Honolulu, Hawaii Drone Laws

Overview

Honolulu is located in Hawaii. Drone operations are governed by federal FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 107) and may be subject to state and local ordinances.

State Regulations & Statutes

Hawaii has a multi-layered drone regulatory framework. HRS § 263-1 et seq. governs aeronautics in Hawaii, and HRS § 711-1107 addresses harassment by drone. Hawaii Act 20 (2016) established rules for drone operations in Hawaii, including prohibitions on operating drones over state-controlled public lands without authorization from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Honolulu presents one of the most complex drone airspaces in the US: Honolulu International Airport (PHNL) creates Class B airspace over much of Oahu, Marine Corps Base Hawaii (KMKK) and Wheeler Army Airfield (PHHI) create military restricted airspace, and multiple NPS units impose strict drone bans. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and Haleakala National Park on Maui both prohibit drones under NPS 36 CFR § 1.5. On Oahu, Diamond Head State Monument, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, and all Hawaii State Parks prohibit drone operations without DLNR special use permits. Commercial operators must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes

• HRS § 711-1107 — Harassment by drone: using a drone to observe, photograph, or record another person without consent is a criminal offense
• HRS § 263-1 et seq. — Hawaii aeronautics law: DLNR has authority to regulate drone operations on state lands
• Hawaii DLNR — All Hawaii State Parks and wildlife sanctuaries: drone operations prohibited without DLNR special use permit
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — NPS 36 CFR § 1.5: drones absolutely prohibited without Special Use Permit
• Haleakala National Park — NPS 36 CFR § 1.5: drones absolutely prohibited without Special Use Permit
• PHNL Class B airspace — Covers large portions of Oahu: LAANC or specific ATC authorization required
• Marine Corps Base Hawaii (KMKK) and Wheeler AAF (PHHI) — military restricted airspace: no drone operations without explicit military authorization
• 14 CFR Part 107 — Remote Pilot Certificate required for commercial drone operations

Permits & Registration

Commercial operators require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Hawaii DLNR special use permit required for drone operations in all Hawaii State Parks and wildlife sanctuaries — apply through the Division of State Parks at (808) 587-0300 or dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp. City and County of Honolulu filming permit required for commercial drone work on City property — contact the Honolulu Film Office at (808) 768-6658. LAANC authorization available for PHNL Class B airspace via FAA DroneZone. Note: Much of Honolulu and Oahu falls within PHNL Class B or military airspace — verify every flight location in B4UFLY before operating.

Official Statute Links

• https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol14_Ch0701-0853/HRS0711/HRS_0711-1107.htm
• https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
• https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/filming.htm
• https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/filming.htm
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107/

Local Ordinances

The City and County of Honolulu regulates drone operations on City-managed parks and beaches. Honolulu's Revised Ordinances include provisions requiring commercial filming permits for drone photography on public property. The City manages Waikiki Beach and surrounding parks under strict permit requirements that include drones. Diamond Head State Monument is Hawaii State DLNR-managed and prohibits drones. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a City-managed protected marine area where drone operations could disturb sensitive coral reef ecosystems and are not permitted. The combination of PHNL Class B airspace, military installations, and state/national park restrictions makes legal recreational drone flying on Oahu exceptionally difficult in most popular areas.

Local Restrictions & Rules

• Waikiki Beach / Kapiolani Park — City of Honolulu: commercial filming permit required; high density of aircraft and pedestrians
• Diamond Head State Monument — Hawaii DLNR: drone operations prohibited without DLNR special use permit
• Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve — City of Honolulu: drone operations prohibited; protected marine ecosystem
• Kailua Beach Park and Lanikai — within PHNL Class B airspace or near military airspace: LAANC required
• Marine Corps Base Hawaii (KMKK) environs — military restricted airspace: absolutely no drone operations
• Wheeler Army Airfield (PHHI) area — military restricted airspace: no drone operations
• Pearl Harbor National Memorial — NPS and Navy: absolutely prohibited; highly sensitive military/historic site
• Manoa Valley / Lyon Arboretum — University of Hawaii state land: DLNR permit required

Local Contacts

• Parks & Planning: Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation — (808) 768-3003, honolulu.gov/parks

Nearby Airports & Airspace

Airspace restrictions apply near airports. Always check B4UFLY and LAANC before flying.

Local Flying Guide

Always verify conditions with local authorities and property owners before flight.

Potential Safe Flying Locations

• Dillingham Airfield (PHDH) area on Oahu's North Shore — outside Honolulu Class B; check local airspace for glider and skydiving activity; DLNR rules apply for adjacent state land
• Mokuleia Beach on the North Shore — partially outside Class B; confirm with B4UFLY; DLNR permit for state beach areas
• Kualoa Regional Park (windward side) — outside some restricted zones but near PHNG; always verify with LAANC

Areas to Avoid

• Pearl Harbor and Ford Island — NPS/Navy: absolutely prohibited; one of the most sensitive restricted areas in Hawaii
• PHNL Class B airspace — covers most of Honolulu and surrounding areas: LAANC or ATC authorization required
• Marine Corps Base Hawaii (PHNG) — military restricted airspace
• Wheeler Army Airfield (PHHI) — military restricted airspace
• Diamond Head State Monument — DLNR: permit required
• Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve — City: no drones
• All Hawaii State Parks on Oahu — DLNR: special use permit required
• Waikiki Beach / Kapiolani Park — City filming permit required; PHNL Class B proximity

Weather Considerations

Honolulu has a warm tropical climate with trade winds blowing from the northeast at 10–25 mph almost year-round. The windward (northeast) side of Oahu receives significantly more rainfall than the leeward (southwest) side where Honolulu sits. Trade wind inversions can create sudden wind shifts. The Ko'olau Mountains create orographic lift and significant turbulence on the windward side. Hurricane season runs June through November. Salt air is extremely corrosive — protect and maintain drone components carefully after every flight. Check NWS Honolulu (weather.gov/hnl).

Seasonal Tips

BEST: April–June and September–October — trade winds moderate, lower rainfall, fewer winter swells. Morning flights (7–10 AM) before trade winds strengthen are ideal. AVOID: December–March when Kona storm systems can bring strong southerly winds and rain to Honolulu. AVOID: June–November hurricane season during active storm threats. Always verify airspace before flying — Oahu is one of the most complex drone environments in the US.

Compliance Checklist

• ✓ Federal FAA Part 107 or recreational exemption
• ✓ Hawaii state regulations
• ✓ Honolulu local ordinances
• ✓ B4UFLY airspace check
• ✓ LAANC authorization if in controlled airspace
• ✓ Property owner permission
• ✓ Weather safety