Hawaii Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Hawaii maintains one of the most restrictive drone regulatory frameworks in the United States. In 2024, the state enacted comprehensive criminal statutes (Act 161) establishing three felony tiers for drone misuse, alongside existing privacy protections, residential trespass rules, and a near-total prohibition on state parks and protected lands. Commercial operators need FAA Part 107 certification, but state and local land access restrictions—particularly the Department of Land and Natural Resources ban on all state parks without written approval—impose significant operational constraints.
State Drone Laws
HRS 711-1121Misuse of Uncrewed Aircraft in the First Degree
Class A felony for arming a drone with a firearm, explosive, electric gun, or weapon of mass destruction; interfering with or disrupting a manned aircraft; delivering contraband, drugs, or dangerous instruments into a prison; or causing serious bodily injury to someone.
HRS 711-1122Misuse of Uncrewed Aircraft in the Second Degree
Class B felony for disabling Remote ID transmission, defeating or failing to run anti-collision lighting, causing substantial bodily injury, or causing property damage exceeding $20,000.
HRS 711-1123Misuse of Uncrewed Aircraft in the Third Degree
Class C felony for tampering with registration number, obstructing a police officer or firefighter, causing bodily injury, causing property damage over $750, operating while impaired, flying after revocation of operating privileges, or using a drone in furtherance of any felony.
HRS 711-1125Drone Trespass Over Dwelling
Misdemeanor for intentionally flying a drone across someone's property line and bringing it within 50 feet of a dwelling to coerce, intimidate, or harass a person, or for any reason after receiving actual notice to stop. Also covers takeoff or landing in violation of FAA security restrictions.
HRS 711-1110.9Violation of Privacy in the First Degree
Class C felony for recording or disclosing images of someone in a state of nudity or engaged in a sexual act. Drones equipped with recording devices targeting private places are covered by this statute.
HRS 711-1111Violation of Privacy in the Second Degree
Misdemeanor for intentionally peering into a dwelling or installing or using any device for observing or recording in a private place without consent. Applies to drone surveillance cameras directed at private residences or yards.
HRS 199-9Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Fishing Permit
Requires a permit from the Department of Land and Natural Resources for using drones to take aquatic life or assist in fishing operations. Permit costs $100 per year.
HAR Chapter 13-146State Parks Drone Prohibition
Administrative rule prohibiting the use, launching, or landing of drones or other unmanned aircraft in Hawaii's state parks, state beaches, historic parks, and recreation areas without written approval from the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Applies statewide across all islands.
SB 661 (Act 161, 2015)Hawaii Unmanned Aerial Systems Test Site
Establishes chief operating officer position for Hawaii UAS test site and creates unmanned aerial systems test site advisory board to plan and oversee test site development.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Honolulu
cityRevised Ordinances of Honolulu § 10-1.2 — Parks and Recreation
Prohibits the operation, launching, or landing of motorized model aircraft and drones in Honolulu parks without authorization from the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Restrictions
Drone operations in city parks (including Ala Moana Regional Park, Kapiʻolani Park, Magic Island, and neighborhood parks) limited to operators who meet FAA Part 107 requirements, possess valid aviation liability insurance, and obtain a filming permit from the Parks Department.
Maui County
countyMaui County Code § 13.04.030(C) — County Park Drone Ban
Prohibits operating, taking off, or landing any unmanned aircraft system in a Maui County park except as authorized by federal law and with written permission of the Parks Director.
Restrictions
Complete prohibition on county park drone operations without Parks Director written authorization; includes all county parks on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai.
Statewide (Hawaii County, Maui County, Honolulu, Kauai County)
countyDepartment of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks — State Park Drone Prohibition
Statewide prohibition on drone use, launching, or landing in any Hawaii state park, state beach, historic park, or state recreation area without written DLNR approval. Enforced by DLNR's Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE).
Restrictions
Blanket statewide ban on all drone operations on DLNR-managed land (state parks, beaches, forest reserves, natural area reserves, and coastal areas). Written permit from DLNR required; typically requires proof of liability insurance naming the State of Hawaii.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Misuse of uncrewed aircraft, first degree (armed drone; interfering with manned aircraft; prison contraband; serious bodily injury) | Class A Felony | Up to $25,000 | Up to 25 years | Hawaii County Police; County Prosecutors | Most serious drone-related offense under HRS 711-1121; carve-out for police, fire, corrections personnel on duty |
| Misuse of uncrewed aircraft, second degree (disabling Remote ID/lighting; substantial injury; property damage over $20,000) | Class B Felony | Up to $20,000 | Up to 10 years | Hawaii County Police; County Prosecutors | Covers conduct that violates federal aviation safety rules with significant harm; Remote ID disabling specifically called out by statute |
| Misuse of uncrewed aircraft, third degree (tampering with registration; obstructing police; injury; damage over $750; operating impaired; in furtherance of felony) | Class C Felony | Up to $10,000 | Up to 5 years | Hawaii County Police; County Prosecutors | Catch-all misuse provision; operating impaired is specifically enumerated |
| Drone trespass within 50 feet of dwelling (to harass, intimidate, surveil after notice to desist) | Misdemeanor | Up to $2,000 | Up to 1 year | Hawaii County Police; County Prosecutors | Applies when drone brought within 50 feet of dwelling with intent to harass or after owner directs operator to stop; requires intentional trespass over property line |
| Violation of privacy, second degree (recording in private setting without consent) | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 1 year | Hawaii County Police; County Prosecutors | Applies to drone cameras directed into homes, yards, or other private spaces; civil liability also possible |
| Violation of privacy, first degree (recording nude or sexual images) | Class C Felony | Up to $10,000 | Up to 5 years | Hawaii County Police; County Prosecutors | Most serious privacy violation; same classification as third-degree drone misuse |
| Drone in state park or forest reserve without written DLNR approval | Administrative Violation | Citation and confiscation of drone | None (administrative) | DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) | Applies statewide to all DLNR-managed lands; covers state parks, beaches, forest reserves, natural area reserves |
| Drone in Honolulu city park without Part 107 compliance and insurance | Municipal Violation | Citation and fine (amount determined by city) | None (municipal) | Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation; Honolulu Police Department | Requires Part 107 certificate and valid aviation liability insurance; filming permit required for commercial use |
| Drone in Maui County park without Parks Director written permission | Municipal Violation | Citation and fine (amount determined by county) | None (municipal) | Maui County Parks and Recreation; Maui County Police | Complete prohibition on park operations without prior written authorization from Parks Director |
| Drone fishing without DLNR permit | Administrative Violation | Citation and fine (HRS 199-9) | None (administrative) | DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) | Annual permit costs $100; required for any drone use in fishing operations |
| Approaching humpback whale within 1,000 feet by aircraft (including drone) | Federal Violation (Marine Mammal Protection Act) | Up to $27,500 civil; up to $100,000 criminal | Up to 1 year (criminal) | NOAA Fisheries; NOAA Office of Law Enforcement | Applies year-round in Hawaiian waters; 100 yards on water during whale season (November-May). Includes altitude component. |
| Drone in National Park Service unit (Haleakalā, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, etc.) | Federal Petty Offense (36 CFR § 1.5) | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service Rangers; Federal Courts | NPS has banned all drone operations on park lands nationwide since 2014; enforced by park rangers with federal court jurisdiction |
Misuse of uncrewed aircraft, first degree (armed drone; interfering with manned aircraft; prison contraband; serious bodily injury)
Most serious drone-related offense under HRS 711-1121; carve-out for police, fire, corrections personnel on duty
Misuse of uncrewed aircraft, second degree (disabling Remote ID/lighting; substantial injury; property damage over $20,000)
Covers conduct that violates federal aviation safety rules with significant harm; Remote ID disabling specifically called out by statute
Misuse of uncrewed aircraft, third degree (tampering with registration; obstructing police; injury; damage over $750; operating impaired; in furtherance of felony)
Catch-all misuse provision; operating impaired is specifically enumerated
Drone trespass within 50 feet of dwelling (to harass, intimidate, surveil after notice to desist)
Applies when drone brought within 50 feet of dwelling with intent to harass or after owner directs operator to stop; requires intentional trespass over property line
Violation of privacy, second degree (recording in private setting without consent)
Applies to drone cameras directed into homes, yards, or other private spaces; civil liability also possible
Violation of privacy, first degree (recording nude or sexual images)
Most serious privacy violation; same classification as third-degree drone misuse
Drone in state park or forest reserve without written DLNR approval
Applies statewide to all DLNR-managed lands; covers state parks, beaches, forest reserves, natural area reserves
Drone in Honolulu city park without Part 107 compliance and insurance
Requires Part 107 certificate and valid aviation liability insurance; filming permit required for commercial use
Drone in Maui County park without Parks Director written permission
Complete prohibition on park operations without prior written authorization from Parks Director
Drone fishing without DLNR permit
Annual permit costs $100; required for any drone use in fishing operations
Approaching humpback whale within 1,000 feet by aircraft (including drone)
Applies year-round in Hawaiian waters; 100 yards on water during whale season (November-May). Includes altitude component.
Drone in National Park Service unit (Haleakalā, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, etc.)
NPS has banned all drone operations on park lands nationwide since 2014; enforced by park rangers with federal court jurisdiction
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Hawaii imposes state-level registration, licensing, insurance, or fee requirements
Commercial operators: budget for the state fees below before operating here. Federal FAA registration is still required separately.
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Commercial License
Not Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
- Other Fees
- Drone Fishing Permit — $100/yearAnnual permit from DLNR for using drones in fishing operations (HRS 199-9). Required for any drone use to drop bait, carry fishing line, or otherwise assist in taking aquatic life.
- DLNR State Land Use Permit — Variable (no fixed fee published)Permit required for drone operations on DLNR-managed state parks, beaches, forest reserves, and natural area reserves. Applicant must provide proof of liability insurance naming the State of Hawaii. Processing typically takes 2+ weeks.
- Hawaii Film Office Permit — Variable (location-dependent)Permit required for drone filming on state property (beaches, parks, roadways) for commercial purposes. Processing time typically 2+ weeks; requires proof of Part 107 certification and insurance.
- Honolulu Parks Department Filming Permit — Variable (city-determined)Filming permit required for commercial drone operations in Honolulu city parks. Applicant must demonstrate Part 107 compliance and valid aviation insurance.
Hawaii has no state-level drone registration requirement. All drones over 250 grams must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration ($5 for 3 years). Commercial operators must obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate; recreational operators must pass the free TRUST test. Hawaii does not impose additional state licensing, registration, or permitting for commercial or recreational drone operations beyond federal requirements.
No state-level drone operation permit is required. However, flying on state-managed land (parks, beaches, forest reserves) requires written permission from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, which typically involves a permit application with proof of liability insurance. County and city parks may require separate local permits or approval.
State law does not mandate insurance. However, DLNR typically requires liability insurance naming the State of Hawaii as an additional insured when approving drone operations on state land. Honolulu city parks require valid aviation liability insurance for Part 107 operators. Many commercial clients require $1 million in drone liability coverage.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Compliance
Remote ID Mandatory Since March 16, 2024
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information in real-time. Hawaii state law (HRS 711-1122) makes disabling Remote ID transmission a Class B felony. Operators must use Standard Remote ID, a broadcast module, or operate inside a FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Compliance is mandatory nationwide and enforced in Hawaii.
Part 107 Commercial Operations
FAA Remote Pilot Certificate Required for Commercial Use
All drone operations for business purposes (real estate, wedding videography, agricultural surveys, etc.) require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. The $175 test covers airspace, weather, and regulations. Hawaii has PSI testing centers on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island. No additional state-level commercial drone license is required.
Part 108 BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight)
BVLOS Rule Not Yet Finalized
Beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations are not permitted routinely in Hawaii. Utility crews, surveyors, and agriculture operators who need BVLOS capability must request a specific FAA waiver. The FAA's proposed Part 108 rule is not yet final; there is no Hawaii-specific timeline for BVLOS authorization.
Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)
Federal Whale and Seal Protection — NOAA Enforcement
Federal law prohibits approaching humpback whales within 1,000 feet when operating an aircraft (including drones) in Hawaiian waters year-round. On the water, the minimum approach distance is 100 yards during whale season (November-May). Drones must also stay at least 50 feet from endangered Hawaiian monk seals year-round. Violations are federal offenses; NOAA Fisheries enforces these rules with civil penalties up to $27,500 and criminal penalties up to $100,000 plus one year in prison.
National Park Service Drone Ban
Drones Banned on All NPS Lands (36 CFR § 1.5)
The National Park Service prohibits launching, landing, and operating drones from or on park lands in all NPS units nationwide, including Haleakalā National Park and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. NPS jurisdiction ends at the park boundary; the airspace above the park is governed by the FAA. However, active eruptions on Hawaiʻi Island trigger FAA temporary flight restrictions that close the airspace. Violations are federal offenses with penalties up to 6 months jail and $5,000 fine.
Controlled Airspace & LAANC
Class B, C, D Airspace Around Hawaii Airports
Honolulu (HNL) is Class B with extensive shelves over urban Oahu and very low ceilings near downtown and Waikiki. Maui (OGG) is Class C; Kona (KOA), Lihue (LIH), and Hilo (ITO) are Class D. All controlled airspace requires LAANC authorization. The 400-foot AGL ceiling applies except where controlled airspace ceilings are lower.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Hawaii has not enacted a drone-specific critical infrastructure statute as of this writing. Pilots remain subject to general state laws on trespass, voyeurism, privacy, and reckless endangerment, and to all federal regulations including FAA Part 107.
Read the federal preemption guide →Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at Honolulu International (HNL, Class B), Kahului (OGG, Class C), Kona (KOA, Class D), Lihue (LIH, Class D), and Hilo (ITO, Class D). HNL shelves cover much of urban Oahu with very low altitude ceilings near downtown and Waikiki. LAANC near-real-time authorizations available for flights under 400 feet AGL; further coordination requests available for flights up to 400 feet.
Major Airports
HNL — Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu, Oahu)OGG — Kahului Airport (Maui)KOA — Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (Hawaiʻi Island)LIH — Lihue Airport (Kauaʻi)ITO — Hilo International Airport (Hawaiʻi Island)
TFR Notice
Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) are common near Honolulu International (security sensitive). Hawaii Island experiences active eruption TFRs during volcanic activity near Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Military TFRs surround Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and other Oahu military installations. Check B4UFLY app for current TFRs before every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Lava Flow Drone Citation During Kīlauea Eruption (2018)
enforcementA 38-year-old visitor from San Jose was cited by a DLNR conservation enforcement officer for flying a drone over the Kīlauea lava flow in May 2018. The flight violated a temporary flight restriction, and only USGS, the island utility, and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo had permits for eruption-related drone work. The case was referred to the FAA.
Travis Sanders National Park Drone Conviction
enforcementIn April 2015, Travis Sanders flew a micro drone over Halema'uma'u Crater lava lake at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. A NPS ranger ordered him to stop; Sanders fled toward the caldera edge. The ranger used a taser to stop him. Sanders was convicted after a February 2016 non-jury trial in Hilo, receiving a $1,000 fine and one-year park ban.
Pending Legislation
HB 1347Carried over to 2026 Regular SessionRelating to Fishing — Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Permitting System
Would establish within the Department of Land and Natural Resources a permitting system for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the taking of aquatic life. Would repeal the prohibition on using UAS in taking aquatic life and provide a timeline for implementation of the permitting system. Currently, drone fishing is prohibited unless a $100/year DLNR permit is obtained.
Last action: December 8, 2025
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | UH Manoa requires prior authorization from the Office of Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management (EHSRM) before conducting any drone operations on campus property or airspace. Operators must comply with all applicable Hawaii state drone laws and FAA regulations. Restrictions: Prior written authorization required from EHSRM. Must comply with HRS 711-1121 through 711-1125 (criminal drone misuse statutes), HRS 711-1110.9 and 711-1111 (privacy statutes), and all FAA Part 107 or TRUST requirements. Campus airspace restrictions and building proximity rules determined by EHSRM on case-by-case basis. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management (EHSRM) |
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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