Hawaii Real Money Online Poker Rooms & Top Poker Apps in HI

Find the best online poker rooms in HI and learn about gambling laws in The Aloha State

Hero image
#1 Best poker room
ignition_poker_room
4.5 stars
$1,500 Crypto Bonus

4.5

Overall Rating

18

Top features:

  • Exclusively for US players
  • Broad selection of tournaments
  • Fixed, NL, and pot limit games

What we like:

  • High traffic 24/7
  • Monthly Millions tournament
  • Quick payouts
#1 Best poker room
ignition_poker_room
4.5 stars

Bonus:

$1,500 Crypto Bonus

Top features:

  • Exclusively for US players
  • Broad selection of tournaments
  • Fixed, NL, and pot limit games

Bonus:

$1,500 Crypto Bonus

4.5

4.5 stars
18

What we like:

  • High traffic 24/7
  • Monthly Millions tournament
  • Quick payouts
#2 Rakeback deals
everygame_poker_room
4 stars
200% up to $1,000

4

Overall Rating

29

Top features:

  • Satellites and qualifiers to live events
  • Stakes start at $0.02/$0.04
  • Supports credit cards and cryptos

What we like:

  • 25+ years on the market
  • Great tournament selection
  • Easy to clear bonus
#2 Rakeback deals
everygame_poker_room
4 stars

Bonus:

200% up to $1,000
#2 Rakeback deals

Top features:

  • Satellites and qualifiers to live events
  • Stakes start at $0.02/$0.04
  • Supports credit cards and cryptos

Bonus:

200% up to $1,000

4

4 stars
29

What we like:

  • 25+ years on the market
  • Great tournament selection
  • Easy to clear bonus
#3 Best mobile app
bovada_poker_room
4.5 stars
100% up to $500

4.5

Overall Rating

31

Top features:

  • Guaranteed tournaments
  • Freerolls and SNGs
  • Micro to high stakes

What we like:

  • Reliable customer support
  • Recreational player pool
  • Online since 2004
#3 Best mobile app
bovada_poker_room
4.5 stars

Bonus:

100% up to $500
#3 Best mobile app

Top features:

  • Guaranteed tournaments
  • Freerolls and SNGs
  • Micro to high stakes

Bonus:

100% up to $500

4.5

4.5 stars
31

What we like:

  • Reliable customer support
  • Recreational player pool
  • Online since 2004

Key Things You Need to Know 

  • Online poker (and all forms of gambling) is classified as illegal in Hawaii, not just unregulated.
  • Our reputable offshore poker rooms still accept players from Hawaii.
  • You can claim bonuses worth up to $1,000 by playing at our reputable online poker rooms.
  • Betting at offshore poker rooms in Hawaii is a misdemeanor at worst and is never penalized.
  • Some offshore poker tournaments and competitions have prizes worth more than $1m.
  • Texas HoldʼEm, Omaha, Hi-Lo, and Seven-Card Stud are the most popular poker games in Hawaii and you will find them at all of our recommended operators.

List of the Top Online Poker Rooms in Hawaii

  • Ignition – Top poker room overall in Hawaii
  • Everygame – Best rakeback deals in Hawaii
  • Bovada – Best native mobile poker app for iOS and Android

Reviews of the Top Three Best Online Poker Sites

Ignition Poker

Ignition Poker is a distinguished online poker platform for Hawaii players, providing a rich and diverse poker arena. The platform is home to various poker games including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi-Lo, along with Fast-Fold Poker and Seven-Card Stud among others, ensuring a well-rounded gaming experience for poker enthusiasts of all tastes.

The platform is inclusive for players with different budget capacities, offering stakes starting from as low as $0.01/$0.02. This is a boon for casual gamblers, while the high-limit tables cater to those with a taste for higher stakes, ensuring a broad appeal.

Although Ignition Poker may not host a grand tournament like the Monthly Millions, it boasts a lively tournament scene. Players can dive into knockout games, bounty tournaments, and Sit ‘n Gos, providing ample competitive opportunities for those seeking a challenge.

Ignition Poker extends a warm welcome to new players with a substantial Poker & Casino Welcome Bonus. Newcomers can receive up to $3,000 on their first deposit if made with cryptocurrency, or up to $2,000 when depositing via credit card. There’s also a 100% poker bonus up to $1,000 available for poker enthusiasts, making the entry more enticing.

Everygame Poker

Everygame Poker, which has been a long-standing platform for online poker enthusiasts, was established in 1996. It is licensed and welcomes players from Hawaii, providing a safe and legal environment for your poker experience in Curacao.

 As far as managing your funds in Everygame Poker is concerned, the platform offers a wide range of services. Deposit limits start with a minimum $10/$25 and go up to $1,000/$5,000, while withdrawal limits range from $100 to $6,000. You have a variety of payment options at your disposal, including Credit Cards, Bank drafts, Bank Wire, checks, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

In terms of game variety, Everygame Poker does not disappoint.  With tables as low as $0.02 on some of the games, you can try your hand at Pot Limit Omaha with multiple offers, no limits and pot limit Texas Holdem. For players in Hawaii, the site offers exciting tournaments such as SNGs, Gold Chip Bonanza Tournaments, the $10,000 Sunday Myriad, and Bounties.

There is a welcome bonus waiting for you at Everygame Poker if you are a new joining. Upon your first deposit, you can achieve a 200% bonus of up to $1,000. To pocket this, you need to make a minimum deposit of $25 and use the bonus code 1000EGP. While there is no wagering requirement, the bonus is unlocked in installments by wagering on poker games.

Bovada Poker

Bovada Poker shines as a well-regarded online poker platform for Hawaii players, with a rich history dating back to 2004. It hosts a vast array of poker games including the classics like Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi-Lo, as well as Fast-Fold Poker and Seven-Card Stud among others, catering to a variety of poker enthusiasts.

With stakes starting at a minimal $0.01/$0.02, it’s an accessible platform for casual players, while also offering high-limit tables for those seeking higher stakes, ensuring a balanced gaming experience for all.

Though it may not feature a massive tournament like the Monthly Millions, Bovada Poker compensates with a vibrant tournament scene inclusive of knockout games, bounty tournaments, and Sit ‘n Gos, offering a competitive arena for poker aficionados.

Stepping into Bovada Poker is rewarding with a welcome bonus that matches 100% of the first deposit up to $500, using the bonus code PWB500. This offer serves as a hearty invitation for newcomers to start their poker journey.

The deposit process is streamlined with the acceptance of major credit cards and a range of cryptocurrencies, making it a convenient choice for Hawaii players. The blend of a comprehensive game selection, engaging tournament scene, and a lucrative welcome bonus makes Bovada Poker a solid choice for Hawaii players seeking a reliable online poker venue.

Online Poker Laws in Hawaii – Is it Legal?

Engaging in Hawaii gambling activities is tricky. The main reason for this is that Hawaii effectively has a blanket ban on seemingly all forms of gambling, not just online poker. Nonetheless, it is still possible to wager on online poker sites if you know how the law works and where to find top places to play. This is something with which we can help you.

First, we need to look at what Hawaii’s gambling laws actually say. To do that, we need to turn to Hawaii’s legislation, more specifically, State Code 5.37.712.1220-1231. There, gambling is defined as staking or risking “something of value” against the “outcome of a contest of chance”. That seems pretty nondescript. Moreover, there is no specific reference to poker.

It would be easy for us to look at Section 712-1220 (1) and say that poker isn’t a game of chance. After all, most gambling authorities the world over see poker very much as a game of skill. If we define poker as a game of skill, playing at internet poker rooms in Hawaii wouldn’t break the law, right? There’s more to it than that, though.

Section 712-1220 (3) goes on to specifically define a game of chance, and a passage claims that the “skill of the contestants may be a factor therein.” This seemingly iron-clad statement effectively puts paid to the argument of poker being exempt as it is a game of skill. What this means is that far from merely being unregulated, playing poker (or any gambling game in Hawaii) is, in fact, illegal.

Hawaiians don’t need to panic, though. Under the state code, gambling in Hawaii is deemed a misdemeanor offense. Furthermore, social gambling and poker games played at home are legal. As online poker is legal at home, there is wiggle room there for those who wish to find it and interpret the law in this way. Of course, you’ll need to head to offshore poker rooms to cover your bases.

How to Play Online Poker in Hawaii

After you’ve perused our selection of top online poker sites, you can head over to one to register and start playing online poker. Here are the short, simple steps that you need to take to become a new player at a trusted online poker room.

1. Choose an Online Poker Site

Start by selecting a reputable online poker site that accepts players from Hawaii. Ignition Poker is a great option, but you can also explore other platforms to find the one that suits your preferences. Look for reviews and comparisons to make an informed choice.

2. Create an Online Poker Account

Visit the Ignition Poker website and locate the ‘Join’ button. Click on it to begin the registration process. Provide your personal information, including your name, address, and contact details. Make sure to fill out the registration form accurately. After completing the form, submit it and check your email for a verification link. Click on the link to confirm your account.

3. Deposit Funds and Choose a Bonus

Once your account is verified and active, sign in to your Ignition Poker account. Navigate to the cashier or banking section to make your initial deposit. Choose your preferred payment method and specify the deposit amount.

Some online poker sites offer welcome bonuses that activate automatically upon your first deposit, while others require bonus codes. If a code is needed, you can usually find it on the promotions or bonus page of the site.

4. Play Poker for Real Money

With funds in your account, it’s time to hit the virtual tables. Go to the poker lobby on Ignition Poker’s website or client. Here, you’ll find a range of options, including cash games, tournaments, and Sit ‘n Gos.

Before you join a game, take a moment to review the table’s details, such as minimum and maximum stakes, pot rules, and buy-ins. You may want to start with low-stakes games if you’re new to online poker or try out freeroll tournaments for practice. If you’re ready for the real deal, select a cash game or tournament that suits your skill level and bankroll.

When Will Hawaii Legalize Online Poker?

The debate over gambling in Hawaii continues with no significant progress in recent years. Despite a promising 2023 bill, Hawaii’s history suggests limited optimism for legalization. This new legislation, if passed, would legalize both Hawaii online sports betting and internet poker, potentially serving players across Oahu and beyond.

Governor Josh Green appears open to the idea, recognizing that the lack of legal options drives Hawaiians to unsafe gambling establishments. The bill, introduced by John Mizuno and Daniel Holt, aims to regulate the industry and generate revenue for the state.

While we’ll monitor the bill’s progress, early signs suggest it may face challenges like previous attempts. In the interim, Hawaiians can access reputable offshore poker sites. Stay tuned for updates on this page.

How to Choose the Right Hawaii Poker Site for Your Play Style 

Finding the ideal venue to play online poker in Hawaii has been made simple. Here are our top recommended online poker sites for you to choose from and what each brings to the table:

  • Cash game variety: BetOnline.ag Poker
  • Low limit: Sportsbetting.ag Poker
  • High limit: Bovada Poker
  • Texas Hold ’em: Bovada Poker
  • Omaha: Ignition Poker
  • Poker welcome bonus size: America’s Card Room
  • Tournament variety: Ignition Poker
  • Mobile betting: Ignition Poker
  • Rakeback: Intertops/Everygame Poker

What Online Poker Variants Can You Play in Hawaii? 

If you’re interested in playing poker online in Hawaii, you’ll find all manner of popular games at your disposal. These include 

Texas HoldʼEm Poker

Texas HoldʼEm Poker is the go-to game for so many Hawaii poker players. Famous the world over, it uses a 52-card deck, with each player receiving two hole cards. Five community cards are shared amongst two to ten players, with several betting rounds dispersed in between the reveals. Arguably, the most popular poker game in the world, this online poker variant regularly features in tournaments and competitions at the biggest internet poker rooms catering to Hawaiians.

Omaha Poker

You can play Omaha in a similar manner to Texas HoldʼEm or as a split-pot Hi-Lo game. Players receive four hole cards and share five community cards. Once the betting rounds are complete and all community cards are revealed, you must use two of your four hole cards and three of the five community cards to form a hand. Like HoldʼEm poker, you can try Omaha with pot limit rules or other options. 

Seven-Card Stud Poker

Seven-Card Stud was once the most popular poker game in the world until Texas HoldʼEm knocked it off its pedestal. Today, it may not be the top dog in the industry, but you can still regularly find it at poker rooms catering to Hawaiians. It also involves several betting stages, and you’ll receive both face-up and face-down cards. You’re looking at forming a five-card hand from the seven available cards.

Windfall Poker

Also known as Blitz Poker or Jackpot Poker, Windfall is a game that you can most commonly find at BetOnline.ag Poker. This game can be played in Sit & Go options or as satellites to major tournaments at that site. Huge $1 million jackpot prizes are available in the larger competitions, with games played over three hands at BetOnline and other renowned Hawaiian poker rooms offering the game.

Boost Poker

Boost Poker is another poker variant you can find at BetOnline.ag and other reputable poker rooms. The key thing about this game is that players can jump to different tables based on how successful they are. The basic premise is that by folding, players will wind up at tables with those of similar skill levels. The game is sometimes known as Fast-Fold Poker, so you can expect a similar gaming experience if you see it advertised as this.

A History of Online Gambling and Poker Legislation in Hawaii

Hawaii’s stance on gambling and poker legislation has been a long and arduous journey marked by reluctance to embrace the industry. Here’s a chronological overview of the state’s gambling history:

  • 1959: Hawaii becomes a U.S. state and adopts a strict anti-gambling stance, prohibiting all forms of gambling, including casinos, lotteries, and poker rooms.
  • 1990s: Efforts to introduce gambling bills, including poker, in the state legislature face staunch opposition, and none gain traction.
  • 2000s: Hawaii remains one of the few states with no legal gambling options. Lawmakers consistently reject proposals to legalize casinos, poker, or even a state lottery.
  • 2013: The Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women recommends studying the potential social and economic impacts of legalized gambling.
  • 2021: A glimmer of hope emerges as lawmakers introduce bills to explore online poker and sports betting legalization. However, these efforts remain in the early stages and face uphill battles in the legislature.

Can You Play Poker Online for Free in Hawaii?

Most online poker sites provide free gameplay opportunities in some form or another. For instance, you can expect to see selected offshore online poker sites offering players in Hawaii access to freerolls. Admittedly, this certainly won’t be the case everywhere. 

Freerolls is a method of gaining entry into tournaments without stumping up entry fees, otherwise known as rake. Playing online poker with freerolls is one of the best ways you can take advantage of free-to-play poker opportunities because you can win real money. Some online poker rooms may also support RNG (random number generator) poker games, and while these can be played for free (as demos), you cannot win real money via this option.

Mobile Online Poker in Hawaii

Again, most online poker sites support mobile gameplay. One of the best ways to play online poker via your mobile is through downloadable apps. Most sites provide both iOS and Android-friendly mobile poker apps, while you’re almost guaranteed to find the latter, even if iOS poker apps aren’t available. You can typically download those through their respective app stores or on the poker room’s lobby/homepage.

If you can’t find an iOS poker app and that is the device you want to play on, instant play (browser-based) gameplay is always an option. With this method, you need to do nothing more than visit the Hawaiian poker room in question and sign in to start playing.

What Online Poker Tournaments are Available in Hawaii?

For poker enthusiasts in Hawaii, online poker tournaments offer an exciting opportunity to compete and win in a variety of formats. Here’s a glimpse of some popular online poker tournaments accessible to Hawaii players:

Freerolls

Many trusted online poker sites offer freeroll tournaments, allowing players to compete for real cash prizes without any entry fees. It’s a great way to start building your bankroll without risk.

Freezeout Tournaments

Freezeout tournaments are the standard in poker competitions. Players receive a fixed number of chips at the beginning, and once those chips are gone, they’re out of the game.

Multi-buy Tournaments

Hawaii poker players looking for added flexibility can opt for multi-buy tournaments. You can purchase multiple chip stacks at the start, giving you a safety net. If one stack runs out, you can continue with another.

Re-buy Tournaments

In re-buy tournaments, you don’t need to start with multiple chip stacks. Instead, you can buy more chips during the early stages of the game. However, once a specific period elapses, the tournament shifts to standard freezeout rules.

Guaranteed Tournaments

Keep an eye out for “GTD” signs in poker tournaments, indicating a guaranteed prize pool. The poker site commits to a minimum prize amount, but sometimes these guarantees are not met, creating potential overlay value for players.

Online Satellites

Hawaii players aspiring to participate in prestigious tournaments like the WSOP or WPT can use online satellites. These qualifiers offer a chance to win a seat at major events, making them ideal for players on a budget.

Bounties

Bounties, also known as knockouts, reward players for eliminating opponents. The rules and prizes vary from one tournament to another, so it’s essential to review them before entering.

Banking Methods at Hawaii Poker Sites Online

When you’re ready to engage in real-money poker action from the Hawaiian islands, understanding the available banking methods is essential. Most of the reputable poker apps that serve Hawaii players offer a range of deposit and withdrawal options.

Debit and credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at these poker apps, providing a convenient way to fund your account. Additionally, you can explore online bank transfers as another viable payment method.

What sets offshore poker apps apart is their openness to cryptocurrencies. Players in Hawaii can swiftly and discreetly transfer their preferred cryptocurrencies to their poker accounts. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin are among the popular digital currencies accepted by these platforms.

However, it’s crucial to delve into our reviews to determine which poker apps align with your preferred payment methods. Each platform may have its unique rules governing deposit and withdrawal limits, fees, processing times, and Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures.

Rakeback at Hawaii Online Poker Rooms

While not all online poker rooms support Rakeback, the best ones do. You can find many such poker sites right here on our page. Rakeback is often delivered as a percentage-based bonus, although some sites may use specific sums when offering Rakeback. Either way, claiming Rakeback from a poker room will boost your balance if it comes with fair terms and conditions, such as low wagering requirements.

Brick-and-Mortar Poker Rooms in Hawaii

Unfortunately, Hawaii has no legal card rooms or casinos for you to play in. It is one of just two US states that has a complete blanket ban on gambling. Fortunately, Hawaii’s gambling laws don’t extend into cyberspace (well, not really), so playing online poker is an option for those based in the island state.

Because Hawaii is a chain of islands and is thousands of miles from the US mainland, there aren’t any nearby casinos you can join. You can always hop on a plane and head to Las Vegas, but traveling West to Macau is just as viable an option. Ultimately, if you live in Hawaii and want to play live poker, then you can choose anywhere to play, given the traveling distances involved.

Land-Based Poker Rooms Planned in Hawaii

Hawaii has remained steadfast in its stance against land-based gambling establishments, including poker rooms. The state’s strict anti-gambling laws have kept any plans for land-based poker rooms at bay. Currently, there are no concrete proposals or developments regarding brick-and-mortar poker rooms in Hawaii.

Poker Promotions Available at Hawaii Online Poker Rooms

For Hawaii online poker enthusiasts, accessing promotions and bonuses adds an extra layer of excitement to the game. While the availability and details of these offers may differ among online poker platforms, here’s a look at some common promotions you can expect to find when playing poker in Hawaii:

Welcome Bonus

Similar to online casinos, Hawaii online poker rooms often extend a welcome bonus to new players. These bonuses typically apply to the initial deposit and may include additional perks like freeroll tournament entries. Before claiming a poker welcome bonus, it’s essential to review the terms and conditions, including any wagering requirements, which can vary.

Freerolls

Freeroll tournaments are a popular bonus feature in online poker rooms. They offer players the chance to participate in tournaments without having to invest their own money, providing an opportunity to win real cash prizes. Freerolls may be available to new players upon registration or as part of the poker room’s regular promotional calendar.

Rakeback

Rakeback promotions are highly sought after and allow players to earn free cash, which can be used for playing poker games. The value of rakeback offers varies across different poker sites, and not all platforms provide this bonus. Rakeback may be offered as a time-based promotion or as part of a loyalty program. To gain insights into specific rakeback offers, consult our reviews for detailed information.

Why Play at Hawaii Poker Rooms Online? 

If you need a reason to play online poker, we’ll give you half-a-dozen good ones. We’ll start by saying that playing online poker is the only way to wager on the card game for real money in Hawaii. However, here are the primary reasons why you might consider playing online poker in Hawaii today. 

Dedicated Bonuses 

If you take a trip to the mainland to play land-based poker, you’re already going to be down a significant sum before you land due to travel expenses. You can save the airfare and boost your balance by playing online poker. Most poker rooms come with lavish welcome bonuses, Rakeback, freerolls and other top poker promos.

Multiple Tables

When you decide to play online poker at Hawaiian offshore poker rooms, you’re guaranteed a seat at the table. There are hundreds of Omaha, Texas HoldʼEm, and Stud poker games on the go at any one time. There is also a wealth of alternative variants for you to choose from at these poker sites.

Poker Tournaments

You can find poker tournaments on all established online poker sites. Some of them can dish out top prizes worth a share of millions of dollars. Sit & Go tables, satellites, jackpot games, money builders, and more await online poker players in Hawaii.

24-Hour Access

Online poker rooms don’t close in the evening or early hours of the morning, and they aren’t shut on holidays. If you’re based in Hawaii and want to play poker at any time of any day, you can.You can play whenever you choose to play over the internet.

Anonymity 

Because of the way Hawaii’s gambling laws are structured, you might feel safer and more relaxed with a touch of anonymity. Crypto-friendly poker rooms give you that extra dose of anonymity, and you will find that many top online poker rooms have no qualms about keeping your personal details private.

Famous Online Poker Players from Hawaii

You may be surprised to learn that there are famous Hawaii-based online poker players out there. Let’s meet the stars:

  • Brandon Eisen: Brandon has won over $2m in his time at the top and resides in Mililani.
  • Kainalu McCue-Unciano: McCue-Unciano is a WSOP bracelet winner and has won over $1.2m.
  • Lisa Hamilton: One of the most successful women in poker, Hamilton resides in Honolulu.

Hawaii Online Poker FAQ 

Is Online Poker Legal in Hawaii? 

No. Hawaii (alongside only Alabama) has made all gambling forms, including online poker, illegal. However, gambling is still only considered a misdemeanor, and there is no punishment for playing at internet poker rooms if they are outside of Hawaii.

Can You Play Real Money Poker in Hawaii?

Yes. Although Hawaii has officially made gambling illegal, Hawaii’s laws don’t extend beyond the island state, so online poker gameplay at foreign, offshore poker rooms catering to Hawaiians falls into a grey zone. 

Where Can I Play Live Poker in Hawaii? 

You can’t. Hawaii is one of just two states that has made gambling illegal. Unfortunately, you’ll have to hop on a plane if you want to wager on live poker, and that’s quite a trek.

What’s the Largest Card Room in Hawaii? 

Sadly, there isn’t one. Land-based and online gambling is illegal in Hawaii, so there is no card room available.

Can I Play Online Freerolls in Hawaii? 

Your choice of poker room will determine that. Selected poker rooms can offer freerolls, allowing you to enter tournaments without stumping up the entry fee.

Are There Comp Points at Hawaii Poker Sites?

Hawaii poker sites typically do not offer comp points like traditional casinos. These programs are more common in casino settings and are not a standard feature in online poker rooms.

Can You Predict the Results of an Online Poker Game?

Predicting the results of an online poker game is based on skill, strategy, and chance. While experienced players may have a better understanding of the game’s dynamics, outcomes are ultimately influenced by player decisions and card distribution, making it impossible to predict with certainty.

Is Ignition Legal in Hawaii?

The legality of Ignition in Hawaii exists in a gray area due to the state’s strict anti-gambling laws. However, players can access and play poker on Ignition’s platform safely, as it operates from outside Hawaii’s jurisdiction, making it a viable option for online poker enthusiasts.

Are There Any Famous Poker Players from Hawaii? 

Sure. Brandon Eisen, Kainalu McCue-Unciano, Lisa Hamilton, Michael Chow, and Joshua Suyat are all top online poker players from Hawaii.

What’s the Difference Between an Online Casino and Online Poker Site?

Online casinos in Hawaii feature casino games like blackjack, video poker, slots, and table poker games played against the house or dealer. An online poker room, on the other hand, features competitive poker games that you play against other people.

Are Private Poker Games Legal in Hawaii?

No. Hawaii remains closed to all forms of land-based and online gambling, including social poker games. Offshore poker sites and gambling sites are the only way to play.

Stay Ahead of the Game

Are you ready to take your online gambling experience to the next level? Sign up for the LetsGambleUSA newsletter and get the latest news, exclusive offers, and expert tips delivered straight to your inbox.