Hawaii Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Hawaii has evolved from a minimally regulated drone environment to a moderately regulated one, with restrictions in state parks, prohibitions on using drones to take aquatic life, and a growing legislative interest in UAS for firefighting, search and rescue, and aerospace development. State law does not explicitly preempt local ordinances, leaving counties some authority to regulate drone use in their jurisdictions. All drone operators must comply with federal FAA requirements, including Part 107, TRUST, and Remote ID rules.
State Drone Laws
SB 661 (Act 93, SLH 2015)Hawaii Unmanned Aerial Systems Test Site
Creates a chief operating officer position for the Hawaii UAS test site. Establishes an unmanned aerial systems test site advisory board to plan and oversee test site development and appropriates funds to establish the test site.
DLNR Division of State Parks Rules — HAR §13-146Drone Prohibition in State Parks
Prohibits the use, launching, or landing of drones or other types of aircraft in any of Hawaii's state parks without prior written authorization from the Division of State Parks. Violations are subject to administrative fines.
HRS §188-23.5Prohibition on Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Taking Aquatic Life
Prohibits the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in the taking of aquatic life in Hawaii waters. This statute is under potential revision through pending legislation HB 1347, which would replace the prohibition with a permitting system.
HAR §13-60.4 / DOFAW RulesDrone Restrictions in State Wildlife Sanctuaries and Forest Reserves
The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) restricts drone operations in state wildlife sanctuaries, natural area reserves, and certain forest reserves. Operators may require special use permits from DOFAW prior to any drone flight in these sensitive areas.
HRS §708-800 et seq. (Proposed — SB 371)Criminal Property Damage to Critical Infrastructure Facilities (Pending)
Pending legislation (SB 371) would establish the offense of criminal property damage to critical infrastructure facilities in the first and second degree. While not drone-specific, this statute would apply to drone-related damage to pipelines, utilities, and other critical infrastructure.
Honolulu City and County Revised Ordinances §§ variesCity and County of Honolulu Park Rules — Drone Restrictions
The City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation restricts drone operations in county parks and beaches. Operators must obtain a permit from the department for commercial drone activity in county parks. Recreational drone use in most county parks is restricted or prohibited without prior authorization.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City and County of Honolulu
Drone Use Restrictions in Honolulu County Parks and Beaches
The City and County of Honolulu restricts or prohibits drone operations in county parks, beaches, and recreational areas. Commercial operators must obtain a film or activity permit. Recreational drone flying is generally prohibited in most managed park areas without prior authorization. Operations near beaches and popular tourist areas are subject to additional scrutiny.
View sourceMaui County
Drone Restrictions in Maui County Parks
Maui County restricts drone use in county parks and certain beach areas. Drone operators conducting commercial activities require permits from the county. Operations near Haleakalā and coastal wildlife areas are subject to additional federal and state restrictions.
View sourceHawaii County (Big Island)
Drone Restrictions in Hawaii County Parks
Hawaii County restricts drone use in county-managed parks and recreational areas. Operations near Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park are subject to strict National Park Service prohibitions (federal). County parks require prior authorization for drone operations.
View sourceKauai County
Drone Restrictions in Kauai County Parks and Na Pali Coast Area
Kauai County restricts drone use in county parks. Operations near the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park are subject to DLNR state park prohibitions. Commercial drone operations in county-managed areas require permit authorization.
View sourcePenalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DLNR rangers may order drone operators to cease operations and may confiscate equipment in some circumstances. | |||||
| Enforcement by DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources. Pending legislation (HB 1347) may replace this prohibition with a permitting system. | |||||
| Unpermitted commercial filming or drone operations may result in removal from park premises. |
DLNR rangers may order drone operators to cease operations and may confiscate equipment in some circumstances.
Enforcement by DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources. Pending legislation (HB 1347) may replace this prohibition with a permitting system.
Unpermitted commercial filming or drone operations may result in removal from park premises.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Hawaii does not require state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration applies to recreational drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) and all commercial drone operations require Part 107 certification. DLNR may require written authorization requests for specific areas rather than formal registration.
Commercial operators must obtain FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. State park drone use requires written authorization from DLNR Division of State Parks. DOFAW may require special use permits for operations in wildlife sanctuaries and forest reserves. County parks (Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai) require activity or film permits for commercial drone operations.
No statewide insurance requirement. Some county permit applications for commercial drone operations may require proof of liability insurance as a permit condition.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Operations
Commercial drone pilots in Hawaii must comply with FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule
All commercial drone operators in Hawaii must pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate. Part 107 compliance is mandatory for any drone operation conducted for business purposes, including aerial photography, real estate, agriculture, and surveying — all common drone use cases in Hawaii.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Recreational drone pilots must comply with FAA TRUST requirement
Hobby drone pilots in Hawaii are required by the FAA to take the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and follow FAA recreational model aircraft rules under 49 USC §44809, including registration for drones over 0.55 lbs (250g).
Remote ID Compliance
Federal Remote ID requirement for all UAS operators
All drone operators in Hawaii must comply with FAA Remote ID requirements effective September 16, 2023. Drones must broadcast identification and location information. FRIA (FAA-Recognized Identification Area) designations may be relevant for model aircraft clubs operating in Hawaii.
National Park Service Drone Prohibition
Federal prohibition on drone use in all National Park units in Hawaii
NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 (June 2014) and subsequent rule-making under 36 CFR §1.5 prohibit drone takeoff, landing, or operation within all National Park Service units in Hawaii, including Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Haleakalā National Park, Kalaupapa National Historical Park, and others. Special use permits are theoretically available but rarely granted. This is a federal restriction that supplements state DLNR park rules.
Military Airspace Restrictions
Significant military airspace restrictions affecting drone operations in Hawaii
Hawaii has extensive military installations including Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay), Schofield Barracks, and Pohakuloa Training Area. Multiple Restricted Areas and Warning Areas exist around these installations. Drone operators must consult FAA sectional charts and SUA (Special Use Airspace) information before flying near military zones.
Volcanic Activity TFRs
FAA issues TFRs related to volcanic activity on the Big Island
When Kilauea or other Hawaii volcanoes are actively erupting or lava is flowing, the FAA typically issues TFRs under 14 CFR §91.137 or §91.141 to restrict drone and manned aircraft access for safety and emergency response purposes. Drone operators on the Big Island should check NOTAMs frequently as these TFRs can be issued with little notice.
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024
Federal drone regulatory framework updates affecting Hawaii operators
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (signed May 2024) includes provisions for BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations, advanced air mobility integration, and expanded drone delivery frameworks. Hawaii, with its island geography and logistical challenges, has been identified as a potential hub for drone delivery and BVLOS operations. Operators pursuing these use cases should monitor FAA rulemaking under the 2024 Act.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available in Hawaii for FAA Part 107 commercial operators seeking airspace authorization near controlled airports including HNL, OGG, KOA, and LIH. Recreational operators can also use LAANC through FAA-approved apps.
Major Airports
HNL — Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (formerly Honolulu International)OGG — Kahului Airport (Maui)KOA — Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at KeaholeLIH — Lihue Airport (Kauai)ITO — Hilo International Airport (Big Island)MKK — Molokai AirportJHM — Kapalua Airport (Maui)HNM — Hana Airport (Maui)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are established around airfields, military installations (Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Schofield Barracks, Kaneohe Bay MCAS), and special events. Hawaii airspace includes restricted areas (R-3103, R-3107, etc.) around military ranges. Active volcanic activity at Kilauea has historically triggered TFRs in the Hawaii Volcanoes area — operators should check NOTAMs before flying on the Big Island. The Haleakalā summit area has ongoing airspace considerations due to the National Park and astronomical observatories.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Pending Legislation
HB 1347Carried over to 2026 Regular SessionRelating To Fishing
Establishes within the Department of Land and Natural Resources a permitting system for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the taking of aquatic life. Repeals the current prohibition under HRS §188-23.5 on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the taking of aquatic life. Provides a timeline for implementation of the permitting system.
Last action: December 8, 2025
SB 512Carried over to 2026 Regular SessionRelating To Firefighting
Requires the State Fire Marshal to establish a Statewide Firefighting Helicopter Program. Appropriates funds for the State Fire Marshal to obtain helicopters, facilities equipment, drones, and supplies; hire and train staff; and do other things necessary to ensure that the Program is ready to begin providing aerial firefighting services on 7/1/2026. This bill reflects growing state interest in government drone deployment for emergency response, particularly following the 2023 Maui wildfires.
Last action: December 8, 2025
SB 371In Committee — House JudiciaryRelating To Property Damage Of Critical Infrastructure Facilities
Establishes the offense of criminal property damage to critical infrastructure facilities in the first and second degree. While not drone-specific, this legislation would apply to drone-related damage to pipelines, power grids, water treatment facilities, and telecommunications infrastructure, creating felony-level liability.
Last action: December 8, 2025
SB 581Carried over to 2026 Regular SessionRelating To Economic Development
Establishes the Aerospace and Aeronautics Development Program within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Appropriates funds. This program would support development of the drone and advanced air mobility industry in Hawaii, building on the existing UAS test site framework established in 2015.
Last action: December 8, 2025
SB 2938In Committee — WAM/JDCRelating To Search And Rescue
Establishes the Office of the State Search and Rescue Coordinator within the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. Provides for the authority and duties of the State Search and Rescue Coordinator. Designates participating agencies and their duties with regard to state search and rescue operations and training. Establishes the Search and Rescue Special Fund. Drones are expected to be a key tool under this program. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.
Last action: February 20, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | UH Manoa requires authorization from the Office of Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management (EHSRM) for all drone operations on campus property. Operators must demonstrate Part 107 certification or equivalent qualifications for commercial and research operations. Restrictions: Prior written authorization required from EHSRM for all UAS flights on campus. Must comply with Hawaii state drone laws, DLNR rules, and FAA regulations including Part 107. No flights without prior approval. Research drone operations may require additional departmental sign-off. Operations near Manoa Valley residential areas subject to additional noise and privacy considerations. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management (EHSRM) |
| University of Hawaii at Hilo | UH Hilo follows the University of Hawaii system-wide UAS policy. Drone operations on campus require prior authorization from campus administration and must comply with FAA regulations. Operations near the Hilo Airport (ITO) controlled airspace require LAANC authorization. Restrictions: Prior authorization required. FAA Part 107 compliance mandatory for research and commercial operations. LAANC authorization may be required due to proximity to Hilo International Airport airspace. Operations near Mauna Kea observatories may have additional restrictions. | Yes | UH Hilo Campus Administration / Environmental Health and Safety |
| University of Hawaii Maui College | UH Maui College follows University of Hawaii system UAS policy. Drone operations on the Kahului campus require prior authorization and must comply with FAA regulations including LAANC requirements due to proximity to OGG (Kahului Airport) Class C airspace. Restrictions: Prior authorization required. LAANC authorization almost certainly required due to location within or near OGG Class C airspace. Part 107 certification required for any non-recreational operations. Coordination with FAA and campus safety office mandatory. | Yes | UH Maui College Campus Safety / Administration |
| Hawaii Pacific University | Hawaii Pacific University (HPU), a private university with campuses in Honolulu and Kaneohe, requires prior authorization for drone operations on university property. Operations must comply with FAA regulations and Honolulu city and county regulations. Restrictions: Prior authorization from university administration required. Must comply with FAA Part 107 for commercial or research use. Honolulu campus operations are in proximity to HNL Class B airspace — LAANC authorization typically required. Kaneohe campus is near Marine Corps Base Hawaii airspace restrictions. | Yes | Hawaii Pacific University Office of Campus Safety |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | Chaminade University follows a general campus safety policy requiring advance permission for drone operations on university grounds. Must comply with all FAA regulations and Honolulu county rules. Restrictions: Advance permission from campus administration required. FAA compliance mandatory. Proximity to HNL may require LAANC authorization. | Yes | Chaminade University Campus Security / Administration |
Last Updated
This page is automatically verified and updated weekly by our AI-powered legal research agent (v1.0.0). While we strive for accuracy, always verify critical information with official state sources.
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