What if I'm a registered medical cannabis patient?

The inter-island transport ban applies to all patients, including registered 329 cardholders and 329V visitors. There are no exceptions for medical use. The statute explicitly carves out inter-island transport from the protections granted to qualifying patients.

Can I take cannabis on an inter-island ferry?

No. The inter-island transport ban applies to all modes of transport. Additionally, transporting cannabis by water between islands could constitute federal trafficking. The only inter-island ferry currently operating (Maui-Lanai) does not change this legal prohibition.

What happens if I get caught with cannabis at a Hawaii airport?

All Hawaii airports are under federal jurisdiction. Cannabis found at any airport will be referred to law enforcement. Penalties can include federal possession charges (up to 1 year imprisonment and $1,000 fine) or federal trafficking charges (up to 5 years and $250,000) depending on the circumstances.

Cannabis Between Hawaiian Islands — It's Illegal

Q: Can I take cannabis between Hawaiian islands?

No. HRS §329-122 explicitly states that the right to transport cannabis "does not include the inter-island transportation of cannabis, usable cannabis, or any manufactured cannabis product." This applies to all patients — both 329 residents and 329V visitors — and all forms of cannabis.

Q: What about Molokai and Lanai — can I bring cannabis there?

No. There are no dispensaries on Molokai or Lanai, and inter-island transport is illegal. This means there is no legal way for visitors to access medical cannabis on these islands. Only Hawaii residents with a 329 card who live on these islands can cultivate at a registered grow site.

Legal Disclaimer: This information reflects Hawaii cannabis law as of April 2026 and is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Laws and regulations change — always verify current rules with the Hawaii Department of Health — OMCCR or a qualified attorney. Cannabis remains illegal under federal law.

Last verified: March 2026

The Law Is Explicit: No Inter-Island Transport

Hawaii law specifically addresses inter-island cannabis transport and prohibits it entirely. This is not a gray area or an oversight — the legislature intentionally carved out this restriction within the medical cannabis protections of HRS §329-122.

The right of a qualifying patient or primary caregiver to transport cannabis does not include the inter-island transportation of cannabis, usable cannabis, or any manufactured cannabis product.
HRS §329-122(c)(2)(E) — Conditions of Use

This prohibition applies to all patients — both 329 residents and 329V visitors. It applies to all forms of cannabis: flower, edibles, concentrates, tinctures, topicals, vape cartridges, and any manufactured cannabis product. There are no exceptions for personal medical use.

Why Inter-Island Transport Is Banned

The ban exists for multiple overlapping legal reasons:

1. All Inter-Island Flights Go Through Airports

There is no ferry service between most Hawaiian islands (the Maui–Lanai ferry is the lone exception). Practically all inter-island travel requires flying, and every airport in Hawaii is under federal jurisdiction. The TSA operates under federal authority, and cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. Possessing cannabis at any airport — in your carry-on, checked bag, or on your person — violates federal law regardless of your state-issued 329 card.

2. Federal Land Crossings by Ground

Even on the Big Island, where ground travel between cities might seem like an alternative, major highways pass through or near Pohakuloa Training Area — a 108,863-acre U.S. Army installation in the center of the island. The Saddle Road (Daniel K. Inouye Highway, Route 200) passes directly through portions of this federal military land.

3. State Law Itself Prohibits It

Even setting aside the federal issues, Hawaii state law explicitly prohibits inter-island transport. This means that even if airports were not federal property, carrying cannabis between islands would still violate HRS §329-122.

What This Means for Multi-Island Visitors

Visiting Multiple Islands?

You must purchase cannabis separately on each island you visit. Consume or dispose of all cannabis before leaving an island. Do not attempt to carry any cannabis products through any airport or onto any inter-island flight.

Island	Dispensaries Available?	Notes
Oahu	Yes — 11 locations	Most dispensary options of any island. See Oahu dispensaries
Big Island	Yes — 2 licensees	Locations in Hilo and Kona areas. See Big Island dispensaries
Maui	Yes — 2 licensees	See Maui dispensaries
Kauai	Yes — 2 locations	See Kauai dispensaries
Molokai	No	No dispensaries. No legal way for visitors to obtain cannabis.
Lanai	No	No dispensaries. No legal way for visitors to obtain cannabis.

The Molokai and Lanai Problem

There are no dispensaries on Molokai or Lanai. Combined with the inter-island transport ban, this means there is no legal way for visitors to access medical cannabis on these islands. Hawaii residents with a 329 card who live on Molokai or Lanai may cultivate at a registered grow site (up to 10 plants), but visitors cannot cultivate under any circumstances.

If your trip includes Molokai or Lanai, plan accordingly. You will not have legal access to cannabis during that portion of your visit.

Who CAN Transport Cannabis Between Islands?

The only entities authorized to transport cannabis inter-island are:

Licensed dispensaries — Under Act 309 (Session Laws of Hawaii 2022), licensed dispensaries may transport cannabis products between their own facilities on different islands for supply and distribution purposes.
Licensed testing laboratories — Labs authorized by DOH may transport cannabis samples between islands for required testing.

Individual patients, caregivers, and visitors are never authorized to transport cannabis between islands.

Penalties

Attempting to transport cannabis between islands could result in multiple overlapping charges:

State law violation: Violating the conditions of HRS §329-122 could result in loss of your medical card protections, meaning any cannabis in your possession is treated as illegal possession under HRS §712.
Federal airport jurisdiction: Possessing cannabis at a Hawaii airport is a federal offense. Simple federal possession can carry up to 1 year imprisonment and a $1,000 fine for a first offense.
Federal trafficking: Transporting cannabis across jurisdictional boundaries can be charged as federal trafficking, carrying penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

This Is Actively Enforced

TSA agents at Hawaii airports screen for prohibited items. While TSA's primary mission is security, they are required to refer any illegal substances discovered to law enforcement. Cannabis found at a Hawaii airport will be reported to federal authorities.

Inter-Island Cannabis Transport Rules