Is Pot Legal in Maui? What Visitors Need To Know!

Many visitors planning their Hawaiian getaway wonder about pot's legal status in Maui. The answer isn't as simple as you'd expect, despite Hawaii's reputation as a relaxed paradise. Visitors can purchase THC related vapes, edibles, and drinks. Mary Jane In Hawaii has two great locations for our vape, edibles, cannabis drinks, and cigars. Our store in Kihei is conveniently located. Our newest store is near the Maui Airport in Kahului.

Hawaii stands out with one of the most progressive medical cannabis programs nationwide. The state legalized medical marijuana in 2000. Making history, Hawaii became the first state to legalize medical cannabis through legislation rather than a public vote. The recreational use situation tells a different story. Recreational marijuana remains illegal in Hawaii, including Maui. The state has decriminalized possession of small amounts - 3 grams or less. This makes it punishable by a $130 fine instead of jail time [-2] [-4]. Buying cannabis for recreational purposes still remains illegal.

Let's explore the current cannabis laws in Maui for 2025 in this piece. You'll learn what visitors should know about medical marijuana access and recent developments that might affect your stay. The future holds potential changes, including House Bill 1246 that wants to establish the Hawaiʻi Cannabis and Hemp Office.

Can You Use Cannabis in Maui as a Visitor?

The legality of marijuana access in Maui depends on your medical status. Recreational cannabis remains illegal throughout Hawaii, though possession of 3 grams or less results in a $130 fine.

Medical marijuana cardholders from other states can legally purchase cannabis while vacationing in Maui. Hawaii's Department of Health introduced a program in 2019 that allows out-of-state patients to register for temporary access. The program's popularity has grown significantly, with over 3,000 out-of-state patient cards issued in the first seven months of 2025 alone.

To qualify, you must:

• Have a valid medical cannabis card from your home state

• Possess a government-issued ID from the same state

• Apply online at medmj.ehawaii.gov

• Pay a non-refundable $49.50 application fee

After approval, you'll receive an electronic 329 Card valid for 60 days. Each calendar year allows two 60-day terms. Registered visitors can possess up to 4 ounces of cannabis but cannot grow plants.

Cannabis consumption is prohibited in public places, beaches, parks, vehicles, and federal property. Traveling with cannabis between islands is illegal because airports operate under federal jurisdiction.

How Hawaii Regulates Cannabis in 2025

Hawaii's medical cannabis regulations have changed substantially over the last several years. The state runs two separate programs: the Medical Cannabis Patient Registry Program and the Medical Cannabis Dispensary Program.

Hawaii residents with qualifying conditions can legally access cannabis through the patient registry. The state also lets out-of-state visitors with valid medical cards ask for temporary access. Each registered patient can keep up to 4 ounces of usable cannabis and grow up to 10 plants.

House Bill 302 passed in 2025 made a big change. Healthcare providers now certify cannabis for any condition they think appropriate, rather than sticking to the previous limited list. This change came after the number of registered patients fell from 35,444 in 2021 to 30,035 in 2024.

Patients must first get certification from a physician or advanced practice registered nurse who knows their medical history well. They then create an account on medmj.ehawaii.gov and submit their application. Registration costs $38.50 for one year or $77.00 for a two-year renewal.

Each plant needs a clear identification tag with the patient's 329 registration number and expiration date. So patients should remember that using cannabis remains off-limits in public places, workplaces, and moving vehicles.

What’s Changing: Future of Cannabis in Maui

Hawaii's push for cannabis reform keeps gaining strength, especially in Maui. Right now, lawmakers are reviewing several bills that could change how people get their marijuana.

Senate Bill 669 stands out as the game-changer. This bill wants to make cannabis legal for anyone 21 or older. The complete bill would let people keep up to one ounce and grow six plants in their homes. The law would also set up licensed stores available to all adults, not just those with medical cards.

There's another reason for optimism - House Bill 1246. This bill would create the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office to manage both medical and future recreational programs. The new office would replace the scattered system we have now.

Money talks, and it's a big part of why things are moving forward. Studies show legal cannabis could bring in $81 million yearly in taxes and add more than 2,000 jobs throughout the islands.

Looking at all this, experts think Hawaii might make recreational cannabis legal by 2026. We have a long way to go, but we can build on this progress. Until then, Maui visitors need to stick to current rules and use the medical program for legal access. So when people ask "is pot legal in Maui," the answer isn't simple - but big changes might be coming soon.

Conclusion

The answer to "Is pot legal in Maui?" isn't straightforward. Medical marijuana remains available for qualified patients. This includes visitors with out-of-state cards who complete the temporary registration process. Recreational cannabis is still illegal throughout Hawaii, though people caught with small amounts only face a fine instead of jail time.

Hawaii faces a pivotal moment in cannabis legislation. Senate Bill 669 could alter the map if passed. The bill would allow adults 21 and over to possess up to an ounce and grow plants at home. A new Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office would simplify regulations and generate millions in tax revenue for the state economy.

Visitors need to know their options clearly. Medical cardholders can use dispensaries legally after state registration. Those without medical authorization should understand the legal risks, even with decriminalization in place.

Signs point to a clear future ahead. Full legalization might arrive by 2026, driven by economic benefits, public support, and legislative progress. Visitors must follow current regulations carefully and respect state laws and local customs during their Maui stay.

Knowledge of these laws helps create a relaxing and trouble-free Hawaiian vacation. The islands' natural wonders and cultural experiences are exceptional to enjoy—whatever role cannabis plays in your experience.

Key Takeaways

Here's what visitors need to know about cannabis laws in Maui for 2025:

• Recreational marijuana remains illegal in Maui, though possession of 3 grams or less is decriminalized with a $130 fine instead of jail time.

• Out-of-state medical cardholders can legally access cannabis by registering online for a temporary 60-day 329 Card ($49.50 fee) through Hawaii's visitor program.

• Public consumption is strictly prohibited in all public places, beaches, parks, vehicles, and federal property—consumption must occur in private locations only.

• Legislative changes are coming soon with Senate Bill 669 potentially legalizing adult-use cannabis for those 21+ as early as 2026, allowing one ounce possession and home cultivation.

• Medical patients can possess up to 4 ounces and grow 10 plants, while House Bill 302 now allows doctors to certify cannabis for any condition they deem appropriate.

The landscape is rapidly evolving, with Hawaii positioned to become the next state to fully legalize recreational cannabis. Until then, visitors should stick to the medical program if qualified or avoid cannabis entirely to ensure a trouble-free vacation.

FAQs

Q1. Is recreational marijuana legal in Maui as of 2025? No, recreational marijuana remains illegal in Maui and throughout Hawaii. However, possession of small amounts (3 grams or less) has been decriminalized and is punishable by a $130 fine rather than jail time.

Q2. Can visitors with out-of-state medical marijuana cards use cannabis in Maui? Yes, out-of-state medical marijuana cardholders can legally access cannabis in Maui by registering for a temporary 60-day 329 Card through Hawaii's visitor program. This requires an online application and a $49.50 fee.

Q3. Where can medical marijuana patients consume cannabis in Maui? Consumption of cannabis is strictly prohibited in all public places, including beaches, parks, and vehicles. Medical marijuana patients must consume cannabis only in private locations.

Q4. How much cannabis can registered medical patients possess in Maui? Registered medical marijuana patients in Hawaii, including Maui, can possess up to 4 ounces of usable cannabis. They are also allowed to grow up to 10 plants.

Q5. Are there any upcoming changes to marijuana laws in Hawaii? Yes, there are potential changes on the horizon. Senate Bill 669 aims to legalize adult-use cannabis for those 21 and older, potentially allowing possession of up to one ounce and home cultivation. This could come into effect as early as 2026, but until then, current regulations remain in place.