Sometimes if you get a cutting from some random tree and just try to take it home, they will confiscate it, but as long as the cuttings have the agriculture seal on them you can bring them home in your carry-on. I've never had an issue. I bought some at a swap meet, but he had the 2 different agriculture seals and no one even looked at them twice.

I've brought back numerous cuttings from random trees in Hawaii. I had to jump some hoops to do it, but it can be done. Your case is different since you have cuttings from a registered place and has ag stamps.

I've brought back orchid plants with the ag seal. We took them as carry on. Ag folks looked at the stamps and waived us through. No problem.

Should be the same in your case. I think it will get through, no problem.

Was the place in Hilo on Onomea Bay? It's officially called Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. It's just north of Hilo down a road designated 'scenic route'. What a marvelous place it is!

I brought back about 15-20 cuttings from a Oahu resort I stayed at (the gardner gave them to me). I took all of the leaves, and cleaned them really well and wrapped them in newspaper in my carryon bag. I saw an inspector at the airport and told him I had them, told them they were just cuttings (no roots/dirt) and he said....you know what you are doing go ahead (no stamp, no nada). I did not even open up the newspapers they were wrapped in.

Thank you everyone for your help. I did receive my package on time. Yea!

Qaguy: Hi. The garden was about 10 miles away from Hilo I think. I just remember the walk back UP to the entrance had me huffing and puffing!

This was my first time on the Big Island and only stayed on the Hilo side but I was hoping to see a lot of plumeria. I saw ti plants everywhere but rarely saw plumeria. I jokingly told my daughter I had more plumerias in my back yard than Hilo (ordered tons of seeds from Brads, Buds and Bloom in 2012 thinking I would kill them all but most survived my black thumb). The few plumeria I did see looked dormant. No leaves or flowers.

Qaguy,

Lol. If I saw that truck around my town I would probably embarrass myself trying to flag it down asking for cuttings.

I may be going back to Hilo in August so I will definitely make plans to take that 3hr drive to Kona. Thank you for your tips, much appreciated.

Across Saddle Road it's just a little more than 90 minutes!

Its been my experience (most recent in July 2015) the Ag inspectors at the Kona airport ask some simple questions and use good judgment in approving items. The questions they asked me is if I bought the cuttings and from where (i.e. side of the road, farm, private residence), and if they were clean. I think in my instance since they were declared and farm bought the inspector felt assured enough of good agricultural practices that he approved them as they were in a suitcase being checked.

I second the notion about the Botanical Garden and scenic road being a great thing to do. Umbrellas are available but bring your own bug spray. Something else to be said about the Plumerias on the Hilo side. Its interesting to see Plumerias in such a wet environment covered with lichens and moss. You can definitely see they look much more gnarled and stunted versus plants in dryer areas.

I agree about the Kona ag inspectors - although I usually bring things pre-stamped, I have brought random fresh cuttings through as well. I cut off all the leaves, washed the cutting well to remove any dirt, and wrapped the cut end with a little bit of clear saran wrap and a rubber band. I made sure to declare it at the airport - they glanced at it and handed it back to me - no problems.

The Hilo to Kona drive is beautiful - I really like taking Hwy 19 through Waimea (paniolo country! Plus that last rise as you approach the west side of the island and the ocean appears again). Be careful if you take Saddle Road - the weather between the volcanoes can be unpredictable (rainy/thick fog, etc.). But it has been redone completely, so it's not as dangerous as it once was ... I think I just prefer the scenic route! :)

Thanks everyone for letting me know about the different routes to Kona. I wasn't aware there was a much shorter route.

If I do get cuttings that are not pre approved I will do as suggested and clean them up before presenting it to the Ag inspectors.

What is the etiquette if I am interested in a cutting? I would offer to buy it of course. Would I look like a weird tourist to them by asking for a cutting? Has someone ever come knocking on your door asking for cuttings? Were you uncomfortable being asked?

Humph, okay my kids just told me I am not allowed to pester anyone about cuttings because they will be with me on the trip and do not want to get embarrassed. Ha. We will see....

Also, some have mentioned getting them from farms? Are there any on Hilo or Kona?

I pack mine in crates and check them in as luggage. You can find them at Home Depot http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-27-Gal-Storage-Tote-in-Black-HDX27GONLINE-5/205978361.

I wipe the cuttings down with a damp towel, then dry thoroughly. Make sure there are no moldy tips (or mold anywhere). Some trees have a greyish/greenish scale on them - avoid those, I almost had a whole crate confiscated once because a couple cuttings had that on them.

You will see the Federal Ag Inspection stations at the airport. Tell them you have plumeria cuttings. They will check them over and put a sticker on the lid. Seal up the crate (don't forget some zip ties) and then check it in along with your baggage. Last time I came back it was $35 extra for a crate, which is a steal compared to shipping - you can cram alot of cuttings into these!

If you are flying inter-island, call the Hawaii State Ag Dept. at 808 326-1077, tell them your flight # and they will meet you at the Ag inspection at the Kona Airport and give you an inter-island sticker.

godzillas

There are two roads across the middle of the BI. One is the old Saddle road (iffy) and the other is the Daniel Inouye Highway.

Unlike daogirl, I like the southern route from Kona to Hilo. Both are great drives, but if you do the two long ways, it'll be an all day trip.

I'll be on the BI in a month and will probably go up to Hilo town. I'll go the Inouye highway on the way back, but the southern route up there.

Thank you everyone for sharing your tips, experiences, detailed instructions, and photos. You guys have been so helpful!

Hopefully, I will be able to come back after my next trip and post pictures of cuttings I have brought back.