and, depending on their country of origin, a valid visa or an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). It is a peer-to-peer best practice to double-check your license for that gold star today; without it or a passport, you will be denied entry through the TSA checkpoint, turning your tropical dream into a terminal nightmare.