Online Honolulu Poker Rooms in HI

Hawaii has strict gambling laws, but playing poker online isn’t impossible. Discover virtual poker rooms that accept players from Honolulu in our detailed guide!

Last Updated on November 26, 2024 by Avatar Author Adrian Sterne
Fact checked by Dusan Jovanovic
Image of Honolulu, Hawaii Online Poker Sites

Honolulu, HI is one of the best destinations for travelers, but it’s the exact opposite for card game fans.

Hawaii is against all forms of gambling and has no land- or web-based poker venues supported by the state.

Nevertheless, players based in Honolulu, HI have discovered offshore online rooms and started joining them despite the severe laws governing the industry.

As this may sound confusing, our team of experts has decided to help out. You can find the answers about online poker legality on this page, along with the top-rated poker sites that accept HI players.

Best Online Poker Sites in Honolulu, HI Best Online Poker Sites in Honolulu, HI

Before making the list of the best operators in a state, a poker site must prove itself in several aspects. A stellar reputation and advanced security measures are the first boxes to tick, followed by a diverse selection of games and tournaments with flexible limits and buy-ins. Bonuses and promotions are equally important, as are payment methods and transaction processing.

Our scouted sites compete in these categories to attract Honolulu, Hawaii players. They’re all doing pretty well, so one of them must have what it needs to get your attention.

My list of the best poker sites which I consider to be the best rooms to play in 2024:
  • 100% Legal & Licensed
  • Verified Bonus
  • Mobile Friendly
  • Advertiser Disclosure

    Kindly be aware that some links on Top 10 Poker Sites are affiliate links, for which we may earn a commission. Find out more on our terms & conditions

  • Must be 18+ to participate.
crown # 1  Poker Site
BetOnline Poker
5
5.0 / 5.0

100% up to $1000

18+. T&Cs Apply

Regulated by Panama

  • 100% First deposit bonus
  • Top 3 in US player traffic
  • Great selection of games
  • Banking through cryptocurrencies
Payout speed 1-3 days
Deposit options
Mastercard Visa Bitcoin Credit Card Bitcoin Cash Cash App +10

Exclusive bonus

100% up to $1000

18+. T&Cs Apply

Displayed 3 of 8 rooms

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The top 5 Hawaiian online poker sites above are subject to change without notice. Therefore, we recommend visiting the establishments that appeal to your needs and see what benefits they provide while also gathering updated information about their services.

The Aloha State forbids all games of chance except for social gambling, and it has stood by this decision for many years. While some aficionados argue that poker shouldn’t be prohibited because it requires certain skills, HI legislators disagree.

The Hawaii Penal Code states that a contest of chance is “any contest, game, gaming scheme, or gaming device in which the outcome depends in a material degree upon an element of chance, notwithstanding that skill of the contestants may also be a factor therein.” There’ve been several attempts to regulate online gambling in the state, but none of them gained much traction.

Still, if we were to follow the law to the letter, we’d see the Penal Code doesn’t explicitly prohibit playing on offshore poker sites. That’s why many Hawaiians visit these platforms and take part in numerous cash games and tournaments. Of course, as these activities are in a gray area, it’s best to consult a legal expert and clear any doubts.

Laws & Regulations In Honolulu Laws & Regulations In Honolulu

Read the following documents for more information about prohibited and allowed gambling practices in Honolulu, HI:

Selecting a Good Online Poker Room Selecting a Good Online Poker Room

Picking the right poker room is hard, even when you have a list of decent candidates at your fingertips. But if you follow our simple tips and know what to look for, this task becomes much easier. Keep reading to learn what to focus on in your search for the best poker site.

Licensing and Security

Licensing and SecurityIt’s important to stick with a trustworthy brand when choosing an online poker platform. The best way to do so is to join an operator with a good reputation and positive player reviews. Naturally, no site can be perfect for everybody, but the ones that have been building their brands for years are less likely to let you down.

The platform should also invest in security and protect the data you share at all times. SSL encryption, firewalls, and 2FA are a few common protective measures used by secure websites such as the ones listed above.

Games and Tournaments

Games and TournamentsIn 2023, we should already be way past the basics in terms of poker game variety and tournament lineup. The king of poker tables, Texas Hold’em, should now be accompanied by versions like Omaha, Stud, or Draw if the platform wants to stay competitive.

But even if the site doesn’t offer any niche varieties, it can still offer a decent gambling session through a diverse tournament selection. The most common options you’ll find on offshore sites include SnGs, bounties, MTTs, knockouts, and a few other types that generate massive prize pools. Also, never miss a chance to join a freeroll, as you’ll get to play without chipping in for a buy-in.

Buy-Ins, Betting Limits, and Anonymous Play

Buy-Ins, Betting Limits, and Anonymous PlayUnlike other casino games, poker usually requires a buy-in unless you’re enrolling in a freeroll tournament. Furthermore, these games and tournaments often don’t follow the one-size-fits-all style, meaning that you should look for options that suit your online gambling budget.

If you’re new to this pastime, make sure to start with games with the lowest betting limits until you learn the rules and become more skillful. Additionally, explore sites with anonymous tables, as this option levels the playing field by hiding player information, thus protecting you from poker sharks willing to take advantage of your inexperience.

Bonuses and Promotions

Bonuses and PromotionsMany poker sites you can join from Honolulu, Hawaii offer hefty bonuses for new players, going up to $3,000. To get the best deal, check as many platforms as possible and always read bonus terms and conditions thoroughly.

The welcome offers, in particular, often don’t work the same way as classic casino promotions, where you get the entire bonus amount at once. Therefore, it’s important to learn how to fully utilize the additional funds. Once the new-player offer expires, you’ll find other deals at most of the sites, including rakeback and reload promotions, along with VIP schemes that offer greater rewards as you keep playing your favorite game.

Banking Options

Banking OptionsWhen real money is on the line, the poker site you choose should offer US-friendly payment methods that guarantee secure transactions. Some of the most common options among US players include cards, prepaid vouchers, and cryptos. The latter is probably the best choice for residents of states that don’t exactly allow online poker, such as Hawaii.

Several other things you should bear in mind before funding your online poker account include fees, limits, and transaction times. Make sure to check those details concerning withdrawals, as well, since they usually differ compared to ones governing deposits. Also, read the terms and conditions to check if the site sends you your winnings using their chosen deposit method or it gives you the option to pick your preference.

Benefits of Playing Online Poker Benefits of Playing Online Poker

All things considered, playing poker on offshore sites is one of the best options for Honolulu, Hawaii residents, and here’s why:

  • As you can’t find any brick-and-mortar venues with poker tables in Honolulu or the rest of Hawaii, you’d have to spend a lot of time and money to reach such establishments in other US states. On the other hand, you can join an offshore poker room without leaving your home and spending a fortune on the trip and additional expenses.
  • International poker sites serve players across the planet, meaning that they work around the clock. Therefore, you can play the games whenever you find it most convenient.
  • The selection of cash games and tournaments at offshore poker rooms is excellent. You’ll be able to find a game variation that you like within a few minutes and try different competitions like SnGs, freezeouts, bounties, and even freerolls.
  • When playing online, you can sit at multiple virtual tables at once, which adds a thrill to the standard gaming experience and potentially increases your winning chances.

Famous Poker Players From Honolulu, HI Famous Poker Players From Honolulu, HI

Although Hawaii prohibits poker, some of the state’s residents have managed to generate 7-figure incomes from this popular game. Three of the most successful HI poker pros come from Honolulu:

Lisa Hamilton

The first HI resident to win a WSOP bracelet, Lisa Hamilton (pictured) is the best female poker player from Honolulu, Hawaii. She’s currently the fourth player on the state’s All-Time Money List, with winnings exceeding $1.3 million.

Michael Chow — Chow is a WSOP bracelet winner with career earnings of $1,366,548. Aside from his biggest win, when he cashed $237,463, he came close to taking a bracelet on several other occasions.

Shaun Suller — Though he hasn’t claimed any bracelets so far, Suller has still generated more than $1.1 million from poker tournaments. Most of that money came from his third-place finish at the 2014 WPT Main Event, when he took home $477,470.

Land-Based Casinos With Live Poker Land-Based Casinos With Live Poker

Owing to Hawaii’s anti-gambling attitude, there are no land-based poker rooms, tribal casinos, or commercial gambling venues in the state capital. What’s more, the harsh rules apply to every inch of Hawaii’s land, which is why you won’t find any brick-and-mortar gambling options in other cities, either.

If you want to take part in live poker games and tournaments, you’d have to catch a flight to the US mainland and visit some of the states where gambling is allowed, like Nevada or California.

FAQs FAQs

Is online poker legal in Honolulu, HI?

No, online poker and all other forms of gambling aren’t legal in Honolulu and the rest of Hawaii. Nevertheless, HI poker players can still participate in tournaments and play cash games on offshore sites, as Hawaiian legislation doesn’t address this method of playing poker.

Do offshore poker rooms have mobile apps?

Yes, they do. Many of the top-rated international poker sites offer native mobile apps to all their users, including players from Honolulu, HI.

Are there any land-based poker rooms in Honolulu, Hawaii?

No, there aren’t. You won’t find any land-based cardrooms, tribal casinos, or commercial gambling venues with poker tables in Honolulu, HI. You can only play live poker at private residences, provided that they maintain a social character.

Is Hawaii going to legalize online poker?

At the moment, online poker is illegal in Hawaii, but the state legislators have repeatedly been trying to push a new gambling bill. In January 2023, John Mizuno and Daniel Holt introduced the latest one that would enable locally-owned businesses to build gambling venues and offer poker games. The bill even contains language that supports online gambling, but it still hasn’t been accepted by the state.

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Hi, I am the Chief Editor of top10pokersites.net, this site is dedicated to all thing poker. I have been working around the poker industry for the last 15 years, with different brands. The main purpose of this site is to keep you uptodate with the industry and offer you the best deals around.