Moving Rabbits to Hawaii: Requirements (2026)
TLDR: Hawaii requires all rabbits to enter through Honolulu International Airport (HNL) regardless of your final destination. Direct arrival at neighbor island airports is not permitted. If you are traveling to Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island, you must route through Honolulu and arrange inter-island transport after your rabbit clears inspection at the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility.
Rabbits can move to Hawaii, but the requirements are stricter than most owners realize -- and one key rule differs significantly from what applies to dogs and cats. Here is what you need to know before booking your rabbit's flight.
Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Health certificate | Required; issued within 72 hours of arrival in Hawaii |
| Import permit | Not required for rabbits |
| Entry airport | Honolulu International Airport (HNL) only |
| Inspection | Required at the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility |
| Inspection hours | 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily |
| Neighbor island direct arrival | Not permitted -- all rabbits must enter through Honolulu |
Health Certificate
Your rabbit must have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) -- commonly called a health certificate -- issued and signed by a state, federal, or accredited veterinarian. The certificate must be issued within 72 hours of your rabbit's arrival in Hawaii. This is a tighter window than most mainland health certificate requirements, and tighter than the window that applies to dogs and cats entering Hawaii.
The certificate must include a description of the rabbit and must state that the animal was not showing signs of infectious, contagious, or communicable disease and was found free of external parasites at the time of examination.
Entry Through Honolulu Only
Rabbits must enter Hawaii exclusively through Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. Direct flights to neighbor island airports -- Kona (KOA), Kahului (OGG), or Lihue (LIH) -- are not permitted for rabbits. If your final destination is Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island, you will need to route through Honolulu and arrange onward inter-island transport after your rabbit clears inspection.
Airport Inspection
Your airline's agent is responsible for presenting your rabbit to the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility (AAQHF) at Honolulu airport upon arrival. Inspection hours are 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Plan your flight arrival accordingly. A flight landing after 3:30 p.m. may not allow enough time for your rabbit to clear inspection the same day.
Once inspection is complete and all entry requirements are confirmed, your rabbit will be released to you.
What Does Not Apply to Rabbits
Hawaii's 5-day-or-less program, FAVN rabies blood test, microchip requirements, and AQS-279 import form are specific to dogs and cats. Rabbits are regulated separately under the Animal Industry Division's livestock import rules and do not go through the dog and cat quarantine process.
Airline Considerations
Not all airlines accept rabbits as cargo or excess baggage, and Hawaii routes add additional complexity. Check with your airline well in advance to confirm they accept rabbits on your specific route and aircraft. Rabbits must fly as cargo -- they are not permitted in the cabin. West coast departure cities such as Los Angeles or San Francisco will minimize time in transit.
How PetRelocation Can Help
Moving a rabbit to Hawaii involves coordination between your veterinarian, the airline, and the AAQHF inspection process. PetRelocation has handled complex animal moves for over 20 years and can help ensure your rabbit's health certificate timing, flight booking, and arrival inspection are all aligned.
Ready to start? Get a free quote from PetRelocation and a relocation manager will walk you through your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my rabbit need to be quarantined in Hawaii? Rabbits are not subject to Hawaii's dog and cat quarantine program. If your rabbit's health certificate is in order and the animal passes the arrival inspection at Honolulu airport, it will be released the same day.
Can my rabbit fly directly to Maui or Kauai? No. All rabbits must enter Hawaii through Honolulu International Airport. Direct neighbor island arrivals are not permitted for rabbits. You will need to arrange inter-island transport after clearing inspection in Honolulu.
How is the health certificate window for rabbits different from dogs and cats? Dogs and cats require a health certificate issued within 14 days of arrival. For rabbits, the window is 72 hours which is significantly tighter. Your vet appointment must be scheduled within three days of your rabbit's flight.
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