How to Declare Goods at Customs in Hawaii, United States

When arriving in Hawaii, you must declare all goods acquired abroad to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including gifts, purchases, and any food or agricultural items, using form 6059B or via electronic kiosks, with strict rules for cash over $10,000 and Hawaii-specific agricultural restrictions.

Customs Declaration Overview for Hawaii Arrivals

All travelers entering the United States, including the state of Hawaii, must declare goods acquired abroad to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Hawaii, as a U.S. state, follows federal customs laws but enforces additional stringent agricultural inspections to protect its unique ecosystem.

Traveler Type Personal Exemption Key Declaration Requirement Primary Inspection Point
U.S. Resident (abroad >48 hrs) $800 All items acquired abroad, gifts, repairs First U.S. Port of Entry
U.S. Resident (abroad <48 hrs) $200 All items acquired abroad First U.S. Port of Entry
International Visitor $100 All items for personal/ business use, gifts First U.S. Port of Entry

Important Note

The personal exemption is not a "free" allowance to bring goods up to that value. It is the value of goods you may bring back without paying duty. You must still declare everything you are bringing back, regardless of value.

Declaring Restricted or Prohibited Items

Agricultural and Food Items

Hawaii has the strictest agricultural laws in the U.S. Declare ALL fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, animals, and animal products. Many are prohibited to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases. Failure to declare can result in immediate fines from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA).

Medications

Prescription medications should be in their original containers with the doctor's prescription. Declare controlled substances. It is advisable to carry a letter from your physician.

Commercial Goods

Items intended for sale or for use in a business must be declared separately and are not eligible for personal exemption. Different duty rates and formal entry procedures may apply.

Step-by-Step Declaration Process

Step Action Location Key Personnel
1 Complete CBP Declaration Form 6059B Onboard flight/vessel or at APC kiosk Traveler
2 Primary Inspection: Present passport & declaration CBP Inspection Area CBP Officer
3 Baggage Claim & Secondary Inspection (if directed) Baggage Claim / Inspection Station CBP / HDOA Officer
4 Agricultural Inspection (Mandatory in Hawaii) HDOA Station after CBP HDOA Inspector

Pro Tip

Use the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app or Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks where available (e.g., Honolulu International Airport) to submit your declaration and biographic information electronically. This often results in shorter wait times.

Declaring Currency and Monetary Instruments

Report Required Over $10,000

If you are carrying currency or monetary instruments (e.g., traveler's checks, money orders) valued at over $10,000 in total, you must file a FinCEN Form 105. This is a reporting requirement, not a limit. Failure to report can lead to seizure of the funds and may include substantial fines.

Duty and Tax Calculation

Item Category Duty Rate Basis Personal Exemption Impact Notes
General Merchandise Item value (Fair Retail Value) Counts toward exemption limit First $800 (or $200) is duty-free for eligible travelers.
Alcohol Per liter / State laws apply Limited to 1L per person over 21 Hawaii state taxes apply in addition to federal duty.
Tobacco Per quantity (cigarettes, cigars) Limited quantities (e.g., 200 cigarettes) Restricted to persons over 21.
Gifts Value of gift Counts toward recipient's exemption You may mail gifts with different rules.

Flat Rate Duty

If you exceed your personal exemption, CBP will assess duty on the entire value of the next $1,000 worth of goods at a flat rate (generally 3%). Items beyond that are dutiable at their individual Harmonized Tariff Schedule rates.

Required Documentation and Paperwork

CBP Declaration Form 6059B

This is the primary document. Answer all questions truthfully and completely. Sign and date it. Keep sales receipts for major purchases accessible, as CBP may ask to see them.

Passport and Visa

Have your passport (and visa if required) ready for inspection. The CBP officer will verify your identity and legal admissibility.

FinCEN Form 105

Required only if transporting more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments. Available at ports of entry or online. File with a CBP officer.

Hawaii's Agricultural Declaration

Mandatory Separate Declaration

After clearing federal CBP, you must present your baggage to a Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) inspector. You will be asked to complete a separate Hawaii Agricultural Declaration Form. All checked and carry-on baggage is subject to inspection.

Common Prohibited Items

Fresh fruits and vegetables (especially from tropical regions), plants in soil, seeds for planting, snakes, and most live insects are generally prohibited. Some items may be allowed with prior permits and inspection.

Consequences of Non-Declaration

Civil Penalties

Penalties for failure to declare can include seizure of the undeclared goods, and may include substantial fines. The fines can be based on the value of the merchandise.

Criminal Penalties

Willful violations, such as smuggling or making false statements, can lead to criminal prosecution, which may result in higher fines and imprisonment.

Agricultural Violations

The HDOA can levy immediate fines for failing to declare agricultural items. Introducing a pest could have catastrophic environmental and economic consequences for Hawaii.

Pre-Arrival Customs Checklist

Before Your Flight

  1. Gather receipts for purchases made abroad.
  2. Pack declared items together for easy access if inspected.
  3. Leave prohibited agricultural items behind.
  4. Ensure medications are in original containers.

On the Flight / Vessel

  1. Complete the paper CBP Form 6059B or prepare for electronic declaration (MPC/APC).
  2. Complete the Hawaii Agricultural Declaration form if provided.
  3. Calculate total value of goods and total currency/monetary instruments.

At the Port of Entry

  1. Have passport and completed forms ready.
  2. Answer the CBP officer's questions truthfully.
  3. If directed to secondary inspection, proceed calmly.
  4. Present all baggage to the HDOA inspector.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What must I declare at US Customs?

A. You must declare all items you are bringing from abroad that you did not have when you left the United States. This includes gifts, purchases, duty-free items, and any items for commercial use. You must also declare any currency or monetary instruments over $10,000.

How much cash can I bring into the USA?

A. There is no limit to the amount of cash you can bring into the United States. However, you must file a FinCEN Form 105 (Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments) if you are transporting currency or monetary instruments valued at more than $10,000.

What are the penalties for not declaring goods?

A. Penalties for failure to declare can include seizure of the undeclared goods, and may include substantial fines. Willful violations can lead to more severe consequences, including criminal prosecution.

What food items can I bring into Hawaii?

A. Hawaii has strict agricultural laws to protect its ecosystem. Most fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, and seeds require inspection and permits. Many are prohibited. Declare all food items to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) inspector upon arrival.

Do I need to declare duty-free items?

A. Yes, you must declare items purchased in duty-free shops abroad. The duty-free exemption applies to the value of the goods, not where they were purchased. You must include them on your declaration form and they count toward your personal exemption limit.

How do I declare goods if I'm connecting through another US city?

A. You will clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at your first port of entry into the United States. If you land in Los Angeles before flying to Honolulu, you will collect your checked bags, clear CBP inspection in Los Angeles, re-check your bags for your Hawaii flight, and then proceed to your gate.

What is the personal exemption for returning US residents?

A. Returning U.S. residents are generally allowed a $800 personal exemption if they have been abroad for at least 48 hours and have not used any part of the exemption within the preceding 30 days. Some items have specific limits (e.g., alcohol, tobacco).

What form do I use to declare items?

A. Most travelers will use the CBP Declaration Form 6059B. This is often distributed on your flight or cruise before arrival. Electronic declaration via Mobile Passport Control (MPC) apps or Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks at certain airports is also available and encouraged.

Official U.S. Customs Resources

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Customs regulations are complex and subject to change. Always consult the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (www.cbp.gov) and Hawaii Department of Agriculture (hdoa.hawaii.gov) websites for the most current, authoritative information. The final determination on any item's admissibility and applicable duties rests solely with the CBP and HDOA officers at the port of entry.