Hawaii is one of only two U.S. states with no legal gambling, and that is exactly why so many islanders fly to Las Vegas. This section covers the laws, the history of the 'ninth island', trip planning, poker, the lottery question and cruise ship casinos.
Ninth Island
Las Vegas trips, casino history and Hawaii's no-gambling laws
Why Las Vegas Is Called Hawaii's Ninth Island
October 14, 2026
Hawaii has eight main islands, but locals talk about a ninth one in the Nevada desert. The story of how Las Vegas became a home away from home for islanders is a story about casinos, comfort food and charter flights.
Planning a Honolulu to Las Vegas Trip
September 29, 2026
Flying from Oahu to Nevada is a rite of passage for many island families. This planner covers flight times, time zones, packing for the desert and how islanders usually structure the trip.
Cruise Ship Casinos and Hawaii's Waters
September 14, 2026
Big cruise ships carry full casinos, yet the tables go quiet around the islands. Here is how state and federal rules, ship flags and itineraries decide when you can play at sea.
Hawaii Gambling Laws Explained for Visitors
August 30, 2026
Hawaii is one of only two U.S. states with no legal gambling at all. Here is what that means for visitors, from casino trips and lottery tickets to the bills debated at the Capitol.
No Powerball in Paradise: Hawaii and the Lottery
August 15, 2026
When a lottery jackpot climbs past a billion dollars, the rest of the country lines up for tickets. In Hawaii, nobody can buy one. Here is why, and what islanders do instead.
Poker and Hawaii: Home Games, Card Rooms and Vegas Tables
July 31, 2026
Poker is popular in Hawaii, but there are no legal card rooms. Here is how island players think about the law, where they play when they travel and what to know before your first Las Vegas poker room.
Downtown Las Vegas Spots Islanders Love
July 21, 2026
Island visitors to Las Vegas often skip the Strip and head downtown, where the casinos know their names and the cafes serve oxtail soup. Here is the downtown circuit.