Hawaii Drone Laws 2024 (Federal, State, and Local Rules To Know)

Before you head out with your drone to explore what the state of Hawaii has in store for you, you have to be aware of the drone laws in Hawaii else you risk getting into trouble with the law.

Are drones allowed in Hawaii?

It is legal to fly drones in the state of Hawaii. It has federal, state, and local laws that govern the flying of drones in the state. However, you need to register your drone if it weighs more than 249 grams and fly above 500 feet over private property as a recreational and commercial flier.

In this article, I will cover everything you need to know about Hawaii drone laws for you to enjoy a pleasurable flight with your drone and stay clear of any legal proceedings.

Federal Drone Laws In Hawaii

The federal drone laws in the United States are the laws that apply to Hawaii and every state in the United States of America and were created by the federal government.

If you have a small drone that is less than 55 pounds, you can fly recreationally by following the Drone Laws in the USA as defined by FAA Part 107 guidelines.

Federal Drone Laws for Recreational Flying in Hawaii

You can fly your drone for recreational purposes in Hawaii as a hobby without seeking monetary compensation as long as you follow the FAA law (Part 107) and also check the state jurisdiction for additional licensing, permission, and clearance requirements.

Aerial of Waipio bay and valley in Big Island Hawaii
Aerial of Waipio bay and valley in Big Island Hawaii

Below are the federal rules to follow while flying your drone for recreational purposes in Hawaii to keep you, your drone, and everyone safe in the airspace.

  1. Fly your drone only for recreational use or as a hobby.
  2. Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community Based Organization (CBO). Recreational flyers should follow the safety guidelines of existing aeromodelling organizations or use the FAA-provided safety guidelines per Advisory Circular 91-57B.
  3. Keep your drone within your visual line of sight or use a co-located visual observer (physically next to) and in direct communication with you.
  4. Don’t fly close or interfere with a manned aircraft.
  5. Fly below 400 feet in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and E) after obtaining permission from LAANC or FAA Drone Zone.
  6. Fly below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace (Class G). Note: You can also be prohibited from flying in a Class G airspace in areas designated as prohibited areas, restricted areas, military operated areas, alert areas, etc. except given prior authorization from the FAA.
  7. Take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of test passage.
  8. Always slap your registration number on the exterior surface of your drones and always carry the proof of registration with you. As a recreational flier, you are exempted from registering and marking your drones by the FAA as long as your drone weighs less than 0.55 lbs (250 grams).
  9. Do not dangerously operate your drone. For example:
    • Do not interfere with emergency response or law enforcement activities.
    • Do not fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
    • Avoid flying near or over critical infrastructure.

You should be aware that you could be liable for civil and/or criminal penalties if you intentionally break any of these rules and regulations listed above as a recreational drone pilot.

As a recreational drone pilot, you are obliged to learn the rules and regulations put in place by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the proper use of drones for recreational flying.

You should also apply common sense when operating your drone in crowded public places, historic resources, and public places to keep everyone safe.

Federal Drone Laws For Commercial Drone flying in Hawaii

You can fly your drone for commercial purposes in Hawaii with the aim of seeking monetary compensation as long as you follow the FAA law (Part 107) and also check the state jurisdiction for additional licensing, permission, and clearance requirements.

Hawaii beach Honolulu city travel landscape of Waikiki beach
Hawaii beach Honolulu city travel landscape of Waikiki beach

Below are the federal rules to follow while flying your drone for recreational purposes in Hawaii to keep you, your drone, and everyone safe in the airspace.

Step 1: Learn the Rules

  1. Read and understand the dos and don’ts as a commercial flyer the under Part 107 rules. Review a summary of the Part 107 rules (PDF). Still unsure if Part 107 rules work for you and your intended UAS operation? Check the FAA user identification tool.
  2. You can obtain a waiver to exceed some limit put in place by the FAA that is not covered by Part 107. Below are some laws in Part 107 that are subject to a waiver.
    • Operation from a moving vehicle or aircraft. *
    • Always operate your drone during the day. *
    • Keep your drone from out of the Visual line of sight from an aircraft operation *
    • Keep your drone in your Visual line of sight. *
    • Operation of multiple small unmanned aircraft systems. *
    • Yielding the right of way. *
    • Don’t fly your drone over people. *
    • Restriction from certain airspace. *
    • Operating limitations for small unmanned aircraft.
    • *The FAA will not waive this section to allow the carriage of property of another by aircraft for compensation or hire.
    • You should read about the Part 107 Waiver application process if your drone operation requires a waiver.
  3. Commercial drone operators should steer clear of flying close to airports as it might be challenging for human aircraft to spot and avoid a drone in flight. Keep in mind that the UAV operator is accountable for any safety threat their drone poses in an airport area and must avoid crewed aircraft. Read more about flying near airports.

Step 2: Become an FAA-Certified Drone Pilot by Passing the Knowledge Test

  1. To be eligible to get your Drone License (Remote Pilot Certificate), you must be:
    • At least 16 years old
    • Able to read, write, speak, and understand English
    • Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a UAS
  2. Review the entire process to get your Drone License or Remote Pilot Certificate.
  3. Study for the Knowledge Test by reviewing the Test Prep materials provided by the FAA.
  4. Obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile before registering for a knowledge test.
  5. Schedule an appointment to take the Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center.
  6. Once you’ve passed your test, complete FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate (FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application) using the electronic FAA Integrated Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application system (IACRA)*
  7. You are now eligible to operate as a commercial drone pilot.

Step 3: Register your drone with the FAA

  • Pay the registration fee of $5 with your credit card or debit card to get a valid three year license to commercially fly drones.
  • Visit dronezone.faa.gov and select “Fly UAS under Part 107” to create an account and register your drone.
  • After that, mark the exterior surface of your drone (PDF) with your registration number for identification and tracking if it were to get stolen

Always be sure to fly your drone safely and within FAA guidelines and regulations. It is up to you as a drone pilot to know the rules of the sky and where it is safe to fly. You should try the user identification tool if you aren’t sure if Part 107 is right for you and your operation

Federal Drone Laws for Public Drone Flying In Hawaii

Hanauma bay in Oahu island, Hawaii.
Hanauma bay in Oahu island, Hawaii.

Federal public laws are drone laws for federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, including schools and universities that use unmanned aircraft systems or drone technology for their operations.

Federal Restrictions & Requirements

  • Be a political subdivision of the United States government, a State or U.S. territory government, the District of Columbia, or an Indian Tribal Government listed in the Robert T Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. § 5122)
  • Own and operate the unmanned aircraft, or for non-federal public aircraft operators (PAO’s) have an exclusive lease on it for more than 90 days
  • Fly missions that meet the statutory criteria of a governmental function on a flight-by-flight basis
  • Not fly for a commercial purpose or receive compensation for flight operations.

Emergency Situations

First responders and other organizations responding to natural disasters or other emergency situations may be eligible for expedited approval through our Special Governmental Interest (SGI) process. Operations that may be considered include:

  • Firefighting
  • Search and Rescue
  • Law Enforcement
  • Utility or Other Critical Infrastructure Restoration
  • Incident Awareness and Analysis
  • Damage Assessments Supporting Disaster Recovery Related Insurance Claims
  • Media Coverage Providing Crucial Information to the Public

To apply for a waiver through the SGI process, you must be an existing Part 107 Remote Pilot with a current certificate OR you must have an existing Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). To submit a waiver through this process, fill out the Emergency Operation Request Form  and send it to the FAA’s System Operations Support Center (SOSC) at 9-ator-hq-sosc@faa.gov .

If approved, the FAA will add an amendment to your existing COA or Remote Pilot Certificate that authorizes you to fly under certain conditions for the specified operation. If denied, operators should not fly outside the provisions of their existing COA or part 107. Operators have the option to amend their requests.

* This process is called the Special Government Interest (SGI) amendment process and is outlined in FAA Order JO 7200.23A

State Drone Laws In Hawaii

Breaking Surf Against The  Shore Of Maui Coastline, Hawaii Islands, USA
Breaking Surf Against The Shore Of Maui Coastline, Hawaii Islands, USA

Hawaii state drone laws are drone laws that apply to the entire state of Hawaii and were created by the Hawaii State Legislature.

Hawaii has some drone laws that govern the use of drones in the state, as put together by the Hawaii Department of Transportation and the Hawaii State Legislature.

Hawaii State Park Rules

This rule prohibits drones and other UAS from flying, launching, or landing within Hawaii state parks. It also encourages the public to contact law enforcement officials if they see any aircraft violating the law.

Senate Bill 661 (2015)

This law 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. The law also creates an Advisory Board to develop plans, manage funds, and provide oversight for the UAS testing facility.

Senate Bill 2065 (2022)

This bill prohibits the possession or use of unmanned aerial systems on, in, or near state marine waters with the aim of capturing aquatic life. Exceptions can be made if you apply for and are granted authorization from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Local Drone Laws in Hawaii

These are drone laws that apply only to certain regions, cities, or counties within the state of Hawaii and were created by various authorities within the state.

Waimea Valley Drone Laws

The drone law in Waimea Valley prohibits recreational flyers from operating in the area. However, exceptions are made for commercial flyers who obtain permits and pay the hourly rate for operating.

Oahu Drone Laws, Hawaii (2017)

The Oahu drone laws prohibit recreational drone pilots from operating in the area. However, commercial drone pilots can operate their drones in the area or in any Hawaii state waters after they have submitted a request to the harbormaster for a minimum of 14 days before the day of use.

Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Sanctuary

The Papahnaumokukea drone laws are as follows:

         When flying over any national park, sanctuary, refuge, or other noise-sensitive locations, the FAA advises flying all motorized vehicles at a minimum altitude of 2,000 feet above ground level (AGL) to safeguard local animals and the pilots.

         Repeated or direct flyovers of areas with sensitive wildlife populations can harm animals and endanger pilots. The NOAA overflight regulations apply to any powered aircraft.

         It is against the rules of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly beneath or over marine sanctuaries’ minimum altitude restrictions.

Honolulu Drone Laws

The beautiful coastline Honolulu Hawaii
The beautiful coastline Honolulu Hawaii

The Honolulu drone laws are as follows:

  • Model airplane flying is restricted to specific city parks.
  • Permits are not needed for free playing.
  • It is not permitted to fly model airplanes near or above spectators, picnickers, or other park guests.
  • Model airplane pilots are forbidden from willfully harming, destroying, or harming any flora or property.
  • A person or group must first submit an application to the Parks Permit Section no later than 30 days before the event in order to hold a model aircraft meet, race, or other type of competition in a designated municipal park.

Frequently Asked Questions on Hawaii Drone Laws

Is it illegal to fly a drone over private property in Hawaii?

It is legal to fly drones above a house or private property in Hawaii as long as you don’t hover around them or use your drone to capture or record them without permission from the property owner

Can I fly a drone in Hawaii without a license?

Recreational drone pilots don’t need a license to fly a drone in Hawaii, but you must pass a free online safety test (TRUST). However, commercial drone flyers must get a certificate (Part 107) from the FAA. Furthermore, all drones weighing above 249 grams must be registered to operate in Hawaii.

Can you fly a drone on the beach in Hawaii?

You can fly a drone on the beaches of Hawaii because the FAA does not have rules regarding drone flight at the beach, provided that it’s not a national park, or restricted by local ordinances. However, you must still abide by the FAA rules if you’re flying for either recreational or commercial purpose.

Can you shoot down a drone in Hawaii?

Shooting down a drone in Hawaii is illegal and against federal law because drones are protected by the FAA. You could serve some jail time or pay a large fine if you shoot down a drone in Hawaii. You are advised to report to the authorities if you see a drone hovering above you or your property

Final Thoughts

Hawaii has a ton of beautiful landscapes to explore with your drone for recreational or commercial purposes. However, you need to abide by the drone laws set by the FAA, your state government, and local authorities in that city to enjoy a hassle-free flight.

You should also check out the best places to fly a drone in Hawaii if you want to see beautiful places that are legal to fly in various cities.

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