Hawaiian Airlines Carry-On Policy: Everything You Need to Know

Hawaiian’s carry-on policy is simple: you can bring one carry-on bag for the overhead bin plus one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. The two details that matter most are (1) Hawaiian’s published size limit (including wheels/handles) and (2) the airline’s carry-on weight limit, which is stricter than many U.S. carriers.

Below is the quick cheat sheet, then the details.

Hawaiian Airlines carry-on rules at a glance

If you only read one section, make it this one—these are Hawaiian’s published limits and the practical points most people actually need.

• Carry-on bag (overhead bin): 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (including wheels and handles)
• Carry-on weight limit: 25 lbs (11 kg)
• Personal item (under the seat): One smaller item that must fit under the seat (examples: laptop bag, briefcase, purse, backpack)
• Enforcement note: Bags over the size/weight limit must be checked at check-in (gate-check is reserved for items like strollers/car seats/wheelchairs)
• For quick comparisons across airlines, keep my carry-on size by airline guide bookmarked.

Hawaiian Airlines carry-on size limit

Hawaiian’s maximum carry-on size is:

• 22″ x 14″ x 9″, including wheels and handles

Practical tip: measure your bag fully packed from the outside. Front pockets and “puffed out” expansion panels are the usual reason a bag that looks compliant doesn’t actually fit the published max.

Hawaiian Airlines personal item rules (under-seat bag)

Hawaiian allows one personal item in addition to your carry-on bag. They describe a personal item as something like a laptop bag, briefcase, purse, or backpack that fits under the seat in front of you.

If you want a stress-free routine: keep anything you can’t afford to be separated from (medications, keys, chargers, travel documents, valuables) in your personal item.

Other items you can carry on board

In addition to your one carry-on bag and personal item, you can bring the following items on board:

• A stroller
• A handbag or pocketbook;
• An overcoat, jacket, or wrap;
• A small foot rug;
• An umbrella or walking stick;
• A camera and/or a pair of binoculars;
• A reasonable amount of reading matter for the flight; and
• Food (including baby food) for consumption on the flight.

Hawaiian Airlines carry-on weight limit

Hawaiian publishes a 25 lb (11 kg) carry-on weight limit for your overhead-bin carry-on bag. If you tend to pack heavy, this is the one rule to take seriously—especially on return flights when souvenirs and extra items creep into your bag.

A simple strategy that usually keeps you out of trouble:

• Keep dense/heavy items (books, some electronics, heavier shoes) to a minimum in your carry-on.
• Use your under-seat personal item for essentials, but keep it truly under-seat sized.

Recommended Carry-On for Hawaiian Airlines

If you want a carry-on that matches Hawaiian’s published limits cleanly, the Travelpro VersaPack Spinner 20″ is the best option because its overall dimensions line up with Hawaiian’s 22″ x 14″ x 9″ maximum (including wheels and handles). That gives you the best chance of passing a sizer check without relying on “it’s close enough” judgment calls—and it keeps you focused on the one constraint Hawaiian is known for: the 25 lb carry-on weight limit.

Manufacturer dimensions:

Case dimensions (the main body): 19.75″ H x 13.25″ W x 8.5″ D

Overall dimensions (includes wheels and carry handles): 22″ H x 14″ W x 9″ D

Rules for Inter-Island Commuter Planes

Hawaiian Airlines Inter-Island commuter flights are on smaller planes with limited overhead space.  If your carry-on is larger than the personal item dimensions, you must gate-check your bag before boarding.

All carry-on bags within Hawaiian Airlines’ size restrictions will be gate checked, free of charge, during the boarding process and returned upon deplaning.

Despite this “official rule” there are some bags you can carry on a regional jet.  Check out this article on the best carry-on luggage for regional jets.

Hawaiian Airlines Liquid Policy

For flights departing the U.S. (including Hawaii), liquids are governed by TSA screening rules at the security checkpoint.

TSA liquids rule (quick version)

• Containers must be 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less
• All containers must fit in one quart-size clear bag
• One liquids bag per traveler

If you want the plain-English version with examples and the “is this a liquid?” edge cases, use my TSA liquids rule guide.

Exceptions to this rule are certain medications and baby food/child nourishment.

Hawaiian Airlines Carry-On Pet Policy

A pet traveling in the cabin must be carried in an approved soft-sided kennel. The kennel must always fit completely under the seat in front of you and remain there. The maximum dimensions for soft-sided kennels are 16 inches long x 10 inches wide x 9.5 inches high with a maximum weight of 25 pounds.

Here are some additional things to be aware of:

• Carriers must be soft-sided and leakproof.
• The carrier must be large enough to allow the animal to sit, stand upright, turn and lay down in a natural position.
• The animal is required to stay in its carrier while in the terminal and onboard the aircraft.
• Animal carriers are prohibited from the bulkhead, emergency exit rows, and rows adjacent to emergency exit rows.
• The carrier must be stowed under the seat directly in front of the guest.

Additional information can be found on Hawaiian’s Pet Policy Page.

Service animals have some separate guidelines.  Here is a link to Hawaiian Airlines’ service animal rules.

TSA-Approved Pet Carrier for Hawaiian Airlines

If you do plan on bringing your pet with you, make sure you follow TSA’s pet policy and have an approved Pet Carrier that conforms to Hawaiian Airlines’ pet policy.

I have flown with 2 small dogs over the last 10 years. We used the Sherpa pet carrier when bringing them on a flight with us and it worked great!

Hawaiian Airlines Carry-On Size and Fees

Hawaiian Airlines does not charge a fee for carry-on baggage that meets their size requirements.  If your bag is too large and does not meet Hawaiian Airlines’ carry-on restrictions, you may be charged a fee to gate-check it.

Here is a link to Hawaiian’s Carry-On page to make sure you have the most up-to-date information.

Related articles….

1. Guide to Hawaiian Airlines Deals and Promo Codes
2. Passport Requirements for Hawaii
3. Hawaiian Words and Phrases you need to know
4. Hawaiian Airlines Delays and Cancellation Policy
5. The Best Carry-On Bags for Regional and Small Jets