Hawaii Bans Disposable Vapes on Jan. 1, 2027, and Its Directory Law Goes Further

What Hawaii passed

Governor Josh Green signed three tobacco bills in July 2026. Together they reshape what can be sold in the state. The details below come from the Hawaii Attorney General’s Tobacco Enforcement Unit.

What counts as “disposable” under Act 189

The law defines a disposable device as one that is non-refillable, has a non-rechargeable battery, and is meant to be thrown away once it is empty. Violations carry a fine of up to $100 per day for each violation.

Read narrowly, that definition does not reach rechargeable “disposables” or refillable pod systems. But Act 189 is not the law that will empty most shelves. Act 190 is.

Act 190 is the bigger change

Under Act 190, manufacturers had to certify by October 1, 2026 that their products hold an FDA marketing granted order and comply with state and federal law. From January 1, 2027, only certified products published in the Hawaii Electronic Smoking Device and E-Liquid Directory may be sold. Unlisted products can be seized, forfeited and destroyed, and a disposable device cannot be listed at all.

Penalties under Act 190 are per unlisted product and escalate within a 12-month window: $500 for a first violation, rising to $1,500–$2,000 for a fourth. A single product can be penalized under both Act 190 and Act 189.

Because the directory is tied to FDA authorization, the practical effect is that most vapes now sold in Hawaii, rechargeable or not, will not be legal to sell there in 2027. One of the bill’s sponsors, Rep. Scot Matayoshi, told Hawaii Public Radio the law narrows legal products to the roughly 45 that FDA has authorized.

What this means for buyers and sellers

• Retailers in Hawaii must check every brand, product and flavor against the state directory from January 1, 2027. The AG notes that a listed brand does not mean all of its products are permitted.
• Online sellers should note that the AG’s notice does not address remote or online sales directly. Sellers that ship to Hawaii should get legal advice before January 1, 2027.
• Adult vapers in Hawaii should expect far fewer products on shelves from January 1, 2027, with FDA-authorized devices the main legal option.

How Hawaii fits a wider trend

Hawaii is not alone in tying sales to a directory. Pennsylvania’s directory became enforceable on October 19, 2026, which we covered in our Pennsylvania guide. Hawaii goes further by pairing its directory with an outright ban on disposables.

Frequently asked questions

When does Hawaii’s disposable vape ban start?

January 1, 2027, under Act 189 (SB 2175).

Are rechargeable vapes banned in Hawaii?

Act 189 covers non-refillable devices with non-rechargeable batteries. But from January 1, 2027, Act 190 allows only products listed in the state directory, which requires FDA authorization, so most rechargeable vapes will not be legal to sell either.

What is the penalty for selling a disposable vape in Hawaii?

Up to $100 per day for each violation under Act 189, plus escalating per-product penalties under Act 190 starting at $500.

Does the law cover online sales?

The Attorney General’s notice does not say. Sellers should get legal advice.

Sources: Hawaii Department of the Attorney General, Notice of New Laws re: Electronic Smoking Devices and E-Liquids; Hawaii Public Radio, July 8, 2026. This article is news, not legal advice.