Key Facts Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources

Honolulu County, HI Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Some Restrictions

Verified 3 weeks ago|Source: Revised Ordinances of Honolulu →

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Key Facts

Code Section: ROH Sec. 10-1.2
Allowed Parks: Designated only
Federal Rules: FAA recreational
Trespass Law: HRS Sec. 711-1114

City-specific rules exist: Urban Honolulu, Kailua, Kaneohe, Ewa Gentry, Kapolei, Mililani Mauka, Mililani Town, Pearl City, East Honolulu, and Waipahu have their own recreational drones rules that differ from Honolulu County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

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.

Full Breakdown

ROH Sec. 10-1.2 sets the general park rules for the City and County of Honolulu, including a prohibition on operating model aircraft, drones, or unmanned aerial systems except in parks specifically designated for that use. Recreational flights remain subject to federal FAA recreational operator rules, including registration for drones over 0.55 pounds and compliance with community-based organization guidelines. State trespass-by-UAS provisions at HRS Sec. 711-1114 apply over private property, and no separate ROH drone chapter has been enacted.

Violations & Fines

Flying a drone in a non-designated park can result in a citation, removal from the park, and confiscation of the aircraft by park staff or HPD.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

How does Honolulu County compare?

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Honolulu County, HI Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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