How to Get a Passport in Holualoa, HI: Steps & Facilities

Getting a Passport in Holualoa, HI

Holualoa, a small community in Hawaii County on the Big Island, sees residents frequently needing passports due to Hawaii's strong travel patterns. International business trips to Asia and the Pacific, tourism to Japan and Australia, and family visits abroad are common. Seasonal peaks hit hard during spring break, summer vacations, and winter holidays, when students on exchange programs or families on last-minute cruises face urgent needs. High demand at local facilities often means limited appointments, so planning ahead is key—especially since Holualoa lacks a dedicated passport agency, requiring travel to nearby Kailua-Kona or Hilo.[1]

This guide covers everything from determining your needs to submitting your application, tailored for Holualoa users. It draws directly from U.S. Department of State guidelines and local resources. Note that processing times vary and can extend during peak seasons; always check current estimates rather than relying on averages.[2]

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before gathering documents, identify your situation to use the right process and forms. Missteps here—like using a renewal form for a first-time application—are common pitfalls.

• First-Time Passport: For adults or minors who have never had a U.S. passport. Requires in-person application at an acceptance facility.[2]
• Renewal by Mail: Eligible if your previous passport was issued when you were 16+, within the last 15 years, undamaged, and issued in your current name (or you can document a name change). Use Form DS-82; no appointment needed.[3]
• Renewal In-Person: Required if ineligible for mail renewal, such as if your old passport is damaged, over 15 years old, or issued before age 16. Treat like a first-time application with Form DS-11.[2]
• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged: Report it lost/stolen via Form DS-64 (online or mail), then apply for a replacement using DS-11 in-person if urgent, or DS-82 by mail if eligible.[4]
• Name Change, Data Correction, or Second Passport: Use DS-5504 by mail within one year of issuance for corrections; otherwise, in-person with DS-11.[5]
• For Minors Under 16: Always in-person with both parents/guardians; more documentation needed.[6]

Holualoa residents often confuse renewals with first-time apps due to expired tourist visas from past trips. Use the State Department's online wizard to confirm: travel.state.gov/passport-wizard.[1]

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Holualoa

Holualoa (ZIP 96725) has no on-site facility, so head to Kailua-Kona, about 5-10 miles away. Book appointments online via the facility's site or call ahead—slots fill fast during Hawaii's travel seasons.

• Kailua-Kona Main Post Office (74-5450 Makala Blvd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740): Accepts first-time, minors, and replacements. Open weekdays; photo service available. Phone: (808) 329-1461.[7]
• Hawaii County Clerk's Office - Kona (74-5044 Queen Kaahumanu Hwy #101, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740): Handles applications; check for passport hours. Phone: (808) 323-4837.[8]
• Other Nearby: Kealakekua Post Office (79-7631 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI 96750) or Hilo Main Post Office for east side residents.[7]

For urgent travel (within 14 days), expedited service is available at acceptance facilities, but true emergencies (life-or-death) require a regional passport agency—fly to Honolulu (2-hour flight).[9] Search all facilities at iafdb.travel.state.gov.[1]

Required Documents and Forms

Gather originals; photocopies won't suffice. Common errors include missing birth certificates or minor consent forms.

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (long-form preferred in Hawaii), naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Hawaii vital records issues certified copies; order online or from the Kona Health District Office.[10]
• Photo ID: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government ID. Hawaii residents can use state ID.[11]
• Passport Photo: One 2x2-inch color photo on white background, taken within 6 months. Local Walgreens, Costco, or USPS in Kona offer service (~$15).[12]
• Forms:

  Situation	Form	Where to Get
  First-time/Minor/Replacement	DS-11	travel.state.gov or facility
  Renewal by Mail	DS-82	travel.state.gov
  Lost/Stolen Report	DS-64	Online at travel.state.gov

Fees (as of 2023; verify current): Adult first-time $130 application + $35 execution + $30 optional photo. Expedited +$60. Pay execution fee by check/money order to "Postmaster"; application fee separate.[13]

For Hawaii births, get birth certificates from health.hawaii.gov/vitalrecords or county offices. Delays occur during peaks, so order early.[10]

Step-by-Step Checklist for In-Person Application

Follow this checklist exactly to avoid rejections, which spike from incomplete docs or bad photos.

1. Confirm Eligibility: Use the passport wizard.[1] Decide first-time vs. renewal.
2. Gather Documents:
   • Completed DS-11 (unsigned until interview).
   • Proof of citizenship (original + photocopy).
   • Photo ID (original + photocopy).
   • One passport photo.
   • For minors: Both parents' IDs, consent form DS-3053, court order if sole custody.
3. Calculate Fees: Application fee (check to "U.S. Department of State"), execution fee (cash/check to facility).
4. Book Appointment: Call or online for Kona Post Office/Clerk. Arrive 15 minutes early.
5. At the Facility:
   • Present docs.
   • Sign DS-11 in front of agent.
   • Pay fees.
   • Receive receipt (tracks status online).[14]
6. Track Progress: Use travel.state.gov with receipt number.[14]
7. Receive Passport: Mailed in 6-8 weeks standard, 2-3 weeks expedited. Don't travel without it.

For mail renewals: Print DS-82, include old passport, photo, fees (check to "U.S. Department of State"), mail to address on form.[3]

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Hawaii sunlight causes glare/shadows, leading to 20-30% rejection rates. Specs:[12]

• 2x2 inches.
• Head 1-1 3/8 inches.
• White/neutral background.
• No glasses (unless medical), hats, uniforms.
• Even lighting, neutral expression.

Get at USPS Kona ($15, digital check) or CVS. Selfies fail—use pros.[12]

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Standard: 6-8 weeks (postmark to receipt). Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Urgent (14 days or less): In-person at agency, proof of travel required.[2]

Hawaii's peaks (Dec-Mar, Jun-Aug) add 2-4 weeks. No guarantees—e.g., 2023 holidays saw nationwide backlogs.[15] For students/exchange: Apply 3+ months early. Last-minute business? Airlines verify electronically now, but cruises/hotels need physical passports.[16]

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Minors under 16 need both parents/guardians present or notarized consent (DS-3053). Hawaii families on exchange programs often miss this. Include parents' IDs. Fees: $100 application + $35 execution.[6]

Tracking and What If There's a Problem?

Enter receipt number at passportstatus.state.gov. Issues? Call National Passport Info Center: 1-877-487-2778.[17] Lost in mail? Report immediately.[4]

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Holualoa

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals under certain conditions, and other eligible cases. These facilities do not process passports themselves; instead, they review your documents, administer the required oath, seal the application in an envelope, and forward it to a regional passport agency for processing. Common types include post offices, public libraries, and county clerk offices, which are conveniently scattered throughout communities near Holualoa, such as in nearby towns along the Kona coast.

When visiting a passport acceptance facility, come prepared with a completed application form (typically DS-11 for new passports), a proper passport photo meeting State Department specifications, original proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), valid photo identification, and payment for application and execution fees. Expect staff to verify your documents for completeness, ensure your photo meets standards, and collect fees via check, money order, or sometimes credit card—cash may not always be accepted. The process usually takes 15-30 minutes per applicant if everything is in order, but delays can occur if forms are incomplete or additional verification is needed. Applications are submitted in person only; no mail-in options at these sites.

In the Holualoa area, facilities are accessible within a short drive, often in central community hubs. Always confirm eligibility and requirements via the official State Department website before heading out, as not all locations handle every type of application, such as expedited services.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Passport facilities near Holualoa experience peak crowds during high tourist seasons, particularly winter months when visitor numbers swell on the Big Island. Mondays tend to be especially hectic as people catch up from weekend travel plans, and mid-day hours often see the heaviest foot traffic due to standard business rhythms. To navigate this, research facilities in advance through official channels, prioritize those offering appointments to secure a slot, and aim for early morning openings or later afternoon windows when possible. Arriving with all documents prepped and arriving during off-peak periods can minimize wait times—patience and flexibility are key, as lines can form unexpectedly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply for a passport without an appointment in Holualoa?
No dedicated walk-ins; Kona facilities require bookings, especially peaks. Call ahead.

How long does it take to get a birth certificate in Hawaii County?
5-10 business days standard; expedited 1-2 days. Order from health.hawaii.gov/vitalrecords.[10]

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited (2-3 weeks) at acceptance facilities; urgent (14 days) needs agency visit with itinerary.[9]

My passport expired 16 years ago—can I renew by mail?
No, use DS-11 in-person.[3]

Do I need a passport for cruises from Hawaii?
Yes for closed-loop to Mexico; always for international.[16]

Where can I get passport photos in Kailua-Kona?
USPS, Walgreens (73-5598 Olowalu St), Costco (73-5598 Olowalu St). Confirm specs.[12]

What if one parent can't attend for my child's passport?
Notarized DS-3053 from absent parent, or sole custody docs.[6]

Can I track my application status immediately?
Takes 1-2 weeks to appear online.[14]

Sources

[1]Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[2]Apply for Your First Adult Passport
[3]Renew an Adult Passport
[4]Lost or Stolen Passport
[5]Correct or Report Errors
[6]Minors Under 16
[7]USPS Passport Services
[8]Hawai'i County Clerk
[9]Get Fast
[10]Hawaii Vital Records
[11]State ID (Hawaii DMV)
[12]Passport Photo Requirements
[13]Passport Fees
[14]Check Application Status
[15]Passport Statistics
[16]Cruise Passports
[17]Contact Us