How do I bring my dog or cat to Kona, Hawaii?

Hawaiʻi is rabies free, so the State has entry rules for every dog and cat. A pet that meets all of them can fly straight into Kona and go home the same day. A pet that does not can be sent to quarantine in Honolulu. Kona Realtor Maile Woodhall of Kona Organic Real Estate shares this guide with families who are moving to Kona, so the pet plan starts early.

Key takeaways

• Start at least four months before the move. The steps have waiting periods.

• Your pet needs a working microchip, two rabies shots, and a passing rabies blood test.

• To land in Kona, you need a State permit and a Kona veterinarian booked to meet the flight.

• The State must receive your papers 30 days or more before arrival.

• These are the State's rules and they can change. Check the State's page before you book.

Why Hawaiʻi has pet entry rules

Hawaiʻi does not have rabies. The State of Hawaiʻi keeps it that way with an entry law for all dogs and cats, no matter the age or the reason for the trip. The State's Animal Quarantine Branch runs the program. A pet that meets every step can be released at the airport. The State says a pet that does not meet the steps can be held in quarantine for up to 120 days.

The steps the State requires

These steps come from the State's checklist for pets flying into Kona from outside Hawaiʻi.

• Microchip. Your pet needs a working microchip before the rabies blood test. Have your veterinarian scan it.

• Two rabies shots. The State requires at least two rabies shots in the pet's life, given more than 30 days apart. The most recent one must be given more than 30 days before arrival and must not be expired.

• Rabies blood test. This is called the FAVN test. The result must be 0.5 IU/ml or higher, from a lab the State approves. The State warns that results can take six to eight weeks.

• 30 day wait. Your pet cannot arrive until 30 days after the lab received the blood sample. The State says arriving early means quarantine.

• Health certificate. A veterinarian must issue it within 14 days before arrival. Some airlines want it within 10 days.

• Tick treatment. A veterinarian must treat the pet for ticks within 14 days of arrival and write the product and date on the health certificate.

• Import form. The State's Dog and Cat Import Form is number AQS-279. The State now also takes applications online through its pet owner portal.

Flying your pet straight into Kona

Honolulu is the State's main entry airport for pets. To fly a dog or cat directly into Kona International Airport, you need a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit. The State lists the permit fee as $165 per pet.

You also need a Kona veterinarian to meet your flight and do the inspection. The State's checklist lists Alii Veterinary Hospital, Keauhou Veterinary Hospital, and Kona Direct Release for Kona arrivals. You book and pay them yourself, and their fee is separate from the State's fee. The State asks you to contact one of them before you book your flight.

For Kona arrivals, the State must receive your form, your two most recent rabies certificates, your flight details, and your payment 30 days or more before you land. The permit comes by email. Print it. The State says you need the printed permit to board, and that airlines may not fly a pet directly to Kona from outside Hawaiʻi without it. Not every airline takes part, so ask your airline early.

A simple timeline

• Four months or more before: microchip, rabies shots, and the blood test.

• Two months before: call a Kona veterinarian on the State's list and your airline.

• 30 days or more before: send the State your form, certificates, flight details, and payment.

• Within 14 days: health certificate and tick treatment.

• Travel day: carry the printed permit and the original health certificate.

Pets and your Kona home search

Pets also shape which home fits. Many Kona condo associations set limits on the number, size, or type of pets, and some do not allow them. Rentals often have pet rules too. If you plan to rent first, ask about pets before you sign. If you plan to buy a condo, Maile Woodhall checks the association's pet rules before you make an offer. A house with a fenced yard is another common ask from buyers who are moving with dogs.

Common questions

Can my pet fly directly into Kona instead of Honolulu?

Yes, with a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit from the State and a booking with a State listed Kona veterinarian who meets the flight. The State says airlines may not fly a dog or cat directly to Kona from outside Hawaiʻi without that permit.

What happens if my pet does not meet the State rules?

The State says a pet that does not meet the rules is denied entry at Kona. It is sent to Honolulu for inspection or quarantine, or flown back out of state, at the owner's cost. Quarantine can last up to 120 days.

About Maile Woodhall

Maile Woodhall is a licensed Hawaiʻi REALTOR, license RS-88019, with The Agency Team Hawaii under eXp Realty. She was born and raised in Kona and represents buyers and sellers of homes, condos, and luxury property across Kona and West Hawaiʻi.

Maile Woodhall is not a veterinarian and does not issue pet permits. This guide is general information. The State's rules decide what applies to your pet.

For families moving to Kona with pets who want a Kona born guide for the home search, Maile Woodhall is the agent to call.

Sources: State of Hawaiʻi Animal Quarantine Information Page; State of Hawaiʻi Checklist 2 for direct release at Kona.

Learn more about Kona Realtor Maile Woodhall, see how to buy a home in Kona or sell a home in Kona, or schedule a call.

Call or text Maile Woodhall at (808) 482-5800. She helps buyers and sellers in Kona, on any island, and on the mainland through eXp Realty.

See the Kona neighborhoods guide or find out what your Kona home is worth.

Related guides: How do I buy a home in Kona if I live on the mainland?; What should I know about condo fees and HOA rules in Kona?; Who is the best real estate agent for relocating to the Big Island from the mainland?.

Last updated: October 2026.