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Maui County, HI Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
Maui County Code Chapter 8.21
Applies to
County-owned/operated parking lots, park lots
Max fine
$500 (§ 8.21.040)
Storage rule
Open container must be in trunk
Signage
Required by Public Works, Parks Dept

Summary

Maui County bans drinking or possessing an opened container of liquor anywhere within a "municipal parking lot," which the code defines to include county park parking areas, landscaping strips and access roads. Violators risk a fine up to $500 under § 8.21.040, and any open container must ride in the trunk or an area the driver or passenger cannot normally reach.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Maui County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A.No person shall consume any intoxicating liquor while within the boundaries of any municipal parking lot.B.No person shall possess, while within the boundaries of any municipal parking lot, any bottle, can or other receptacle containing any intoxicating liquor which has been opened, or a seal broken, or the contents of which have been partially removed, unless such container is kept in the trunk of a vehicle or kept in such other area of a vehicle not normally occupied by the driver or passenger, if the vehicle is not equipped with a trunk. A utility or glove compartment shall be deemed to be within the area occupied by the driver or passenger.

View official code

Full Breakdown

010(A) bars consuming any intoxicating liquor, as defined by HRS § 281-1, anywhere within those boundaries. " The ordinance specifically treats a utility or glove compartment as occupied space, so stashing an open container there does not satisfy the law. "

Violations & Fines

Drinking liquor, or carrying an opened container outside the trunk or a non-passenger area, anywhere inside a county parking lot or park parking area violates § 8.21.010; a glove compartment does not count as safe storage. Conviction under § 8.21.040 brings a fine of up to $500.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink beer in a beach park parking lot on Maui?
No. Section 8.21.010 forbids consuming intoxicating liquor "while within the boundaries of any municipal parking lot," and § 8.21.020 defines that term to include "designated parking areas within county parks." Drinking in a beach park lot violates the ordinance even if you never leave your car.
Can I keep an open bottle of wine in my glove compartment while parked?
No. Section 8.21.010(B) treats a "utility or glove compartment" as part of the area occupied by the driver or passenger, so an opened container must go in the trunk or another area not normally reachable from the seats.
What does the county consider a "municipal parking lot"?
Section 8.21.020 defines it broadly as any county-owned or operated off-street lot or facility, including parking and loading stalls, county park parking areas, landscaping strips, and the internal roadways used to enter or exit the lot.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Maui County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsPublic UrinationSome RestrictionsLoitering RulesLight RestrictionsLoud Party OrdinanceSignificant RestrictionsSkateboarding RulesSome RestrictionsOutdoor Smoking RestrictionsSome RestrictionsJaywalkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsLight Restrictions

All Maui County rules

Compare Maui County to another location·View the Hawaii public conduct overview

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