Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Policy: What You Can Bring Onboard

Traveling with Hawaiian Airlines often brings paradise, but to ensure smooth check-in and baggage handling, it is essential to understand the full scope of the Hawaiian Airlines baggage policy. Whether you’re flying inter-island within Hawaii, across the U.S., or internationally, the baggage allowances, fees, and special allowances (for military travellers, special items, or oversized gear) vary notably. Knowing your entitlements from carry-on to checked baggage, and even what happens if it’s lost, can save you money, time, and stress at the airport.

Hawaiian Airlines Carry-On Baggage Policy

Every passenger, including those flying on Main Cabin Basic fare, may bring one free carry-on bag and one free personal item aboard.

• Carry-on bag: Maximum size is 22 × 14 × 9 inches (including handles and wheels), or a total of 45 linear inches (sum of length + width + height), and must fit in the overhead bin.

• Personal item: You can take a purse, a laptop bag, or a small backpack. Maximum 17 x 13 x 9 inches (43 x 33 x 23 cm) and must fit under the seat in front of you.

• Weight: Officially, no limit, but the bag must be liftable by one person into the overhead bin (realistic cap around 25 lbs).

• Additional free items: You can carry a Jacket, umbrella, duty-free items, stroller, car seat, diaper bag, breast pump, or assistive devices for free.

Liquids, gels, and aerosols must follow TSA 3-1-1 rules. On busy inter-island flights, voluntary gate-checking is common if bins fill up (still free).

Hawaiian Airlines Domestic Baggage Policy: Inter-Island vs. North America Routes

If you’re flying within Hawaii or heading between the islands and the mainland, Hawaiian Airlines keeps things pretty straightforward. The fees change depending on your route, so it helps to know what to expect before you get to the airport.

Inter-Island Flights (within Hawaii):

Flying between islands is simple, but checked bags come with set fees:

• First checked bag: $30 ($25 if prepaid online 24 hours before departure)

• Second checked bag: $40 ($35 prepaid)

• Additional bags: $50 each

• First Class: 2 free checked bags

Hawaii ↔ North America (U.S. mainland and Canada):

• First checked bag: Fees often $30–$45

• Second checked bag: $45 ($40 prepaid)

• Additional bags (3+): $150 each

• First Class: 2 free checked bags

Standard Size and Weight Rules:

• Max weight per bag: 50 lbs (23 kg)

• Max size: 62 linear inches (157 cm)

• Bags 51–70 lbs: extra $100 fee

• Bags over 70 lbs: not accepted

This way, you can pack smart and avoid any surprises at check-in.

Planning a premium island journey? Explore our complete guide to Hawaiian Airlines Business Class for seats, meals, and priority services.

Hawaiian Airlines International Baggage Policy: Generous Allowances to Asia and the South Pacific

If you’re flying internationally with Hawaiian Airlines, you’ll notice the baggage allowances are much more generous compared to domestic routes. Most long-haul destinations include at least one or two free checked bags, which is a big plus for travelers packing for longer trips.

Routes with 2 Free Checked Bags: Flights to Japan, South Korea, American Samoa, Tahiti, and the Cook Islands allow:

• 2 free checked bags, each up to 70 lbs (32 kg)

• Maximum size: 62 linear inches

Australia and New Zealand: These routes include:

• 1 free checked bag (up to 50 lbs / 23 kg)

• 2nd bag: $100 USD (from Hawaii/North America) or $150 AUD/NZD (from Australia/New Zealand), depending on direction.

Business Class on All International Flights

• 3 free checked bags, each up to 70 lbs

Overweight or Oversized Bags: If your bag weighs between 71–100 lbs or exceeds standard dimensions, expect a fee, depending on your destination.

Want maximum comfort on your island flight? Read our guide on Hawaiian Airlines Business Class seats for layouts, legroom, and features.

Hawaiian Airlines Military Baggage Policy

Hawaiian Airlines offers some of the most generous military baggage benefits in the U.S. aviation industry. Whether you’re traveling for duty or on personal time, the allowances are exceptionally helpful for service members and their families.

Active Duty Traveling on Orders:

• 5 free checked bags

• Up to 70 lbs each

• Maximum size: 80 linear inches

Leisure Travel for Service Members and Dependents:

• Active duty member, spouse, and dependents traveling on the same reservation: → 2 free checked bags each (up to 70 lbs and 62 linear inches per bag).

• Valid military ID required.

These benefits apply to all U.S. military branches, including the National Guard, Reserves, Public Health Service, and NOAA.

Hawaiian Airlines Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage

Even with the best planning, sometimes baggage gets delayed, lost, or damaged. Hawaiian Airlines outlines a clear process under its lost or delayed baggage policy:

• If your baggage is lost or damaged, you must visit a baggage service counter at the airport to file a report.

• A preliminary notice of claim must be submitted within four hours after your flight’s arrival (or the time your baggage should have arrived). That arrival day is referred to as the “Claim Date.”

• When filing, you will need your baggage claim tag (issued at check-in) and flight information. Keep all receipts for any expenses incurred due to the loss or damage.

Filing early and keeping records increases the likelihood of successful resolution.

Prohibited and Restricted Items You Cannot Bring

Hawaiian Airlines strictly follows FAA, TSA, and Hawaii Department of Agriculture regulations, which means certain items are either restricted or completely banned from flights. Knowing these rules ahead of time helps you avoid delays during check-in or agricultural screening.

Some of the most important items you cannot bring include:

• Hoverboards and smart luggage with non-removable lithium batteries.

• More than 11 lbs of ammunition.

• Fresh fruits, plants, and soil when entering Hawaii due to strict agricultural protections.

• Marijuana, even for medical use, is prohibited on any flight to, from, or within Hawaii.

• Firearms, which are only allowed in checked baggage and must be unloaded, stored in a hard case, and declared at check-in.

These rules are enforced to protect passenger safety and Hawaii’s delicate ecosystem.

To get the most comfortable spot on your flight, read our Hawaiian Airlines seat selection guide before you book.

Special Baggage Allowances That Save Money

Hawaiian Airlines is known for being traveler-friendly with sports gear and oversized equipment, especially since so many visitors travel with surfboards or outdoor equipment.

Here are some items that get special handling or reduced fees:

• Surfboards, paddleboards, bodyboards, and wakeboards: These items are counted as one regular checked bag with no extra oversize fee if under 70 lbs and 125 linear inches.

• Bicycles: Charged $100 each way when properly packed in a bike box and treated as oversized baggage.

• Golf bags, scuba gear, and skis/snowboards: Only the standard checked bag fee applies.

• Musical instruments: You may carry on your small instruments. Larger ones can be checked, or you can purchase a seat for delicate instruments.

• HawaiianMiles Elite members and Hawaiian Airlines credit card holders: Receive 1–2 free checked bags depending on membership level and route.

These allowances make Hawaiian Airlines especially convenient for travelers carrying sports equipment or extra gear.

Pack Like a Pro and Fly Hawaiian with Confidence

Understanding the full Hawaiian Airlines carry-on baggage policy, along with the rules for domestic, international, military, and even lost luggage, ensures a smooth and stress-free travel experience. Whether you're flying inter-island under the Hawaiian Airlines domestic baggage policy or heading overseas under the Hawaiian Airlines international policy, knowing your allowances helps you avoid extra fees and surprises at the airport. Military travelers benefit from one of the most generous Hawaiian Airlines military baggage policy programs in the industry, while the airline’s efficient Hawaiian Airlines lost baggage policy provides reassurance if something goes wrong.

Ready to fly stress-free? Book your Hawaiian Airlines trip with Flightsquest for the best fares, easy comparisons, and seamless support. Your smoothest travel experience starts here.

FAQs About Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Policy

Q1. What is the carry-on baggage allowance on Hawaiian Airlines?

Passengers may bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item that fits under the seat.

Q2. What size should my carry-on bag be?

Your carry-on luggage should measure no more than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm).

Q3. How much checked baggage is included?

Checked bag inclusion depends on your fare type, route, and loyalty status; many fares do not include free checked bags.

Q4. What are the checked baggage weight and size limits?

Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 lbs (23 kg) and measure 62 linear inches (157 cm).

Q5. How much does Hawaiian Airlines charge for checked bags?

Fees vary by route and membership: interisland flights, North America routes, and international flights have different pricing.

Q6. Does Hawaiian Airlines allow oversized or overweight bags?

Yes, but additional fees apply for bags over the standard weight or size limits.

Q7. Can I bring sports equipment on Hawaiian Airlines?

Yes, most sports gear is accepted, sometimes as checked baggage and sometimes with special handling fees.