You can legally fly a drone in Hawaii, but you’ll navigate strict federal, state, and county restrictions. Drones over 0.55 pounds require FAA registration ($5 for three years), and commercial operators need Part 107 certification. You’re prohibited from flying in all state parks, natural reserves, and national parks without permits. You must obtain airspace authorization near airports and maintain 100 yards from marine mammals under federal law. Commercial operations require $2,000,000 insurance coverage. Understanding these layered regulations and enforcement consequences will help you determine where flight operations are actually permissible.
Federal Registration and Pilot Certification Requirements
When you operate a drone in Hawaii, federal law determines whether you must register your aircraft based on its takeoff weight. Drones exceeding 0.55 pounds (250 grams) require FAA registration through FAADroneZone, regardless of operation type. You’ll pay $5 for a three-year registration and must label your drone’s exterior with the registration number before flight.
Pilot requirements depend on your operation category. Part 107 commercial operators need a remote pilot airman certificate after passing a knowledge test. Recreational flyers must complete the TRUST safety test. Drones under 0.55 pounds used recreationally require no certification. Commercial pilots must renew their certification every 24 calendar months through online recurrent training to maintain aeronautical knowledge recency. Operators must perform preflight inspections to ensure all safety systems function properly, including communication links between the control station and drone.
The registration process mandates providing your address, contact information, drone specifications, and Remote ID serial number. You must carry your registration certificate during flights and present it to authorities upon request. Registrants must be 13 years or older to complete the registration process, or have another qualified individual register the drone on their behalf. All drones over 250 grams must also comply with Remote ID regulations, either through built-in technology, an add-on module, or by flying in FAA-recognized identification areas. Before each flight, Hawaii drone pilots should use the FAA’s B4UFLY app to check for airspace restrictions and no-fly zones in their intended operating area. While federal regulations permit flights over private property when following FAA regulations like staying below 400 feet, Hawaii operators should also be aware of state and local privacy laws that may impose additional restrictions on surveillance and recording.
Hawaii State Parks, County Rules, and Location-Specific Restrictions
Beyond federal regulations, Hawaii imposes strict geographic restrictions that dramatically limit where you can legally fly your drone. The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) explicitly prohibits launching, landing, or operating drones in all state parks, natural area reserves, and forest reserves without specific permits. You’ll face absolute bans in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and all federally administered areas under National Park Service jurisdiction. County ordinances add another regulatory layer—each county enacts independent rules governing public spaces, with some restricting or prohibiting drone operations in county parks entirely. Senate Bill 2065 further prohibits using drones to take aquatic life in state marine waters. Drone flights are also prohibited near airports, military installations, and other sensitive areas throughout the state. Drone pilots must obtain prior authorization from the FAA before operating in Class B, C, D, or certain Class E airspace throughout Hawaii. While aerial observation from public navigable airspace may be permissible under federal law, Hawaii’s state-level privacy protections can impose additional constraints on drone surveillance activities. Most countries, including the United States, set a strict altitude limit of 400 feet above ground level for both recreational and commercial drone operations to ensure airspace safety. Before flying anywhere, you must research DLNR administrative rules and applicable county ordinances for your specific location to guarantee compliance. Commercial drone pilots must also comply with the FAA’s Part 107 Rules regardless of state or local regulations.
Airspace Authorization and Airport Coordination Procedures
Operating a drone in Hawaii’s airspace requires FAA authorization whenever you’ll fly in controlled airspace surrounding airports—a regulatory barrier you cannot bypass regardless of your flight purpose.
You’ll encounter Class B, C, D, and E airspace classifications around Hawaii’s airports, with Daniel K. Inouye International operating under Class B restrictions. Before requesting authorization, you must complete registration and pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).
For drone operations, use LAANC through FAA-approved apps for near-real-time approvals in LAANC-enabled areas, or submit manual requests via Drone Zone for non-LAANC airports. Apply up to 90 days beforehand, specifying exact altitude, location, and time.
Additionally, notify the airport operator and ATC tower when flying within five miles of any airport, and never operate at state airports without manager permission. Your drone must remain below 400 feet in altitude to comply with federal regulations during all flights. The FAA enforces mandatory registration for drones weighing over 250 grams, ensuring accountability and compliance with aviation safety standards. Remember that airspace above private property is regulated by the FAA rather than controlled by property owners, so you must follow federal aviation rules even when flying over privately owned land. When planning flights in Hawaii’s state parks, be aware that many locations require permits for drone use or prohibit operations entirely to protect wildlife and preserve the natural experience for visitors. Beyond federal requirements, many local governments impose additional restrictions, particularly for flights over beaches during peak public use periods or when lifeguards are on duty. Before takeoff, ensure your battery is properly inserted and fully charged, then power on the remote controller first followed by the aircraft itself to establish a stable connection.
Permits for Commercial Operations and Film Production
Commercial drone operations in Hawaii impose certification and permitting requirements that extend well beyond basic recreational flight rules. You’ll need FAA Part 107 certification for all commercial work, including real estate photography and film production. When submitting your permit application for state film projects, you must include the UAS Questionnaire, drone map flight plan, operator credentials, and certificate of insurance—all submitted 14 business days before operations. Your insurance coverage must meet the $2,000,000 minimum per occurrence, naming the State of Hawaii as additional insured. For harbor operations, contact the Harbor Master 14 days prior with your flight plan and credentials. Filming guidelines require detailed activity descriptions, precise flight paths, and designated takeoff/landing areas on all documentation. Professional operators often rely on advanced models like the Mavic 4 Pro for commercial projects requiring top-tier image quality and interchangeable lenses. Real estate photographers frequently choose the DJI Phantom for its ready-to-fly design, GoPro compatibility, and electronic image stabilization that delivers smooth aerial footage. Many professionals invest in rugged protective cases with precision-cut foam inserts to safely transport their equipment and accessories through Hawaii’s varied terrain and weather conditions. Commercial drone pilots must conduct pre-flight inspections to ensure equipment safety and regulatory compliance before each mission. For extended aerial photography sessions, consider long-range models with superior flight times and HD imaging capabilities that meet professional-grade specifications. Local Air Traffic control can grant permission when you need to operate in controlled airspace for commercial projects.
Wildlife Protection, Privacy Laws, and Enforcement Penalties
When flying a drone near Hawaii’s protected marine life, you’ll face strict federal approach limits that carry significant penalties for violations. Federal law prohibits approaching humpback whales within 100 yards, and wildlife harassment under the Marine Mammal Protection Act occurs when your drone alters animal behavior. NOAA Fisheries and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service actively investigate disturbance complaints and enforce species-specific buffers.
State parks and National Park Service lands ban drone operations without prior authorization, requiring special-use permits for research. County ordinances may impose additional restrictions near nesting beaches and monk seal haul-outs. Drone operators conducting wildlife studies need research permits and FAA certification to legally document marine mammals.
Regarding drone privacy, Hawaii law creates civil liability if you record individuals with reasonable privacy expectations. Recording without consent in private settings triggers invasion-of-privacy claims, statutory penalties, and potential damages.
