Hawaii County, HI Parking Rules: Overnight Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- County blanket ban
- None island-wide
- Vehicle-habitation law
- HRS 291C-112, 6pm–6am
- Timed no-parking
- HCC Sec. 24-197 (signed)
- Abandonment threshold
- 24 hours unattended
- Campground exception
- Lawful parks/camps allowed
Summary
The County of Hawaiʻi sets no blanket overnight street-parking ban, but Hawaiʻi state law prohibits using any vehicle for human habitation while parked on a public road between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The county can also post time-limited no-parking hours.
No person shall use any vehicle for purposes of human habitation … while the vehicle is parked on any roadway, street, or highway or other public property between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. …
Full Breakdown
There is no island-wide ordinance banning simply parking overnight, but two rules control it. State statute HRS 291C-112 makes it unlawful to use a vehicle for “purposes of human habitation”, sleeping or living in it, on any roadway or public property between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. (exceptions apply for lawful campgrounds and emergencies). HCC Sec. 24-197 lets the county sign specific streets where parking is prohibited during certain hours. Vehicles left over 24 hours may be tagged as abandoned.
Violations & Fines
Living/sleeping in a vehicle overnight on a public road violates HRS 291C-112 (a petty misdemeanor/traffic offense). Posted-hour violations carry Chapter 24 fines up to $100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sleep in my car overnight on a Big Island street?
Is overnight parking itself illegal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hawaii County
How Hawaii County compares: Cities with the Strictest Overnight Parking Rules·Compare Hawaii County to another location·View the Hawaii parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.