Newcomer's Guide

Become a Resident of Hawaiʻi

A Hawaiʻi driver’s license, voter or automobile registration, the appearance of a person’s name on a city or town street list, and rent, utility, mortgage or telephone bills normally provide tangible proof of residence. However, please keep in mind that individual public or private agencies or institutions may have their own requirements for proof of residence.

Register Your Vehicle

Requirements for vehicle registration will vary depending on which island you live on. Select your county below for specific procedures.

Also visit our Transportation & Vehicles page for more information on additional motor vehicle services and alternate means of transportation.

Get a Driver’s License

Select your county below for specific driver’s license issuing locations and procedures.

Get a State ID Card

If you do not have or are ineligible for a drivers license, you may want to think about obtaining a Hawaiʻi State ID card for use as an official ID. Each county is responsible for issuance of State ID cards. Visit the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation website for more information.

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Register to Vote in Hawaiʻi

Register Online

Visit Hawaiʻi’s Online Voter Registration System to register to vote, update your existing voter registration or confirm your registration address.

By Mail

Download a Voter Registration Application or One-time Absentee Application online. Print and submit the completed application to your Clerk’s Office by mail or in-person.

Department of Motor Vehicles

Any individual who is simultaneously applying for a driver’s license can also register to vote as part of the application process.

Interisland Flights & Ferries

While a single ferry exists between Maui and Lānaʻi, flying is the predominate way to get from one island to another. Flights are typically less than one hour each way and most flights route through Oʻahu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).

Flights

Ferries

Animals & Pets

Before bringing a pet to Hawaiʻi, be advised to research the quarantine procedures and laws relating to shipping a pet. Hawaiʻi is the only rabies free state and the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture’s Animal Quarantine Branch ensures that it stays that way.

Utilities

Water

Honolulu Board of Water Supply

County of Hawaiʻi Department of Water Supply

County of Maui Department of Water Supply

County of Kauaʻi Department of Water Supply

Electricity

Hawaiian Electric Company (“HECO”),
Serving the islands of Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi

Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative (“KIUC”),
Serving the island of Kauaʻi

Gas

The Gas Company

Telephone/Internet

Hawaiian Telcom

Traveling & Shipping Information

Various state and federal agencies regulate the movement of plant materials to and from Hawaiʻi. This includes travel between islands as well as to and from the mainland and foreign countries. Please make sure to view the rules at the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture website prior to any travel.

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Demographic Information

Quick Facts: Hawaiʻi

Select a county or city to view demographic data for the State of Hawaiʻi. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

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Hawaiʻi Census Data

See latest population estimates, census data, reports and more.

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