Hawaii has consumer-protective gift certificate rules. Expiration restrictions apply, and dormancy fees are limited. The tourism-driven economy means many operators choose no-expiration policies regardless.
Federal context
Under the federal Credit CARD Act of 2009 and its implementing Regulation E (12 CFR 1005.20), gift certificates and most general-use and store gift cards sold in the United States must remain valid for at least five years from the date of issuance or last load. Federal law also restricts dormancy, inactivity, and service fees: a fee can generally be charged only if the card has been inactive for at least 12 months, the fee is disclosed, and no more than one fee is charged per month. State laws may add stronger consumer protections on top of this federal floor.
For a deeper federal explainer, see our CARD Act overview.
Expiration rules in Hawaii
Hawaii Revised Statutes §481B-13 prohibits expiration dates on gift certificates with values of $5 or more, with limited exceptions for promotional certificates.
Tourism operators frequently default to no-expiration policies because gift certificates are often purchased months before travel.
Dormancy and service fees in Hawaii
Hawaii restricts dormancy and service fees beyond federal limits. Most operators avoid these fees entirely.
Cash redemption for small balances
Hawaii does not impose a statutory small-balance cash redemption requirement.
Disclosure requirements
Federal Regulation E disclosures apply. Hawaii operators should also state the no-expiration policy clearly.
Unclaimed property and escheatment
Single-merchant gift certificate balances often qualify for exemption from Hawaii's unclaimed property regime.
Enforcement and penalties
The Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection enforces consumer-facing rules, with federal CARD Act backup from the CFPB and FTC.
Recent updates
Hawaii's framework has been substantively stable in recent sessions.
Last reviewed: May 24, 2026. Statutes change. Verify the current text of the cited statute before acting on this summary.
Hawaii compliance checklist
A short operational checklist for selling gift certificates in Hawaii. Adapt with counsel before publishing your final policy.
- Set expiration to none or to a clearly disclosed term of five years or more.
- Avoid dormancy fees.
- Disclose terms clearly on the certificate.
- Maintain redemption records for unclaimed property purposes.
Frequently asked questions about Hawaii gift card law
Can a Maui tour operator put an expiration on a one-time experience gift?
Promotional certificates with specific terms may qualify for the exception. Standard cash-equivalent certificates should not expire. Consult Hawaii counsel for tour-specific structures.
Related legal basics
- Do Gift Certificates Expire? — A practical overview of federal and state rules on gift certificate expiration, written in plain English.
- Can You Charge Fees on Gift Certificates? — Federal and state rules on inactivity, dormancy, and service fees for gift cards.