As a travel enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for my next adventure. After a fulfilling trip to Bali, where I really elevated my surfing game, I couldn’t help but think — what’s the next big thing? 

That’s when Hawaii popped into my mind — a place with turquoise lagoons surrounded by tropical greenery, white sandy beaches, mythical waves, stunning waterfalls, lush jungles, majestic mountains, live volcanoes, and the surfing school of my dreams — what else could one ask for in a travel destination?

However, as a vaper, I must be extra cautious about the places I choose to visit. Vaping is not available in all parts of the world, which prompted me to research Hawaii’s vaping laws. Through conversations with locals and friends who have traveled there, I’ve gained some insights I would like to share. 

So, fasten your seatbelts, and let’s explore the vaping scene in Hawaii!

Things you need to know before traveling to Hawaii as a vaper:

1. You can vape in Hawaii if you are 21

Let’s start with some good news. Vaping is legal in Hawaii, but certain restrictions and regulations apply.

In 2015, Hawaii lawmakers upped the vaping age from 18 to 21. Underage vape users will be fined $10 the first time they’re caught and, for any subsequent offenses, fined $50 or required to perform 48 to 72 hours of community service.

I searched the internet for stories about 18 year old adults getting busted for vaping in Hawaii, but I couldn’t find anything. But hey, if you’re under 21 and on a wild party trip to Hawaii, make sure you don’t get caught vaping. You don’t want to end up doing community service for 72 hours just for hitting your vape too hard.

2. You can not vape on the beach or in parks

So, here’s a bummer: if you’re planning your trip to Hawaii, you must know that vaping on the beach or in parks is a no-go. I was honestly shocked when I found this out — I mean, what’s better than chilling on the beach with a sweet vape in your hand? Unfortunately, it looks like that’s not an option on the islands.

Aside from beaches and parks, there are other public areas where vaping is prohibited. These include schools, government buildings, and restaurants, among others. It’s important to be aware of these restrictions and to always ask for permission beforehand. 

What happens if you smoke in a smoke-free area? You will be asked to stop smoking or move to an area where smoking is allowed. If you refuse, you could be cited and fined.

This regulation is a total killjoy, especially if you’re on vacation in Hawaii and just want to roam around all day. You will need to make sure you plan ahead and sneak away to a secluded spot when you need to take a hit of your vape. 

3. You can travel with your vape 

It’s OK to bring your tanks, mods, rechargeables, or disposables. It’s best to pack them in your carry-on rather than your checked luggage. This way, you can easily show it to airport officers if necessary and prevent potential damage.

Pack the liquid in your checked luggage, as there are limits for liquids in carry-ons. Your vape device and spare batteries should always be kept in your carry-on. This way, you can ensure a hassle-free travel experience.

Don’t forget that the change in air pressure during the flight can make your vape leak, so it’s a good idea to stash it in a plastic bag. What I usually do when I travel is keep my vape together while going through security so it’s easy for them to check. Then, before the flight, I take off the tank and put it in a separate bag.

4. Soon flavored vapes could be banned

You can still get your hands on flavored vapes, but unfortunately, this won’t last long. Hawaii has been mulling a ban on the sale of flavored vaping products. A ban was approved last year but later vetoed due to some issues with the measure’s wording. 

So, right now, flavored vape juices are available in the stores, and you can enjoy them, but don’t get too comfortable because now anti-vape advocates are holding out hope for another bill banning flavored vapes. 

Our colleagues at the Consumer Choice Center have testified against vape bans in Hawaii, which you can view here.

As we all know, most vapers prefer sweet flavors over tobacco flavors; for some, that’s the whole point of vaping — to forget the taste of cigarettes. If they ban vape flavors, where will vapers get them? The answer is simple: illicit markets. So, this isn’t an intelligent move for Hawaii regulators.

5. There are a ton of vape shops over there

Whether you need a refill or a new device, you won’t have to go far to find what you’re looking for — there are heaps of vape shops on the islands.

However, the vaping industry in Hawaii is currently facing some challenges. There are a lot of rules and regulations; taxes are going up, and the proposed ban on flavored vapes. This ban specifically aims to prohibit the sale of flavored vapes, which make up 99.9 per cent of all products sold in Hawaii.

Unfortunately, this is making life tough for some of the vape shops. Some may even be forced to close due to bankruptcy. But for now, there are still shops available for vapers in Hawaii.

Be aware of what’s going on. Just in case, you may want to consider stocking up on your favorite flavored vapes and juices before your trip. And if you do need to buy supplies while you’re in Hawaii, be sure to check with the local shops to see what products they have available.

Now that vaping is a fast-becoming popular way to get your nicotine fix, unfortunately, more rules and regulations might pop up. 

So, stay tuned — and vape safely!

This blog post is constantly evolving since vaping laws are changing all the time everywhere in the world. If you have more info or recommendations, I’d love to hear from you! 

Anything else I missed?

Let me know at mariam@worldvapersalliance.com

More about vaping and travel:

Vaper’s Guide Thailand 

Vaper’s Guide Cambodia