IG InmateGuide

Hawaii Prisons and Jails

Visiting hours, communication rules, and inmate-search links for the 2 correctional facilities we track in Hawaii. The Hawaii Department of Corrections operates the state prison system; county sheriffs' offices run local jails for pretrial and short-sentence inmates; and federal facilities are operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Hawaii communication guides

Step-by-step, Hawaii-specific instructions for the four most common questions families ask when a loved one enters HI DCR custody.

Visiting in Hawaii: what to know

State prison visits in Hawaii typically require advance approval through the inmate's housing unit. Submit the visiting application as soon as the inmate arrives at their permanent assignment — background-check turnaround can run six to eight weeks. County jails almost always allow new visitors to register online, but many of those visits are now video-only and must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.

Federal facilities in Hawaii follow Bureau of Prisons Program Statement 5267.09. Adult visitors must be on the inmate's BP-A0629 visiting list; children must be accompanied and have proof of relationship. Always verify the visiting schedule the day before you travel — units are routinely placed on modified operations for staffing or weather.

Federal Facilities (1)

Operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. BOP visiting policy applies system-wide.

State Prisons (1)

Operated by the Hawaii Department of Corrections.