Navigating mail, shipping packages, or filling out online forms across the Hawaiian islands requires knowing the right postal routing numbers. Hawaii zip codes all start with the prefix 967 or 968, which can make remembering them tricky if you're trying to guess based on memory alone. Unlike the mainland United States where postal codes vary wildly by region, Hawaii's range is compact, but the sheer number of distinct islands and rural communities means details matter.
Whether you're sending a postcard from the North Shore or shipping commercial goods to an industrial park in Kahului, getting the correct code ensures your mail doesn't face routing delays. In this guide, you'll find a complete breakdown of how Hawaii postal codes work, island-by-island breakdowns, and the most common addressing mistakes to avoid.
Understanding Hawaii Postal Prefixes
The United States Postal Service assigns regional prefixes to route mail efficiently. For the Aloha State, every single zip code falls under two primary starting numbers: 967 and 968.
- 967 prefix: Covers the outer islands including Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, the Big Island of Hawaii, and rural parts of Oahu outside the immediate Honolulu urban core.
- 968 prefix: Dedicated specifically to urban Honolulu, military installations, and select federal facilities on Oahu.
Knowing this distinction helps you quickly spot an error. If you're shipping to Hilo on the Big Island and see a 968 prefix, you know immediately that something is wrong because 968 belongs almost exclusively to Oahu.
Oahu Zip Codes
Oahu hosts the state capital, the majority of the population, and a mix of dense urban environments alongside quiet rural country towns. Because of this high population density, Oahu uses both 967 and 968 prefixes.
Urban Honolulu and Downtown
Downtown Honolulu, Waikiki, and the immediate surrounding neighborhoods rely heavily on the 968 prefix series.
- 96813: Covers Downtown Honolulu, Makiki, and Punchbowl.
- 96815: Services the bustling tourist and residential hub of Waikiki.
- 96814: Encompasses Kakaako and Ala Moana, areas known for rapid commercial and residential growth.
- 96817: Spans Nuuanu, Liliha, and Iwilei.
Windward and Leeward Oahu
As you travel outside the city center into the valleys and coastal communities, the prefix shifts to 967.
- 96744: Kaneohe on the Windward side.
- 96734: Kailua, stretching down to Waimanalo.
- 96797: Waipahu, one of the largest residential suburbs in Leeward Oahu.
- 96782: Pearl City, home to extensive residential neighborhoods and commercial strips.
- 96701: Aiea, sitting above Pearl Harbor.
- 96789: Mililani, a planned community in central Oahu.
North Shore and Rural Towns
For the legendary surf towns and agricultural pockets of the island, the codes reflect a more spread-out rural geography.
- 96791: Waialua and Haleiwa on the North Shore.
- 96792: Waianae and Makaha on the leeward coast.
- 96730: Hauula on the windward coast.
Big Island of Hawaii Zip Codes
The island of Hawaii, commonly called the Big Island, is larger than all the other islands combined. Its postal codes span a massive geographic area featuring volcanoes, rainforests, cattle ranches, and coastal resorts. Every code on the Big Island begins with 967.
East Hawaii and Hilo
The wet, lush windward side centers around Hilo, the island's primary civic and government hub.
- 96720: Hilo, stretching up toward Panaewa and parts of Mountain View.
- 96760: Kurtistown and surrounding agricultural lots.
- 96778: Pahoa, serving the lower Puna district.
- 96771: Keaau, a rapidly growing residential area south of Hilo.
West Hawaii and Kona
The leeward side, known as the Kona Coast, features sunny weather, coffee farms, and major resort developments.
- 96740: Kailua-Kona, the commercial heart of West Hawaii.
- 96738: Waikoloa, encompassing the resort areas and inland village developments.
- 96740: Kealakekua and Captain Cook, historic coffee-farming towns just south of Kona.
North and South Extremes
- 96727: Honokaa, gateway to the Hamakua Coast and Waipio Valley.
- 96755: Kohala towns including Kapaau and Hawi.
- 96777: Naalehu and Pahala in the remote Ka'u district down south.
Maui County Zip Codes
Maui County includes the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. All of these share the 967 prefix.
Central and Upcountry Maui
- 96732: Kahului, home to the island's main airport and shipping harbor.
- 96793: Wailuku, the county government seat.
- 96768: Pukalani, heading up the slopes of Haleakala.
- 96790: Kula, known for farming communities and sweeping elevation views.
- 96761: Lahaina and Kaanapali on the west side.
- 96753: Kihei and Wailea on the south shore.
- 96708: Haiku and Paia on the northern shore.
Molokai and Lanai
- 96748: Kaunakakai, the main town on Molokai.
- 96763: Lanai City, serving the entire island of Lanai.
Kauai Zip Codes
Kauai, the Garden Isle, is geographically distinct and features a ring road that connects its primary towns. Its postal codes all start with 967.
- 96766: Lihue, the county seat and location of the primary commercial airport.
- 96746: Kapaa, a heavily populated coastal town on the east side.
- 96714: Hanalei and Princeville on the dramatic North Shore.
- 96756: Hanapepe on the south shore.
- 96765: Waimea, gateway to the canyon on the west side.
Common Addressing Mistakes to Avoid
Sending mail to island addresses is straightforward once you know the format, but small errors cause delays. Keep these tips in mind when formatting your envelopes or shipping labels:
- Don't confuse state abbreviations: Double-check that you're using HI for Hawaii. Using HA or HW will kick your package out of automated sorting systems.
- Include the proper island context: While zip codes are unique, writing the town name correctly alongside the zip code helps postal workers manually sort items if automated barcodes smudge.
- Verify APO/FPO military codes: Military personnel stationed in Hawaii often use specific military mail routing codes that look like mainland zip codes rather than standard local civilian codes. Check out the USPS Location Finder to confirm exact military facility designations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the general zip code prefix for Hawaii?
All Hawaii zip codes start with either 967 or 968. If you see a different prefix, the address is incorrect.
Does every Hawaiian island have its own unique prefix?
No. Multiple islands share the 967 prefix. For example, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, and the Big Island all use 967 codes. Only urban Honolulu and specific Oahu military bases use 968 codes.
How do I find a zip code for a specific street address in Hawaii?
You can look up exact delivery routes using the official USPS Look Up a ZIP Code tool. Simply enter the street name, city, and state to get the exact five-digit or nine-digit code.
Can I use mainland zip code lookup apps for Hawaii addresses?
Yes, standard postal databases include all Hawaiian addresses. Just ensure you select Hawaii as the state to prevent confusion with similarly named towns in other states.
