Hawaii Drone Laws
Federal requirements, Hawaii statutes, local restrictions, and official resources — in one place, with primary-source citations, for recreational and commercial drone pilots.
Verified & Published
Last reviewed 2026-09-30 · Next review 2026-10-30 · 3 official sources
Hawaii does not have a single comprehensive drone statute, instead relying on a combination of federal FAA regulations and specific state-level agency rules. Operators must be aware of strict prohibitions regarding state parks, hunting, and fishing, as well as general privacy and harassment statutes.
Are drones legal in Hawaii?
Drone operations are generally allowed in Hawaii when pilots follow FAA requirements plus all applicable state, local, and property rules. Check airspace authorization and launch or landing restrictions before every flight.
Rules, airspace restrictions, and temporary conditions can change. Check current airspace and official requirements before every flight.
At a Glance
HRS § 263 Recreational operators must follow FAA regulations and avoid restricted state lands.
Commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107 and obtain necessary state film permits if applicable.
HRS § 711-1111 State privacy laws regarding surveillance and harassment apply to drone operations.
Operators should avoid flying near critical infrastructure to prevent potential interference charges.
HRS § 263-10 The use of drones for hunting or fishing is prohibited by state law.
Haw. Code R. § 13-146-28 Launching, landing, or operating drones in Hawaii state parks is prohibited.
Local jurisdictions may have specific ordinances or permit requirements for drone operations.
HRS § 263-11 Violations of state drone laws can result in misdemeanor charges or fines.
How the Three Layers Work Together
Every flight is governed by all three layers at once. A rule in one layer does not cancel or replace the others — you must satisfy each layer that applies to where and how you fly.
FAA requirements that apply nationwide — registration, Remote ID, airspace, and operating categories.
State statutes, regulations, agency policies, and rules for state-owned property.
Municipal and county rules, parks, public-property launch/landing limits, filming permits, and property policies.
Our Pre-Flight Recommendations
- Check airspace & get LAANC authorization via B4UFLY before every flight.
- Confirm Remote ID compliance — broadcast module or FAA-registered drone.
- Search the local municipal code for park, launch, and landing restrictions.
- Carry proof of FAA registration and your Part 107 certificate when flying commercially.
- Respect private property — get written permission before flying over private land.
- When layers conflict, follow the most restrictive rule that applies.
Court decisions are shown separately under “Developing Law & Court Decisions.” They inform how rules may evolve but do not replace Layer 3.
Federal Baseline (Applies Everywhere)
These FAA requirements apply nationwide, in addition to any state and local rules below. Federal updates appear automatically on every state page.
- Choosing the Correct Operating Category. Before flying, decide whether you're flying recreationally under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations or commercially under Part 107. The category determines which rules apply to you.
- Recreational Flying and TRUST. Recreational flyers must pass the free TRUST test, carry proof of passage, register drones over 0.55 lb, and follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized community-based organization.
- Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification. Commercial drone operations require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, earned by passing the Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test.
- Drone Registration and Exterior Markings. Drones weighing 0.55 lb (250 g) or more must be registered with the FAA, and the registration number must be displayed on the exterior of the aircraft.
- Remote ID. Most drones that require registration must also broadcast Remote ID — a digital 'license plate' — either built-in or via an add-on broadcast module.
- Visual Line of Sight. You must keep your drone within unaided visual line of sight at all times, unless you hold a specific FAA waiver.
- General Altitude Limits. The general altitude ceiling is 400 feet above ground level, with specific allowances near structures under Part 107.
- Controlled and Uncontrolled Airspace. Flying in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or surface E) near airports requires prior FAA authorization; uncontrolled Class G generally does not.
Hawaii State Laws
Verified state statutes, regulations, and agency policies. Each item links to its official source.
Privacy & Surveillance
Violation of Privacy in the Second Degree
VerifiedIt is illegal to use a drone to record people in private places, such as their homes or yards, without their consent.
- Citation
- HRS § 711-1111
- Enforcement
- Local Law Enforcement (Hawaii County Police, Honolulu Police Department, etc.)
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Violation of this statute is a misdemeanor offense.
Voyeurism, Harassment & Stalking
Unlawful Use of Drone to Harass
VerifiedUsing a drone to repeatedly follow or annoy a person can be prosecuted as harassment.
- Citation
- HRS § 711-1106
- Enforcement
- Local Law Enforcement
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Harassment is typically charged as a petty misdemeanor.
Hunting, Fishing & Wildlife
Harassing or Hunting Wildlife Prohibited
VerifiedYou may not use a drone to scout for game or to bother or chase animals in Hawaii.
- Citation
- HRS § 183D-25
- Enforcement
- DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE)
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Violations can result in fines ranging from $250 to $1,000 and potential seizure of the UAS used in the offense.
State Parks & Public Lands
State Park Motorized Equipment Restrictions
VerifiedYou cannot fly a drone in Hawaii State Parks unless you have received written permission from the Division of State Parks.
- Citation
- HAR § 13-146-21
- Enforcement
- Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Violation of state park rules may result in a petty misdemeanor charge, which carries fines and potential jail time.
Local & Property Rules
Federal authorization does not automatically grant permission to launch, land, or operate from a particular property.
State Parks
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources prohibits the launching, landing, or operation of drones within all Hawaii State Parks.
Local Government Authority
Local governments in Hawaii may implement their own rules or permit requirements, particularly regarding commercial filming or specific harbor/county land use.
Detailed local guides are being developed for selected cities — covering local parks, city- and county-owned property, filming permits, special events, public facilities, and property-manager rules.
Plan Your Next Flight in Hawaii
Turn the rules into a flight plan — find a place to fly, hire a local professional, or join the CityDrones pilot directory.
Hawaii Drone Laws FAQ
Quick answers for recreational and commercial pilots.
Are drones legal in Hawaii?
Drone operations are generally allowed in Hawaii when pilots follow FAA requirements plus all applicable state, local, and property rules. Always verify airspace and launch or landing restrictions before flying.
Do I need to register my drone in Hawaii?
FAA registration is a federal requirement and applies nationwide, including Hawaii. Whether registration is required depends on the aircraft and type of operation.
Can I fly a drone in Hawaii state parks?
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources prohibits the launching, landing, or operation of drones within all Hawaii State Parks.
Can cities in Hawaii make their own drone rules?
There is no explicit state-wide preemption statute that prevents local municipalities from enacting their own drone-related ordinances.
What do commercial drone pilots need in Hawaii?
Commercial pilots generally need to comply with FAA Part 107 requirements as well as applicable Hawaii, local, and property rules. Additional permits may apply to filming or operations on managed property.
Sources & Methodology
NCSL — Current Unmanned Aircraft State Law Landscape
Primary-source enacted state statutes and bill numbers.
UAV Coach — State Drone Laws Directory
State statutes + municipal local ordinances.
FlyUSI — US Drone Laws Guide
Federal / State / Local three-layer tracker, updated quarterly.
Drone Launch Academy — 50-State Directory
Commercial nuances: privacy torts, hunting, critical infrastructure.
CityDrones uses AI-assisted research to draft state law summaries, cross-checked against the authoritative directories above. Every claim is sourced to an official government or legislature page before publication, and all content is reviewed by a human editor before going live. This is educational information, not legal advice.
The 3-Layer Pre-Flight Compliance Guide
A printable checklist that walks federal, state, and local rules in the same order every time — so you can clear a legal flight before you leave the driveway.
Get it firstCityDrones provides general educational and flight-planning information, not legal advice or flight authorization. Drone laws, property rules, airspace restrictions, and temporary conditions may change. Always verify current requirements with the FAA and the appropriate government or property authority before flying.