Hawaii Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Hawaii maintains a restrictive regulatory stance toward drone operations. The state enacted a comprehensive three-tier felony framework in 2024 (Act 161) addressing drone misuse, supplements federal FAA rules with privacy and trespass statutes, imposes a blanket prohibition on drones in state parks and beaches statewide, and enforces strict federal marine mammal protection rules. Commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107 plus extensive state land permitting and local county ordinances.
State Drone Laws
HRS 711-1121Misuse of Uncrewed Aircraft in the First Degree
A person commits this offense if they intentionally or knowingly equip or arm a drone with a firearm, explosive, electric gun, or weapon of mass destruction; possess, receive, transfer, operate, or produce such a drone; use a drone to discharge or deploy a weapon; intentionally interfere with or disrupt a manned aircraft; use a drone to transport contraband, drugs, or dangerous instruments into a prison; or cause serious bodily injury to another person.
HRS 711-1122Misuse of Uncrewed Aircraft in the Second Degree
A person commits this offense if they intentionally or knowingly disable required Remote ID transmission from a drone, disable, cover, or fail to use required anti-collision lighting, cause substantial bodily injury to another person, or cause more than $20,000 in property damage without the owner's consent.
HRS 711-1123Misuse of Uncrewed Aircraft in the Third Degree
A person commits this offense if they intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly tamper with or remove a drone's identification or registration number, use a drone to interfere with police or fire personnel, cause bodily injury to another person, cause more than $750 in property damage, operate a drone while under the influence of an intoxicant, operate after their privileges are revoked, or use a drone in furtherance of any felony.
HRS 711-1125Residential Trespass with Unmanned Aircraft
A person commits a misdemeanor if they intentionally operate a drone across someone's property line and bring it within fifty feet of a dwelling to coerce, intimidate, or harass a person, or after being given actual notice to desist. Defenses include consent from someone with authority over the property or operation lawfully under federal regulations.
HRS 711-1111Violation of Privacy, Second Degree
A person commits this misdemeanor if they intentionally peep into a dwelling or install or use any device for observing or recording in a private place without the consent of the people entitled to privacy there. This statute reaches drone surveillance of private property. Exception: recording a law enforcement officer performing public duties.
HRS 711-1110.9Violation of Privacy, First Degree
A person commits a Class C felony if they record or disclose images of someone nude or in a sexual act, or record someone in a private setting with a camera drone without consent. This statute carries particular severity for drone-based privacy violations.
HRS 199-9Prohibition on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Taking Aquatic Life
Prohibits the possession or use of unmanned aerial vehicles on, in, or near state marine waters for the purpose of taking aquatic life. Exceptions are available upon permit grant from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
HAR Chapter 13-146State Parks and Historic Preserves Drone Prohibition
Prohibits 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. DLNR conservation enforcement officers enforce this rule.
SB 661UAS Test Site Chief Operating Officer and Advisory Board
Creates a chief operating officer position for the Hawaii unmanned aerial systems test site and establishes an UAS test site advisory board to plan and oversee test site development. Appropriates funds for test site establishment.
SB 2065Prohibition on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Taking Aquatic Life
Prohibits the possession or use of unmanned aerial vehicles on, in, or near state marine waters with the purpose of taking aquatic life. Exceptions available upon permit grant from DLNR. Currently enforced; pending HB 1347 would establish a permitting system to replace this blanket prohibition.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Honolulu
cityRevised Ordinances of Honolulu § 10-1.2 (Model Aircraft in Parks)
Prohibits operating motorized model aircraft, including drones, in city parks without a Parks and Recreation permit.
Restrictions
Drone operations in Honolulu city parks (Ala Moana Regional Park, Kapiʻolani Park, Magic Island, neighborhood parks) require: (1) operator to meet FAA Part 107 requirements, (2) valid aviation liability insurance, (3) city filming permit. Class B airspace over HNL and military-sensitive airspace around Pearl Harbor and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam add further restrictions.
Maui County
countyMaui County Code § 13.04.030(C) (County Parks Drone Ban)
Prohibits operating, taking off, or landing any unmanned aircraft system in a county park.
Restrictions
UAS operations in Maui County parks prohibited except as authorized by federal law and with written permission of the parks director. Haleakalā National Park is an outright no-fly zone. Whale season (November–May) triggers federal approach rules for humpback whales.
Hawaii (Statewide)
stateDLNR State Parks Drone Restriction (HAR § 13-146)
Blanket prohibition on drone use, launching, and landing in all Hawaii state parks, state beaches, historic parks, and recreation areas statewide without written DLNR approval.
Restrictions
Applies statewide to all islands: Waimea Canyon State Park, Nā Pali Coast, Iao Valley State Park, all state recreation areas, forest reserves, and natural area reserves. Requires special-use permit for organized drone use. DLNR conservation enforcement officers (DOCARE) patrol and enforce.
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 $10,000 | Determinate sentence per HRS 706-662 | State of Hawaii county prosecutors, law enforcement | Most serious drone offense tier under Act 161 (2024). Carve-out for police, sheriffs, corrections, fire personnel on duty. |
| Misuse of uncrewed aircraft, second degree (disabling Remote ID/lighting; substantial injury; damage over $20,000) | Class B Felony | Up to $10,000 | Determinate sentence per HRS 706-661 | State of Hawaii county prosecutors, law enforcement | Second-tier offense. Disabling required anti-collision lighting can be charged here. |
| Misuse of uncrewed aircraft, third degree (tampering with reg number; obstructing police; injury; damage over $750; impaired operation; using in furtherance of felony) | Class C Felony | Up to $10,000 | Determinate sentence per HRS 706-660 | State of Hawaii county prosecutors, law enforcement | Third-tier offense. Operating impaired can be charged here. |
| Residential trespass with drone (within 50 ft of dwelling to harass, or after notice to desist) | Misdemeanor | Up to $2,000 | Up to 1 year | County prosecutors, county police | Applies to hobby and recreational flying near homes. 50-foot proximity threshold is key. |
| Violation of privacy, second degree (recording in private setting) | Misdemeanor | Up to $2,000 | Up to 1 year | County prosecutors, county police | Applies to drone surveillance of private dwellings or yards. |
| Violation of privacy, first degree (recording nude or sexual images, or in private setting) | Class C Felony | Up to $10,000 | Up to 5 years | County prosecutors, county police | Severe penalty for drone voyeurism. Conviction creates permanent criminal record. |
| Drone fishing without DLNR permit (HRS 199-9) | Administrative violation | Citation and fine per DLNR violation schedule; permit fee $100/year | None (administrative) | DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) | Annual permit required for any drone use assisting in aquatic life capture. |
| Drone operation in state park without DLNR approval (HAR § 13-146) | Administrative violation | Per DLNR violation schedule; drone may be confiscated | None (administrative) | DLNR conservation enforcement officers (DOCARE) | Statewide blanket ban on all state parks, beaches, historic parks, recreation areas. |
| Approaching humpback whale within 1,000 feet by aircraft including drone (MMPA) | Federal violation (Marine Mammal Protection Act) | Civil: up to $27,500; Criminal: up to $100,000 | Up to 1 year (criminal) | NOAA Fisheries, NOAA Office of Law Enforcement | Year-round enforcement; Nov–May during whale season. Applies in all directions including altitude. |
| Operating drone in National Park Service unit (36 CFR § 1.5, NPS PM 14-05) | Federal petty offense | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service rangers, federal prosecutors | Applies in Haleakalā, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, and all other NPS units. |
Misuse of uncrewed aircraft, first degree (armed drone; interfering with manned aircraft; prison contraband; serious bodily injury)
Most serious drone offense tier under Act 161 (2024). Carve-out for police, sheriffs, corrections, fire personnel on duty.
Misuse of uncrewed aircraft, second degree (disabling Remote ID/lighting; substantial injury; damage over $20,000)
Second-tier offense. Disabling required anti-collision lighting can be charged here.
Misuse of uncrewed aircraft, third degree (tampering with reg number; obstructing police; injury; damage over $750; impaired operation; using in furtherance of felony)
Third-tier offense. Operating impaired can be charged here.
Residential trespass with drone (within 50 ft of dwelling to harass, or after notice to desist)
Applies to hobby and recreational flying near homes. 50-foot proximity threshold is key.
Violation of privacy, second degree (recording in private setting)
Applies to drone surveillance of private dwellings or yards.
Violation of privacy, first degree (recording nude or sexual images, or in private setting)
Severe penalty for drone voyeurism. Conviction creates permanent criminal record.
Drone fishing without DLNR permit (HRS 199-9)
Annual permit required for any drone use assisting in aquatic life capture.
Drone operation in state park without DLNR approval (HAR § 13-146)
Statewide blanket ban on all state parks, beaches, historic parks, recreation areas.
Approaching humpback whale within 1,000 feet by aircraft including drone (MMPA)
Year-round enforcement; Nov–May during whale season. Applies in all directions including altitude.
Operating drone in National Park Service unit (36 CFR § 1.5, NPS PM 14-05)
Applies in Haleakalā, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, and all other NPS units.
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
Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
- Commercial License
- Required — fee not specified
- Other Fees
- DLNR Drone Fishing Permit — $100/yearAnnual permit required to use a drone for fishing-related activities in state marine waters under HRS 199-9. Issued by DLNR. Applies to both recreational and commercial fishing operations.
- Honolulu Parks and Recreation Filming Permit — Variable per city scheduleRequired for commercial drone filming in Honolulu city parks. Requires FAA Part 107 certification and valid aviation liability insurance. Processing time approximately 2 weeks.
- Hawaii Film Office Permit — Variable per projectRequired for film and media production involving drones on state property, beaches, parks, or roadways. Applies to real estate videography, content creation, and commercial production. Requires Part 107 cert and proof of insurance.
- Maui County Parks Director Permission — Variable per applicationWritten approval required from Maui County Parks Director to operate, take off, or land any UAS in county parks.
Hawaii does not require state-level drone registration. All drones over 250 grams (0.55 lbs) must be registered with the FAA ($5 for 3 years), but there is no separate Hawaii state registration program. No state commercial drone operator license is required beyond the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. No state-mandated liability insurance for drone operations, though insurance is recommended and required by many commercial clients. Drone fishing requires a separate $100/year permit from DLNR.
State-level general permit not required. However, permits ARE required for: (1) drone operations on state park land, state beaches, forest reserves, or natural area reserves (DLNR); (2) commercial filming on state property (Hawaii Film Office); (3) drone fishing in state marine waters ($100/year, DLNR); (4) operations in Honolulu city parks (ROH 10-1.2); (5) operations in Maui County parks (Maui County Code 13.04.030(C)).
Hawaii does not mandate liability insurance at the state level. Commercial clients often require $1 million in drone liability coverage. Film production companies operating on state land typically must name the State of Hawaii as additional insured. Insurers may charge higher premiums for operations over ocean or in challenging terrain.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Required for all commercial drone operations in Hawaii.
Commercial operators must obtain the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate by passing the aeronautical knowledge test ($175 test fee, 60 questions, 24-month validity). No separate Hawaii state commercial drone license exists. Recurrent test required every 24 months. The Part 107 certificate is valid nationwide.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Required for all recreational drone operations in Hawaii.
Recreational pilots must complete the free TRUST online test before flying. Covers aeronautical knowledge and safety. Proof of completion must be carried when flying. Test allows correction to 100% before issuing certificate.
FAA Registration
Federal registration required for all drones over 250 grams (0.55 lbs).
Applies to both recreational and commercial operators. Registration costs $5 for 3 years via FAA DroneZone. Registration number must be marked visibly on aircraft. Hawaii does not impose additional state registration on top of federal.
Remote ID (Unmanned Aircraft Identification)
Mandatory since March 16, 2024.
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information. Disabling or failing to run Remote ID transmission can be prosecuted as second-degree drone misuse under HRS 711-1122 (Class B felony in Hawaii). Alternative: operate inside an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA).
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability)
Authorization system for operating in controlled airspace.
Available at 5 major Hawaii airports (HNL, OGG, KOA, LIH, ITO). Recreational and commercial pilots can request near-real-time authorization for flights under 400 feet. Part 107 pilots can request further coordination up to 90 days in advance for flights above facility map ceilings.
Altitude Limit
400 feet AGL (above ground level) is the standard FAA ceiling.
Hawaii does not lower the federal 400-foot limit. LAANC may establish lower ceilings near airports (especially HNL's Class B with very low ceilings near Waikiki). Part 107 operators can request waivers for higher altitudes in certain circumstances.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
Operator must maintain unaided visual contact with aircraft at all times.
Daylight or civil twilight only, unless equipped with properly functioning anti-collision lighting visible for 3+ statute miles. Disabling or failing to run anti-collision lights can be prosecuted as HRS 711-1122 (Class B felony).
Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) — Humpback Whale Approach Rule
Federal law prohibits approaching humpback whales within 1,000 feet by any aircraft, including drones.
Enforced by NOAA Fisheries and NOAA Office of Law Enforcement. Civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation; criminal penalties up to $100,000 and 1 year imprisonment. Applies year-round, especially November–May during whale season. The 1,000-foot rule applies in all directions (horizontal and vertical).
Hawaiian Monk Seal Approach (NOAA Guidance)
NOAA recommends minimum 50-foot distance from endangered Hawaiian monk seals.
Enforceable under MMPA if there is intentional harassment. Operators should stay well clear to avoid startling marine mammals.
National Park Service (NPS) Drone Ban
Drones are banned in all National Park Service units.
Applies to Haleakalā National Park, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and all other NPS units. Launching, landing, or operating a drone on NPS land is a federal petty offense (36 CFR § 1.5, NPS PM 14-05) punishable by up to 6 months imprisonment and $5,000 fine. NPS rangers actively enforce.
Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument Overflight Guidance
FAA recommends flying at least 2,000 feet above ground over marine sanctuaries, wildlife refuges, and noise-sensitive areas.
This effectively prohibits most drone operations in Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (northwestern Hawaiian Islands), which is far above the 400-foot FAA altitude limit.
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 five major Hawaii airports: HNL (Class B), OGG (Class C), KOA (Class D), LIH (Class D), ITO (Class D). Near-real-time authorization for flights under 400 feet. Recreational and Part 107 operators can request flights up to 90 days in advance. HNL's Class B airspace shelves extend widely over urban Oahu with very low ceilings near downtown and Waikiki.
Major Airports
HNL — Honolulu International (Daniel K. Inouye International), Class B, very low ceilings over urban OahuOGG — Kahului Airport (Maui), Class CKOA — Kona International Airport (Big Island), Class DLIH — Lihue Airport (Kauai), Class DITO — Hilo International Airport (Big Island), Class D
TFR Notice
Active eruption TFRs on Hawaii Island (Big Island) when volcanic activity occurs. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Oahu enforces 3,000-foot lateral and 1,000-foot vertical clearance from naval vessels. Six or more military restricted zones on Oahu: Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay), Wheeler Army Airfield, Schofield Barracks, Tripler Army Medical Center, Bellows Air Force Station. Temporary Flight Restrictions may be issued for Presidential visits, security events, and major sporting events.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Kīlauea Eruption Lava Flow Drone Citation
enforcementA 38-year-old visitor from San Jose was cited by DLNR conservation enforcement officer for operating a drone over the Kīlauea lava flow during the May 2018 East Rift Zone eruption. The flight violated the active Temporary Flight Restriction covering the area; only USGS, Hawaiian Electric, and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo were permitted to fly for hazard assessment. Case was referred to FAA.
Travis Sanders Case — Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Conviction
enforcementTravis Sanders flew a micro drone over Halema'uma'u Crater lava lake at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in April 2015. A ranger ordered him to stop; Sanders fled toward the caldera edge, and the ranger used a taser to detain him. Convicted in Hilo in February 2016 of violating NPS drone regulations. Sentenced to $1,000 fine and one-year ban from the park.
Pending Legislation
HB 1347Carried over to 2026 Regular SessionRelating to Fishing — UAS Permitting System
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 blanket prohibition on UAS for fishing established by SB 2065 (2022). Provides implementation timeline for the permit system. If passed, this would transition drone fishing from outright ban to regulated permit program.
Last action: December 8, 2025
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, regardless of whether the operation is recreational, academic, or commercial. Restrictions: All drone flights on UH Manoa property require prior written authorization from EHSRM. Operators must comply with all Hawaii state drone laws (including HRS 711-1121 through 711-1125) and federal FAA regulations. No drones permitted in areas with large gatherings, over buildings, or in restricted areas without additional special permission. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management (EHSRM), University of Hawaii at Manoa |
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.
Stay Compliant
Stay Compliant. Stay Organized.
Now that you know Hawaii's drone laws, let PilotLedger help you stay on top of compliance. Manage your quotes, invoices, clients, and run your drone business from one platform.