Hawaii is nicknamed “Paradise.” These tropical islands have 9.4 million tourists visiting yearly, making up 21 percent of the state’s economy. If you’re planning to visit Hawaii soon, you might be wondering if you can bring your Kratom. The answer to this is yes, bring it along. In 2023, Kratom is completely legal on each of the eight Hawaiian Islands.

• What is Kratom?
• Laws and legislation of Kratom in Hawaii
• Where can I buy Kratom in Hawaii?
• Kratom Advocacy in Hawaii

What is Kratom?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an evergreen tree native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia and part of the coffee plant family. The farmers in Southeast Asia have become experts in growing and harvesting Kratom, and to this day, the highest quality Kratom available in the world comes from this region. Harvested Kratom has helped farmworkers manage long and arduous work days for centuries.

Kratom leaves contain two alkaloids: mitragynine and 7-α-hydroxy mitragynine—these Act on the opioid receptors in the brain. Depending on the strain and vein of Kratom and the dosage, Kratom can have stimulant effects, calming effects, or relief from discomfort. Traditionally, people chewed Kratom leaves or brewed them to make tea. Today, Kratom can be taken conveniently, including powder, capsules, and extracts.

Laws and legislation of Kratom in Hawaii

While Kratom is currently legal throughout Hawaii, an attempt to classify it as a Schedule V drug occurred in 2020. A Schedule V drug is classified as having a low potential for abuse. Examples of this classification are codeine and over-the-counter cough medicines like Robitussin. The bill to pass this, Partisan Bill HI SB3064, was issued in 2020. Fortunately, it failed to pass, and no attempts have been made since.

Where can I buy Kratom in Hawaii?

With Kratom legal in Hawaii, you have two primary buying options – going to a local Kratom or smoke shop or buying from an online vendor. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, but generally, purchasing online is the better choice. By buying online, you’ll no doubt get better quality Kratom. Buying online is generally less expensive because online vendors work directly with farmers and manufacturers, and they buy in bulk. Additionally, local Kratom shops can’t provide the same wide variety as online retailers. Most places you can purchase Kratom also cater to tobacco and vape users, whereas online Kratom retailers typically sell only Kratom.

Some vendors, like Kingdom Kratom based in San Antonio, Texas, test all their Kratom for impurities and potency. Likewise, Kingdom Kratom products are harvested for strength, maturity, and purity. Good retailers stand behind their products, offering money-back guarantees if you’re unsatisfied.

Kratom Advocacy in Hawaii

The American Kratom Association (AKA) is a non-profit advocacy group established in 2014, committed to preserving and protecting the freedom of Kratom or Mitragyna Speciosa. Also, it advocates for regulation to ensure Kratom quality and also for research on the benefits of Kratom. The AKA continues to work tirelessly to have Kratom legal in every state. You can help in that effort by joining the AKA as a “protector” of Kratom. You’ll receive notification of any laws changes and advocacy needed. Join the email list here.

Working in concert with the AKA, the Botanical Education Alliance also dedicates itself to educating consumers, lawmakers, law enforcement, and the media about safe and therapeutic natural supplements, including Kratom. Its mission is to increase understanding to influence public policy and protect natural supplements.

The Kratom Consumer Protection Act is under consideration in more than 20 states. As of 2023, the KPCA has passed in the following states: Utah, Georgia, Arizona, Oregon, Nevada, Colorado, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

To see if Kratom is currently legal in your state, please check out this interactive Kratom legality map.