Special Events & Permits in Hawaii (2026)
12 rules on the books across Hawaii, 3 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Block Party Permits
How to get a permit to close your street for a block party, including application timelines, neighbor consent requirements, and insurance needs.
Park Event Permits
Permits required for organized events in public parks, including group size thresholds, amplified sound rules, and reservation procedures.
Maui County
Significant RestrictionsAnyone wanting to hold an event, class, or reserved activity at a Maui County park or recreational facility needs a…
Read full rule →Hawaii County
Some RestrictionsAny group larger than fifteen people that wants to reserve a picnic pavilion, lawn, or gathering space in a Hawai'i…
Read full rule →Honolulu County
Some RestrictionsThe City and County of Honolulu requires a Department of Parks and Recreation permit before using any park it controls…
Read full rule →Parade Permits
How parades and processions are permitted, including route approval, traffic-control requirements, insurance, and First Amendment carve-outs for political marches.
Honolulu County
Significant RestrictionsA permit from the director of transportation services is required before any parade, march, or other activity that…
Read full rule →Maui County
Significant RestrictionsA funeral, procession or parade of two hundred or more people, or fifty or more vehicles, cannot use a Maui County…
Read full rule →Hawaii County
Some RestrictionsHawai'i County requires a parks permit for any parade, demonstration, or public assembly that draws 75 or more people…
Read full rule →Street Fair Rules
Permits and operating standards for street fairs and farmers markets, including vendor sourcing, alcohol handling, and street closure procedures.
Honolulu County
Significant RestrictionsStreet festivals anywhere on Oahu need a street activity permit, and inside the Waikiki special district the director…
Read full rule →Maui County
Some RestrictionsAny carnival, bazaar, fair, or festival held in a Maui County park needs a special events permit from the Department of…
Read full rule →Commercial Filming on Public Right-of-Way
How filming permits intersect with special-event permits when productions take over streets or parks, including FilmLA coordination and resident notification.
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
Permits for tables and seating in the public right-of-way, café and al-fresco programs, clearance widths, barriers, and the operating conditions attached to a sidewalk-dining permit.
Honolulu County
Some RestrictionsHonolulu lets restaurants apply for revocable permits to operate outdoor dining on sidewalks, parklets, pedestrian…
Read full rule →Maui County
Some RestrictionsMaui County limits outdoor sidewalk dining in the Wailuku Redevelopment Area to seating accessory to an adjoining…
Read full rule →