Recreational Drones: Honolulu vs Kaneohe
How do recreational drones rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Kaneohe, HI?
Honolulu has fewer restrictions than Kaneohe.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Recreational drone and model aircraft flying on Oahu is restricted to designated parks under Honolulu's park rules at ROH Sec. 10-1.2, in addition to federal FAA rules.
View full Honolulu rules →Kaneohe, HI
Honolulu County
Recreational drone flight in Kaneohe is heavily restricted by MCBH airspace overlays and limited city-park designations, making most Windward bay and mountain areas off-limits without FAA authorization.
View full Kaneohe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Kaneohe |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | ROH Sec. 10-1.2 | - |
| Allowed Parks | Designated only | - |
| Federal Rules | FAA recreational | - |
| Trespass Law | HRS Sec. 711-1114 | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Honolulu FAQ
Which Oahu parks allow drone flying?
Only parks officially designated by the Department of Parks and Recreation allow model aircraft and drone flight; check current DPR rules before flying.
Can I fly over the beach?
Beaches within city park boundaries follow the same Sec. 10-1.2 designation rule; state beach areas may impose separate DLNR restrictions.
Kaneohe FAQ
Can I fly over Kaneohe Bay?
Most of the bay falls under MCBH-restricted airspace and requires FAA authorization before any flight.
Is Heeia State Park drone-friendly?
No, state park rules and Sec. 10-1.2 park restrictions prohibit recreational drone flight there.
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