Whether heading to Hawaii for vacation or flying across the mainland with a small dog or cat, the Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy has some very specific rules. Bringing an animal onto a plane isn’t like checking a bag. It takes preparation, paperwork, and a good idea of what’s allowed and what’s not. This guide breaks down everything travelers need to know about taking pets on Hawaiian Airlines flights.

What Pets Are Accepted?

Hawaiian Airlines allows dogs, cats, and household birds to travel on their flights, but it’s not as simple as buying a ticket for the animal. Pets are treated as special items, and different conditions apply depending on how and where the pet travels. The pet policy uses the term “pet” specifically for these animals, and rules vary widely between in‑cabin travel, checked baggage, and international flights.

The airline does not accept pets on international flights except through cargo services, with very limited exceptions (like active‑duty military on certain routes). Even if service animals are allowed onboard under separate rules, pets themselves generally must meet strict criteria before they can fly.

In‑Cabin Pets: What You Need to Know

One of the biggest parts of the Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy focuses on pets traveling in the cabin with you. This is the preferred option for many pet owners because it means being near the animal throughout the flight.

Where In‑Cabin Pets Are Allowed

Pets are allowed in the cabin only on select routes. Inter‑island flights within Hawaii and flights between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland typically accept in‑cabin pets if you notify the airline in advance. Pets are not allowed in the cabin on international flights or certain restricted routes.

Advance Notice Required

Hawaiian Airlines strongly encourages notifying them at least 48 hours before departure if traveling with a pet. This is done by contacting reservations directly. If the airline is not informed ahead of time, your pet might not be allowed on the flight, and it could affect future travel with your animal.

Seating and Space Limits

You cannot sit just anywhere with a pet. Specific seats like first class, bulkheads, and exit rows are off limits because there isn’t proper under‑seat space to stow a pet carrier. Your pet’s carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and stay there for the whole flight.

Only one pet carrier per ticketed guest is allowed in the cabin. Inside that carrier you can have either one dog or cat, or up to two puppies or kittens from the same litter that are weaned and at least eight weeks old.

Agents usually check your pet and the carrier at check‑in. You and your pet must check in at the counter so staff can inspect carrier dimensions and paperwork before letting you proceed to the gate.

Carrier Requirements for In‑Cabin Pets

Just buying any pet carrier won’t do. Hawaiian Airlines typically requires carriers that fit under the seat ahead of you. That means soft‑sided carriers are usually better and must be large enough for your pet to turn around and lie down comfortably, but still small enough to meet the airline’s space rules.

If the carrier is too big or doesn’t fit neatly under the seat, you may be asked to check it — and in that case, the pet may have to fly in the baggage area or cargo hold. Many travelers find this part stressful, so measuring and checking carrier specifications well before travel day is a good idea.

In‑Cabin Pet Fees

Fees for bringing pets into the cabin vary depending on your route, and they’ve changed over time. Here’s the breakdown:

Current Fee Structure

• For flights within Hawaii, there’s a smaller fee (typically in the range of around $35).

• For flights between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland, the fee is higher — around $100 each way per kennel/carrier for flights departing on or after early 2026.

Customers who booked their travel before certain policy changes may have slightly different fees, but anyone planning ahead can generally assume the current fee applies to their reservation.

Unlike carry‑ons, pets count toward the carry‑on limit on U.S. mainland flights. So if you’re traveling with another carry‑on bag and a personal item, your pet carrier could affect how many items you’re allowed onboard.

Checked Baggage and Cargo Options

Not all pets can fly in the cabin. Some pets travel as checked baggage or in cargo, which has its own rules and fees.

Pets as Checked Baggage

For larger pets or when cabin space is full, Hawaiian Airlines lets animals travel in the baggage compartment — essentially the aircraft’s lower hold — as long as safety conditions are met.

Animals traveling as checked baggage must be in sturdy, airline‑approved kennels. They must be checked at the counter with an agent, and you should arrive at least three hours before departure so staff can review documents and inspect the kennel.

Fees for Checked Baggage Pets

Fees depend on your route:

• $\sim$Within Hawaii: Moderate fee

• $\sim$Between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland: A higher fee

These fees are charged per kennel each way. Discounts apply for active military on travel orders. If your flight was booked under older fare rules or outside current guidelines, your fees may be different.

Kennel and Animal Limits

One adult pet per kennel, or up to two very young animals from the same litter, is allowed in checked baggage. The airline can limit how many animals are carried on a flight, so these pets are accepted on a first‑booked basis.

Cargo Travel

For international flights or when pets can’t be accepted as checked baggage, Hawaiian Airlines refers customers to its cargo division. International flights generally do not accept pets in cabin or as checked baggage. Hawaiian Air Cargo handles these shipments, and separate arrangements are required.

Hawaiian Airlines sometimes accepts pets on specific international military routes under special rules, but these exceptions are rare and depend on military orders and itinerary.

Health, Paperwork, and Government Rules

Traveling with pets isn’t just about paying a fee and showing up at the airport. There are health certificates, government requirements, and sometimes quarantine rules to follow.

For domestic flights within the U.S., a vet’s certification that your pet is healthy is a good idea. If you’re traveling to Hawaii especially, there are state quarantine requirements that must be met unless the pet has the right documentation. These forms typically involve vaccination records and sometimes pre‑arrival testing. While the airline doesn’t enforce every government rule, they can’t transport a pet that doesn’t comply with them.

Service Animals vs. Pets

Service animals are treated differently under the Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy. These are dogs trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals fly in the cabin free of charge, but there are separate requirements:

• They must be specifically trained for work or tasks related to a disability.

• They must remain under control throughout the flight.

• Paperwork and advance notice are often required under U.S. Department of Transportation rules.

Emotional support animals and comfort animals are no longer recognized under the service animal category and must meet the regular pet travel requirements if they travel.

Limitations and Safety Considerations

Even if all paperwork and fees are in order, pets may still be denied boarding if they show signs of disruptive behavior or if cabin space is full. The airline reserves the right to refuse transport of any animal that could jeopardize the safety and comfort of other passengers.

Weather is another limiting factor. For cargo travel, Hawaiian Airlines considers temperature at departure, arrival, and any connecting airports. Extreme heat or cold can mean pets are not accepted for flight in the baggage compartment.

Some travelers note that carrier inspection can be stricter in practice than what’s written online, and experiences vary based on staff and airport. Planning, asking for confirmation, and arriving early on travel day are still good habits. Personal experiences shared by flyers show that pet carriers may be measured and checked carefully at check‑in.

Tips for a Smooth Pet Travel Experience

Here are some practical points based on the Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy and real travel situations:

• Call Hawaiian Airlines reservations well before travel to confirm pet policies for your specific route.

• Measure your pet and carrier carefully — being even slightly outside the allowed size can cause issues at check‑in.

• Arrive early — agents have to inspect carriers and documents.

• Check government rules for pet travel, especially for Hawaii’s state quarantine requirements.

• Have all health records and vaccination certificates ready.

The Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy allows pets to fly with their owners under clearly outlined conditions. Travelling with a pet means following carrier size rules, paying the right fees, and being prepared for more check‑in time than usual. Specific routes and situations change what’s permitted, and understanding the difference between service animals, in‑cabin pets, and cargo requirements helps avoid last‑minute surprises. Many people have successfully flown with pets on Hawaiian Airlines, but the key to a smooth trip starts with knowing and preparing for these rules well before the day of travel.