Is Kratom Legal in Hawaii?

TL;DR: Kratom is legal in Hawaii. There are no statewide or local bans, but previous efforts to ban or regulate it (like the 2020 House Bill 2510 and the 2023 KCPA attempt) show that things could shift. Stay updated and choose reputable sources if you use kratom.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical or legal advice. Please consult local authorities or a legal professional for the latest guidance in your area.

If you’re planning a trip to the islands or live in Hawaii and are curious about kratom — whether for personal use, wellness routines, or out of plain curiosity — you’re not alone.

Kratom has sparked plenty of discussion across the country, Hawaii included. But with all the debate, it’s not always easy to find clear, up-to-date information.

So, let’s get into it: is kratom legal in Hawaii? The short answer is yes — but with some important context worth understanding.

Kratom isn’t banned at the federal level in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean it’s totally clear-cut. 

The DEA once proposed classifying kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance back in 2016 (alongside drugs like heroin and LSD), but after a strong backlash from scientists, lawmakers, and the public, that proposal was withdrawn.

As a result, it’s up to each state — and sometimes even individual counties or cities — to decide whether kratom should be legal, regulated, or banned altogether. 

That’s how we’ve ended up with a national patchwork: legal in places like Florida (except Sarasota County), banned in places like Wisconsin, and regulated in states like Georgia and Arizona.

Yes, kratom is currently legal across the state of Hawaii. You can legally buy, possess, and use kratom without running afoul of state law.

But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. 

Legislators in Hawaii have proposed bills in the past to ban or regulate kratom, including House Bill 2510 in 2020, which aimed to classify its active alkaloids as Schedule V controlled substances. 

If passed, it would’ve made kratom illegal statewide. The bill was ultimately dropped, but it wasn’t the last word on the matter.

In 2023, Hawaii legislators discussed adopting a version of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) — a framework used in several other states to regulate kratom without banning it. 

While that proposal didn’t move forward either, it marked another sign that Hawaii is paying close attention to kratom's place in the market.

Kratom critics often raise concerns about product safety and misuse, especially since there’s no oversight ensuring quality. 

Without regulations, some fear that contaminated or adulterated products could slip into the market. There’s also concern over access by minors and potential misuse when combined with other substances.

On the other hand, many Hawaii residents (and Americans in general) have opposed outright bans, advocating instead for regulation over prohibition. 

Groups like the American Kratom Association continue to call for laws that protect access while setting standards for purity, labeling, and age restrictions.

So far, Hawaii hasn’t adopted those types of protections — but future legislation could go in either direction: regulation or restriction.

Yes. If you're flying to Hawaii from a state where kratom is legal, you can bring it with you. But use common sense:

• Keep it in its original packaging.
• Make sure your kratom is clearly labeled.
• Double-check your airline’s policy, as some may have restrictions.

Because kratom remains a hot-button issue, there’s no telling what future legislative sessions will bring. 

Hawaii’s past attempt to ban kratom shows there’s at least some interest among lawmakers in taking action — though there hasn’t been a strong push since.

What happens next could depend on a few things:

• Shifts in public opinion;
• Pressure from federal agencies;
• Reports of safety issues or product misuse;
• Increased advocacy for regulated access.

If you value access to kratom in Hawaii, staying informed and supporting safe practices matters.

Kratom is legal in Hawaii — for now. But with growing interest from lawmakers and advocates on both sides, the law isn’t set in stone. Whether you’re a local or visiting from the mainland, it’s worth keeping an eye on developments.

And until there’s regulation in place, be extra selective about where you get your kratom. Look for lab-tested products from trusted vendors to minimize risk.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal or medical advice. For the latest information about kratom laws in your area, consult an attorney or official state resources.

References:

• https://www.americankratom.org/aka-in-your-state
• https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom