Kihei HI Passport Guide: Steps, Facilities, Fees & Tips

Getting a Passport in Kihei, HI: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Kihei's proximity to Kahului Airport fuels passport rushes for trips to Asia, Australia, or Canada, especially during winter holidays, spring break, and summer peaks when Maui facilities book out weeks ahead. Hawaii's glaring sunlight frequently invalidates photos with shadows or glare, and beach days at Makena or Wailea heighten risks of losing documents to waves or sand—always photocopy essentials and store in waterproof pouches. This Maui-focused guide delivers decision trees, timelines, pitfall avoidance, and local tips for first-timers, renewals, minors, lost passports, or urgents, drawing from official State Department processes tailored to island logistics.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Start with the State Department's 2-minute wizard at travel.state.gov to confirm your form—missteps delay by 4+ weeks. Key timelines: routine 6-8 weeks (10+ during Maui peaks); expedited 2-3 weeks (+$60); urgent (<14 days) requires in-person + agency referral.

Decision Tree:

• First-time (adult/child), prior passport pre-16/expired >15 years/damaged/lost/stolen/name change sans docs? → DS-11 in person at acceptance facility (no mail).
• Eligible adult renewal? (All true: issued 16+, <15 years ago, undamaged, signed, current name, U.S. resident) → DS-82 by mail (faster, cheaper).
• Minor under 16? → DS-11 in person + both parents/guardians or notarized DS-3053 (valid 90 days).
• Lost/stolen/damaged? Report via online DS-64 first, then DS-82 (if eligible) or DS-11.
• Urgent travel (<14 days)? DS-11 in person + expedite fee; follow with Honolulu agency proof.

Renewal vs. New Decision Help: DS-82 skips lines but rejects if ineligible (e.g., name change without marriage cert). DS-11 adds execution fee and wait but covers all scenarios. For Kihei: Mail DS-82 off-peak (fall) to dodge tourism mail delays; go in-person during peaks for status checks.

Download forms single-sided (white 8.5x11 paper) from travel.state.gov—DS-11 unsigned until witnessed.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Kihei

Kihei lacks a passport agency (nearest: Honolulu). Use iafdb.travel.state.gov (ZIP 96753) or 1-877-487-2778 to confirm services, hours, and book—expect 2-4 week waits in peaks, no walk-ins. Sessions last 20-45 minutes: agent cross-checks ID/citizenship names/dates/seals, administers oath, witnesses signature, collects fees, seals app. Arrive 15 minutes early with

organized docs; bring exact payment.

• Kihei Post Office (141 Lipoa Pkwy, Kihei, HI 96753): (808) 879-5306. Book appointment.
• Kahului Post Office (70 E Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului, HI 96732): (808) 871-4978. Book via locator.
• Maui County Clerk's Office (200 S High St, Wailuku, HI 96793): Verify at mauicounty.gov/149/Clerk.

For urgents: Submit locally, then call Honolulu (1-877-487-2778, Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4PM HST) with flight itinerary.

Current Passport Fees

Fees current as of October 2024—always verify at travel.state.gov for updates. In-person requires two payments: State Dept. (application/expedite/return shipping) by check/money order; facility execution fee (cash/check/credit at some USPS).

Gather Required Documents and Photos

Master Checklist (branch by scenario; prep folder with one-sided photocopies on white 8.5x11 paper. Order HI vital records via vitalchek.com—rush 1-2 weeks, standard 4-6; long-form certified birth certificate required, short/hospital versions rejected).

Universal:

• 2x2" color photos (2+ identical; <6 months old, white/light background, head 1-1⅜", neutral expression, no glasses/selfies/hats unless religious/medical doc; Hawaii tip: indoor/shaded only—sun glare rejects 20%+).
• Exact fees (separate checks to "U.S. Department of State" and facility).

**DS-11 (In-Person: First-time/Minor/Lost/

Urgent/Ineligible):**

• Unsigned DS-11 (black ink, no whites-out).
• U.S. citizenship original + photocopy (certified long-form BC, naturalization cert, Consular Report of Birth Abroad).
• Valid photo ID + photocopy (HI driver's license/state ID matching current name exactly; add marriage/court order if changed).
• Minors: Both parents/IDs present or DS-3053 notarized <90 days + guardian ID.

DS-82 (Mail Renewal: Eligible Adults Only):

• Completed/signed DS-82.
• Old passport (undamaged).
• Name change docs + old passport photocopy (certified marriage/court order).

Photo Specs & Local Tips: Use travel.state.gov/photo-tool validator. Kihei options: Walgreens (2333 S Kihei Rd, ~$15), CVS, or USPS—get 4 extras. Avoid beach lighting; pro services catch glare issues.

Mail DS-82 to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 (include prepaid return envelope).

Submit Your Application: Step-by-Step Process

1. Book appointment 4-6 weeks early (check usps.com daily for Maui cancels).
2. Arrive early, docs sequenced (ID first, then citizenship, form, photos, fees).
3. Expect agent scrutiny: name/DOB/seal matches, oath questions (e.g., "Any prior denials?"), signature witness.
4. Pay dual fees, receive sealed envelope/receipt.
5. Track after 7-10 days at passportstatus.state.gov (last name/DOB/last 4 SSN/locator#).

Maui Timelines: Add 2-3 days for island shipping; peaks stretch routine to 10+ weeks.

Track and Receive Your Passport

Check daily online—no status first week. USPS Priority delivery (signature required; 2-3 extra days to Kihei). Refused? Detailed letter explains (e.g., photo reject). Lost in mail: File police report + DS-71 affidavit. Call 1-877-487-2778 for issues.

Common Challenges and Tips for Kihei Residents

• Tourist Peaks (Dec-Apr): Book early mornings/weekdays; Kihei-Kahului drive adds 30-45 min traffic.
• Photos: Shadows from palms/sun—indoor only; earrings OK if no glare.
• Vital Records: HI DOH (health.hawaii.gov/vitalrecords) long-form mandatory; Maui processing 4+ weeks.
• Beach/Outdoor Losses: DS-64 report ASAP; waterproof cases essential.
• Urgents: Local submit + itinerary to Honolulu; no same-day on Maui.
• Rejections: Top causes—signed DS-11 early, no photocopies, ineligible mail attempt.

Test full packet night before; ignore scams—use official sites only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Can I get a passport same-d

ay in Kihei?** No agencies; Honolulu for <14-day urgents.

Expedited during peaks? 2-3 weeks official, often 4+ on Maui—plan 3 months ahead.

Maui birth certificate? Long-form certified from HI DOH Vital Records.

Kihei Post Office appointments? Required; book at usps.com or (808) 879-5306.

Passport expired 15+ years? Treat as first-time: DS-11 only.

Photo rules (smile/earrings)? Neutral mouth; small post earrings fine, no glare.

Group/student trips? DS-11; apply 3+ months early for peaks.

Lost on beach? DS-64 online, police report, then DS-11.

Final Checklist for Success

Prep Phase:

• Wizard verifies form/scenario.
• Master checklist complete (docs/photos/fees).
• Appointment secured.

Submission Day:

• Arrive early, organized folder.
• Unsigned form (if DS-11).
• Separate exact payments.

Safe travels from paradise!

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - How to Apply
[2] Passport Photos
[3] Acceptance Facility Search
[4] Maui County Clerk
[5] USPS Passports
[6] HI Vital Records
[7] Check Status
[8] Passport Agencies