Drone Laws
in Hawaii (2026)

FAA rules apply everywhere in Hawaii. The state and local laws on this page add to them.

Recreational Flying Made Easy: 2 hours of video on the rules and airspace for flying your drone.

Welcome to this wiki. The goal of this wiki is to crowd-source drone information. Having said that, information may be inaccurate, out-of-date, and should not be relied upon for legal advice.

Hawaii State Drone Laws
These laws apply in the entire state.

House Bill 389 (2026)

Using a drone to help commit a felony not covered by Hawaii's other drone offenses is misuse of an uncrewed aircraft in the third degree, a class C felony.
The sentence for this offense is in addition to the sentence for the underlying felony.
Act 014, signed and in effect May 19, 2026.

Ref House Bill 389 (2026)

Hawaii State Park Rules

Prohibits the use, launching, or landing of drones or other aircraft within State Parks.

Ref Hawaii State Park Rules

Senate Bill 661 (2015)

Establishes a Hawaii unmanned aerial systems test site chief operating officer position to serve on the Pan-Pacific Unmanned Aerial Systems Test Range Complex management team.

Ref Senate Bill 661 (2015)

Senate Bill 2065 (2022)

Prohibits the possession or use of unmanned aerial vehicles on, in, or near state marine waters with the purpose of taking aquatic life. Exceptions can apply upon granting of a permit from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Senate Bill 2065 (2022)

Know a state law we missed? Suggest an edit.

City and County
Drone Laws

These laws apply in some areas.

Local drone laws in Hawaii refer to policies and regulations that are enacted and enforced at the county, city, or town levels.

Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Sanctuary

The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument has been designated as a National Marine Sanctuary (NMS). Papahanaumokuakea NMS covers many of the Hawaiian Islands to the west and north from Ni’ihau and Kaua’i and includes both the land and water.

The FAA’s recommended best operating practice is to fly at least 2000 feet above the ground over all NMS, wildlife refuges, and other noise-sensitive environments. This is effectively far beyond the allowed altitude for drone flight.

Ref National Marine Sanctuaries Overflight Regulations

Ref National Marine Sanctuary Designation

Know a local law we missed? Suggest an edit.