# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Travel Regulations

How to Get an Import Permit for Orchids Traveling to Hawaii

Hawaii is home to unique plants and animals that are vulnerable to foreign organisms. To protect their plants, shipping or bringing orchids to the islands is not easy. You must follow certain procedures and submit required paperwork ahead of time --- like the import permit. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) regulates the import of plants that enter the islands. The only way to obtain your import permit and to import your plants successfully to the aloha state is by following the HDOA's regulations.

Instructions

- 1
  Obtain an import permit from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture Plant Quarantine Office or download the PDF form from Hawaii.gov/hdoa. The form is called Permit Application for Restricted Commodities into Hawaii.
- 2
  Fill out the form completely, including the quantity and scientific name of the orchid. The form also requires you to declare the reasons for importing the plant.
- 3
  Sign and date the bottom portion of the second page. Attach application fees and send the form to State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture Plant Quarantine Branch, 1849 Auiki St., Honolulu, HI 96819-3100.
- 4
  Allow 7 to 14 days for processing the form. If approved, the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture Plant Quarantine Branch will mail the import permit to your return address.
- 5
  Follow all the shipping or importing requirements included in the import permit. Expect an authorized HDOA agent to examine the plants upon your arrival in Hawaii. HDOA checks all restricted plants like orchids to ensure that they are free of pests.