Keokea, HI Passport Guide: New Apps, Renewals & Facilities

Getting a Passport in Keokea, HI

Keokea, a rural community in Maui County's Upcountry region, serves residents who often need passports for Hawaii's robust international travel scene. With frequent business trips to Asia and the Pacific, tourism peaks in spring/summer and winter breaks, student exchange programs through institutions like the University of Hawaii Maui College, and occasional urgent scenarios like last-minute family emergencies or job relocations, demand surges [1]. Local acceptance facilities face high volumes, leading to limited appointments—especially during these periods. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, addressing common pitfalls like photo rejections from glare or shadows (prevalent in Hawaii's bright light), incomplete minor documentation, and confusion over renewals versus new applications. Always verify current details on official sites, as requirements evolve.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choosing the right path prevents delays. Hawaii residents, including those in Keokea (ZIP 96790), follow federal rules but source vital records locally.

• First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16, more than 15 years ago, or in a different name without legal proof [2]. Apply in person at an acceptance facility.

• Renewal by Mail: Eligible if your passport is undamaged, issued when you were 16+, within the last 15 years, and in your current name. Use Form DS-82—no in-person visit needed [3]. Ideal for Keokea folks avoiding drives downhill to facilities.

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged: Report it via Form DS-64 (free), then apply using DS-11 (in person) or DS-82 (mail if eligible) with a $60 fee on top [4]. Provide police report if stolen.

• Name Change or Correction: Use DS-5504 within one year of passport issuance (free, mail-in); otherwise, treat as new/replacement [5].

• Child (Under 16) Passport: Always in-person with both parents/guardians; expires after 5 years [6].

Urgent travel? Standard processing is 6-8 weeks; expedited (extra $60) cuts to 2-3 weeks. Life-or-death emergencies within 14 days qualify for in-person agency service—no appointment if you have proof [7]. Hawaii's Honolulu Passport Agency handles urgents (not routine apps) [8]. Avoid assuming last-minute options during peaks like summer—slots fill fast.

Quick Decision Checklist:

• Last passport issued 15+ years ago, damaged, or as minor? → New (DS-11, in person).
• Eligible recent adult passport? → Renewal (DS-82, mail).
• Lost/stolen? → Report + replace.
• Child/minor? → In person with guardians.

Gather Required Documents and Photos

Incomplete docs cause most rejections. Hawaii births require a certified long-form birth certificate from the state Department of Health—short forms or hospital prints won't work [9].

Step-by-Step Document Checklist

Use this for new/child applications (DS-11). Print single-sided; originals only (no photocopies except ID).

1. Completed Form DS-11: Fill online at travel.state.gov but print blank—sign in front of agent [2]. Do not sign early.

2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship (original + photocopy):

   • Hawaii birth certificate (long-form, raised seal) from health.hawaii.gov/vitalrecords [9].
   • U.S. birth abroad report (CRBA), naturalization certificate, etc. [1].

3. Proof of ID (original + photocopy):

   • Valid driver's license, military ID, or government ID. Hawaii state ID works [10].

4. Passport Photo: One 2x2-inch color photo, <6 months old. White/off-white background, no glasses/uniforms/selfies. Common Hawaii issues: glare from sun, head shadows—use indoor shade or professional service [11].

5. Fees (check/money order; two checks for in-person):

   Applicant Type	Application Fee	Execution Fee	Total (Routine)
   Adult (DS-11)	$130	$35	$165
   Child	$100	$35	$135
   Renewal (DS-82)	$130	N/A	$130

6. For Minors Under 16:

   • Both parents' presence or notarized consent (DS-3053) from absent parent.
   • Parental IDs.
   • Court order if sole custody [6]. Incomplete here delays 30% of child apps.

7. Name Change: Marriage/divorce decree (Maui County Clerk certified) [13].

Photographers: USPS, CVS, or Walmart on Maui (e.g., Kahului). Specs: head 1-1 3/8 inches, neutral expression [11]. Rejections spike in sunny Keokea—test light indoors.

Find a Passport Acceptance Facility Near Keokea

Keokea lacks a facility, so drive 10-30 minutes downhill. Use USPS locator for real-time slots [14]. High demand means book 4-6 weeks ahead; peaks overwhelm Makawao/Kula.

• Makawao Post Office (96768, ~15 min drive): 10705 Hwy 365. By appointment [14].
• Pukalani Post Office (96768, ~20 min): 250 Hapanui Pl. Accepts apps [14].
• Kahului Main Post Office (96732, ~40 min): 70 Lono Ave. High volume [14].
• Kihei Post Office (96753, ~45 min via Saddle Road): Common backup.

County clerks (Wailuku) offer limited service [15]. No walk-ins—schedule online. For renewals, mail to National Passport Processing Center [3].

Step-by-Step Application Process

Checklist for In-Person New/Child Application

1. Prep (1-2 weeks ahead): Gather all required docs, a compliant photo, and exact fees in separate checks/money orders. Download and fill out DS-11 completely but do NOT sign it—signing early voids the form (common mistake).
   Key items for Hawaii applicants:

   • Proof of U.S. citizenship: Original certified birth certificate (Hawaii long-form if born in-state; short-form often rejected—order from HI Dept. of Health Vital Records if needed, allow 4-6 weeks processing). Naturalization certificate or Consular Report of Birth Abroad for others. Photocopies OK as secondary proof.
   • Photo ID: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government ID (real name must match citizenship doc; bring secondary ID like Social Security card if names differ).
   • Passport photo: One 2x2" color photo (white/light background, head 1-1⅜", no selfies/glasses/smiles/shirts matching bg—common rejection reasons; get at CVS/Walgreens in Kona/Hilo or AAA).
   • Fees (routine service): Adult book $130 app fee + $35 execution; child (under 16) book $100 app + $35 execution; passport card cheaper ($30/$15 app). Decision tip: Book for travel/documents; card for land/sea only. Two separate payments: one to "U.S. Department of State" (app fee), one to facility (execution).
     Child extras: Both parents/guardians present (or notarized DS-3053 consent from absent parent + ID copy). Child must attend.
     Pro tip for Keokea: Rural location means plan for 1-2 hour drives to facilities—use this time to double-check docs.

2. Book Appointment: Use USPS passport acceptance facility locator [14] or Global Entry site for Hawaii options (slots book fast on Big Island—aim for off-peak weekdays). No walk-ins typically. Arrive 15 min early with everything organized in a folder (avoid rushing, common cause of forgotten items).

3. At Facility:

   • Present all docs/photos/fees: Agent reviews/verifies originals (they return most; don't accept "good enough" copies).
   • Sign DS-11 in front of agent (they witness—critical step).
   • Pay fees: Hand over separate checks/money orders (cash often not accepted; confirm via site).
   • Surrender old passport if valid/undamaged (they'll mail it back canceled).
     Common mistakes: Incomplete parental consent for kids, mismatched names/IDs, or unsigned DS-11. Decision tip: Ask about expedite ($60 extra + overnight fee) if travel <6 weeks—requires proof like itinerary.

4. Track: Receive receipt with tracking number/mail code. Monitor daily at travel.state.gov [16] (check spam for updates). Pro tip: Set phone alerts; processing starts after facility mails to Dept. of State (1-2 weeks delay common).

5. Receive: Mailed to address on DS-11 (6-8 weeks routine; 2-3 expedite). Book, card, or both arrive separately in unmarked envelopes. Decision guidance: Update address if moving; HI mail delays rare but track USPS. If urgent, consider private expedite services pre/post-submission (extra cost, research reviews).

For Renewals (Mail)

Renewals by mail are ideal if you're eligible (your most recent U.S. passport was issued when you were 16+, within the last 15 years, undamaged/not reported lost/stolen, and you're applying in your own name). Use Form DS-82 only—do not use DS-11 for renewals. Common mistakes: Signing too early (sign only after instructions), using an old/expired photo, or miscalculating fees (personal check or money order to "U.S. Department of State").

1. Download and complete Form DS-82 (black ink, no corrections; double-check name/SSN matches prior passport).
2. Include your most recent passport, one 2x2-inch color photo (taken within 6 months, head size 1-1⅜ inches, white/neutral background, no glasses/selfies—get at local pharmacies or photo shops to avoid rejection), and fees ($130 adult routine as of 2024; verify current on state.gov—separate checks: one application fee to "U.S. Department of State," one execution fee if needed).
3. Mail via USPS Priority (tracking recommended) to the National Passport Processing Center.

Decision guidance: Routine takes 6-8 weeks (add 2-4 weeks for Hawaii mail delays); track weekly at state.gov. Expedited? Add $60 per application (mark form), use 1-2 day tracked mail. For life-or-death/urgent travel (<14 days), fly to nearest regional agency (e.g., Honolulu—appointment via 1-877-487-2778, proof of travel required; no routine service). Avoid if first-time, name change, or damaged passport—must go in-person.

Tips for Hawaii Travelers from Keokea

From Keokea (Upcountry Maui), plan ahead—post offices and clerks in Pukalani, Makawao, or Kahului see heavy local demand. Seasonal surges (holidays to mainland/Japan, summer family reunions) add 4-6 weeks; apply 10-13 weeks early. Students: Align with school deadlines; get notarized enrollment proof. Urgent travel? Airlines enforce 6 months validity + 72-hour buffer; Hawaii inter-island flights still need full passport for international legs.

Practical clarity & mistakes:

• Drive times: 30-45 min to Upcountry/Central Maui facilities via Hwy 37 (add 15-30 min for Haleakala Hwy traffic or construction); fuel up in Kula.
• Vital records (birth/marriage certs): Order online/mail from Hawaii DOH Maui office or vitalchek.com (2-4 week wait + shipping; apostille adds time—rush if needed).
• Photos: Avoid home printers (rejections common); use Walgreens/CVS/UPS Store in Pukalani/Kahului ($15, quick).
• Status checks: Weekly via state.gov or 1-877-487-2778; peaks (July, December) delay mail from Maui.

No processing guarantees—Hawaii mail can lag mainland by 1 week. If travel <6 weeks, expedite or in-person.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Keokea

Passport acceptance facilities are official U.S. Department of State-authorized spots (post offices, clerks, libraries) for in-person only first-time (DS-11), child, or ineligible renewal applications. They verify ID/forms, take oath/fee, and forward to processing—no on-site passports. From Keokea, expect 20-60 min drives to Upcountry/Central Maui options along Hwy 37/30; check state.gov locator or call 1-877-487-2778 for hours/availability (some by appointment only, close early).

Decision guidance: Use for new passports, kids under 16, or if mail-ineligible. Routine processing 6-8+ weeks from Maui. Arrive early (queues peak mornings/weekends).

Prepare to avoid delays (15-30 min typical; 1+ hour if busy):

• Completed form: DS-11 (unsigned until oath); DS-82 only if eligible (rare at facilities).
• ID: Valid driver's license + secondary (e.g., birth cert); name mismatches = rejection.
• Photos: 2x2 specs exact (print 2); no scans/copies.
• Fees: Application ($35 execution + $130+; check/money order/credit—no cash often).
• Extras: Parents for minors, name change docs.

Common mistakes: Incomplete forms (e.g., no phone/email), wrong photo (head size/background), low funds, no secondary ID. Call ahead for wait times; bring water/docs copies. No mail/fax here—forwarded same/next day.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Facilities around Keokea tend to see higher traffic during peak travel seasons like summer, holidays, and spring breaks, when demand surges. Mondays often start busy as people catch up from the weekend, and mid-day slots (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) can fill quickly with locals and tourists alike. To plan effectively, aim for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays, and avoid weekends if possible. Always verify requirements ahead via the State Department's site, bring extras of all documents, and consider booking appointments where offered to minimize wait times. Patience is key, especially in smaller communities where staffing may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a passport the same day in Keokea?
No local same-day service. Nearest agency (Honolulu) requires proven urgent travel <14 days and appointment. Routine: 6-8 weeks [7][8].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited ($60 extra) is 2-3 weeks via mail/facility. Urgent (life/death, <14 days) needs agency visit with itinerary/proof—no fee waiver [7].

My Hawaii birth certificate was rejected—why?
Must be long-form, certified with raised seal from Dept. of Health. Hospital/computer prints invalid [9].

Do both parents need to be at a child's appointment?
Yes, or absent parent must complete/send notarized DS-3053. Include custody docs [6].

Can I renew my passport at the post office?
No—renewals by mail only if eligible. Post offices handle new apps [3].

What if my photo is rejected due to glare or shadows?
Hawaii's light causes this. Retake with even indoor lighting, no flash, per exact specs [11].

How do I handle a name change after marriage?
Provide certified Maui County marriage certificate with app [13].

Are appointments always required near Keokea?
Yes at USPS facilities; book early as Maui slots limited in peaks [14].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - U.S. Passports
[2]Apply In Person for a Passport
[3]Renew by Mail
[4]Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport
[5]Correct or Report Errors
[6]Children Under 16
[7]Get a Passport Fast
[8]Passport Agencies
[9]Hawaii Department of Health - Vital Records
[10]U.S. Department of State - Identification
[11]Passport Photo Requirements
[12]Passport Fees
[13]Maui County Clerk - Marriage Records
[14]USPS Passport Locations
[15]Maui County - Passport Services
[16]Check Application Status
[17]U.S. Department of State - International Travel