Baseline requirements
Federal Rules That Apply in Every State
These FAA rules apply everywhere in the United States. State law can add more restrictions, but it cannot replace the federal baseline.
Recreational flyers
- Register drones at or above 0.55 lbs with the FAA.
- Pass the free TRUST safety test before recreational flight.
- Follow FAA recreational rules, including visual line of sight and airspace limits.
Commercial pilots
- Fly for business under 14 CFR Part 107 with a Remote Pilot Certificate.
- Register drones used for commercial work with the FAA.
- Request LAANC or FAA authorization for controlled airspace operations when needed.
Always check before flight
- Review B4UFLY, TFRs, NOTAMs, airport restrictions, and Remote ID requirements.
- Stay clear of national parks, military areas, stadium restrictions, and other FAA-prohibited locations.
- Verify waivers or airspace approvals before operations that are outside standard Part 107 limits.
Federal resources: FAA UAS FAA Commercial Operators Part 107 Airspace Authorizations B4UFLY FAA DroneZone
State-specific rules
State-Specific Rules in Hawaii
Hawaii follows federal FAA Part 107 regulations for commercial and recreational drone operations. Private property trespass and harassment laws apply.
Key Restrictions
- 14 CFR 107: Maximum altitude 400 feet AGL (above ground level)
- 14 CFR 107.19: Remote Pilot must maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times
- 14 CFR 107.21: Remote Pilot must not fly in a manner that interferes with manned aircraft
- 14 CFR 107.39: No flight over moving vehicles or people
- Private property trespass laws apply — unauthorized flight over private land is illegal
- Check B4UFLY and LAANC for airspace restrictions before every flight
- Recreational drones: No commercial purpose; must register with FAA
- Hawaii Revised Statutes § 711-1106: Stalking
- Hawaii Revised Statutes § 711-1107: Harassment
- Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources: Protected wildlife areas
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Federal airspace restrictions
- Haleakala National Park: Federal airspace restrictions
- Hawaii Department of Education: School airspace protection
- Hawaii Department of Health: Hospital airspace protection
- Hawaii Public Utilities Commission: Utility infrastructure protection
- Haw. Rev. Stat. § 711-1114: Trespass with an unmanned aircraft system — Creates the offense of trespass with an unmanned aircraft system, including conduct near dwellings to coerce, intimidate, or harass.
Permits & Licensing
Commercial: Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) required. Recreational: Register at faadronezone.faa.gov and pass TRUST test.
Project and permit planning
Insurance
Statewide requirement
No blanket statewide commercial drone insurance requirement identified, but Hawaii DLNR materials show insurance can be required in state-land film and commercial permit contexts.
Public property / permit situations
Hawaii film and commercial permit processes can require proof of liability insurance when drone activity touches state land or other controlled public property.
Practical takeaway
State parks prohibit drones, and shoreline or beach work may require a separate permit from the relevant agency. Verify permit conditions before every project.
Resources for Flyers
- FAA UAS: faa.gov/uas
- FAA DroneZone: faadronezone.faa.gov
- LAANC / authorizations: FAA airspace authorization
- B4UFLY: Check airspace restrictions
- TFR checker: tfr.faa.gov