Understanding Hawaii Permits

Hawaii requires permits for commercial photography and videography on state and county lands. The key question is: Are you being paid?

When You Need a Permit

• Wedding ceremonies on public beaches
• Commercial photography sessions (engagement, portraits, bridal)
• Videography for paid projects
• Any photography used for commercial purposes (portfolio, social media marketing)
• Sessions with more than a small handheld camera setup

When You Might Not Need a Permit

• Personal, non-commercial photography (family photos with your own camera)
• News/editorial coverage
• Student projects (some exceptions apply)

DLNR Beach & Land Permits

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) manages most public beaches and unencumbered state lands in Hawaii.

Wiki Permit System

DLNR uses the "Wiki Permit" online system for commercial photography permits:

1. Create an Account

   Register with Hawaii's Wiki Permit portal. You'll need to provide business information and proof of liability insurance ($300,000 minimum).

2. Apply for Right-of-Entry (ROE)

   Submit your application specifying date, time, location, type of activity, number of people, and equipment to be used.

3. Pay Fees

   Fees vary by location and type of permit. Photography permits typically range from $50-200.

4. Receive Permit

   Once approved, print your permit and carry it on location. Rangers may ask to see it.

Insurance Requirements

A Liability Insurance Policy of at least $300,000 is required to open an account with DLNR. Many photographers maintain $1,000,000 policies for additional protection and venue requirements.

State Parks Permits

State Parks (different from general DLNR lands) have their own permit system:

Key State Park Locations

• Oahu: Diamond Head, Kaena Point
• Maui: Waianapanapa (black sand beach), Iao Valley
• Kauai: Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon
• Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (federal, different rules)

State Parks Requirements

• Special Use Permit (SUP) required
• Must be submitted 45 days in advance
• Higher fees than general beach permits
• More restrictions on equipment and group sizes

County Parks Permits

Each county (Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai) manages its own parks and may have additional requirements:

City & County of Honolulu (Oahu)

• Covers city parks, not beaches
• Contact: Department of Parks and Recreation
• Examples: Kapiolani Park (near Waikiki), regional parks

Maui County

• Covers Maui, Molokai, Lanai
• Beach parks may require county permits
• Contact: Maui County Parks Department

Beach Ceremony Restrictions

Even with permits, public beaches have restrictions:

What's Typically NOT Allowed

• Chairs and seating: Cannot obstruct public beach access
• Arches and structures: Permanent or semi-permanent installations prohibited
• Amplified sound: No speakers or microphones in most locations
• Blocking access: Cannot restrict public access to any beach area
• Large groups: Typically limited to 25 or fewer guests on Big Island; similar limits elsewhere

What's Typically Allowed

• Small handheld bouquets and flower leis
• Couples and small wedding parties standing for ceremony
• Photography and videography equipment
• Temporary items that don't obstruct others

Private Venue Permits

Private resorts, estates, and venues handle their own permits internally. However:

• Verify the venue has proper commercial photography allowances
• Some venues require approved vendor lists
• Resort fees for outside vendors may apply
• Insurance certificates naming the venue may be required

Drone/UAV Permits

Drone photography adds another layer of regulation:

FAA Requirements (Federal)

• Part 107 certification required for commercial drone operation
• Drone registration required
• Airspace restrictions near airports and military installations

Hawaii-Specific Drone Rules

• State Parks: Generally prohibited without special permit
• Beaches: Varies by location; often prohibited
• National Parks: Prohibited (Hawaii Volcanoes NP)
• Private property: Requires property owner permission

Practical Permit Workflow

Here's how experienced Hawaii photographers handle permits:

For Regular Beach Work

1. Maintain active Wiki Permit account with current insurance
2. Apply for permits 2-3 weeks before each shoot
3. Keep permit on phone and printed backup
4. Arrive early to check conditions and ranger presence
5. Be prepared to show permit if asked

For Large Events

1. Coordinate with wedding planner on permit responsibility
2. Verify ceremony permit covers photography
3. Apply 45+ days in advance for State Parks
4. Confirm all equipment and personnel are covered
5. Have backup location permitted as well

Permit Costs Summary

Enforcement Reality

Enforcement varies by location and time:

• Popular wedding spots: Regularly patrolled, especially at sunset
• Remote beaches: Less frequent patrol, but not zero
• State Parks: Strictly enforced
• Complaints: Neighbors and other vendors do report unpermitted activity

Rangers typically ask to see permits and may issue warnings for first offenses. Repeat violators or those caught without insurance face fines and potential legal action.

Permit Resources

Summary

• Commercial photography requires permits on public beaches and lands
• Liability insurance ($300K minimum) is required for DLNR permits
• Plan ahead: Apply 2-3 weeks for beaches, 45+ days for State Parks
• Know the restrictions: No chairs, arches, or amplified sound on most beaches
• Carry your permit: Rangers will ask, and fines are real
• When in doubt, verify: Rules change, and each location may differ

Proper permitting isn't just about avoiding fines—it's about being a professional who respects the land and maintains the privilege of working in these beautiful locations.