Hawaii Permit Portals
Official permit portals for commercial photography and videography in Hawaii. All links verified and updated December 2024.
State of Hawaii Permits
DLNR Wiki Permits Portal
The primary online permitting system for commercial activities on state public beaches and unencumbered shorelines. This is your go-to for beach weddings, elopements, and portrait sessions.
What It Covers:
- Beach weddings and elopements
- Portrait and engagement sessions
- Commercial photography on state beaches
- Baby christenings and memorial services
Hawaii Film Office
Issues Standard Film Permits and Open & Accessible ePermits for filming across all state lands. Essential for larger productions, drone work, or locations not covered by Wiki Permits.
Key Resources:
- Film Permit Procedures ↗
- Elopement & Wedding Photography Guide ↗
- DLNR Locations Guide ↗
- Location Database ↗
- Standard Film Permit Application ↗
Contact
Email: info@hawaiifilmoffice.com
Permits: permits@hawaiifilmoffice.com
Phone: (808) 586-2570 or (808) 208-3258
State Parks Special Use Permit (SUP)
Required for weddings and events at State Parks. Must be submitted 45 days in advance.
Oahu (City & County of Honolulu)
Honolulu Parks & Recreation Permits
For commercial photography at City & County of Honolulu parks, including beach parks that use city parking lots, restrooms, or facilities.
Application Locations:
- Permits Office: Sheridan Community Park, 833 Pi'ikoi Street, Honolulu, HI 96814
- Alternate: 650 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
Honolulu Botanical Gardens
Five beautiful garden locations available for wedding ceremonies. Contact for availability and specific requirements.
Botanical Gardens Info ↗Honolulu Film Office
City filming permits for Honolulu city-owned properties and streets.
Honolulu Film Office ↗Maui County
Maui County Parks Permits
Permits for Maui County parks and beaches under county jurisdiction.
Note: Maui County does not offer an Open & Accessible permit equivalent. Use DLNR Wiki Permits for eligible beach locations, or apply for a Standard Film Permit through the Maui Film Office.
Maui Parks Permits ↗Maui County Film Office
Film permits for Maui County-owned properties and commercial filming activities.
Maui Film Office ↗Kauai County
Kauai Parks Commercial Activity Permit
Required for any commercial photography in Kauai County parks. Submit the Commercial Activity Application for any for-profit vendor operations.
Kauai Commercial Permits ↗Kauai Office of Economic Development
Film permits for commercial filming on all County of Kauai owned properties.
Kauai Film Permits ↗Kauai Beach Permits Guide
The Kauai Wedding Professionals Association provides helpful guidance on beach permit requirements for Kauai.
KWPA Permit Guide ↗Hawaii County (Big Island)
DLNR Wiki Permits (Big Island Beaches)
For state beaches on the Big Island, use the DLNR Wiki Permits system. County parks do not require separate permits.
Wiki Permits ↗Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Special Use Permit required for commercial photography and wedding ceremonies in the national park. Ceremonies are allowed in designated locations away from high-traffic areas.
Hawaii Business Requirements
General Excise Tax (GET) License
All businesses operating in Hawaii must obtain a GET license. Hawaii does not have traditional sales tax but charges GET on gross income.
How to Register:
- Online: Hawaii Tax Online (hitax.hawaii.gov) ↗
- Form BB-1: State of Hawaii Basic Business Application
- Processing: 5-7 days online, 4-6 weeks by mail
Business Registration (BREG)
Register your business entity (LLC, Corporation, Trade Name) with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
Business Registration ↗Insurance Requirements
All commercial photography permits in Hawaii require proof of liability insurance:
You must provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI) naming the State of Hawaii as additional insured. Popular providers for photographers include:
- Apply Early: State Parks SUP requires 45 days; Wiki Permits can be same-day
- Know Your Location: The same beach may require permits from multiple agencies depending on which facilities you use
- Keep Insurance Current: Your COI must be valid for the shoot date and name State of Hawaii as additional insured
- Print Your Permit: Always have a physical copy on-site; rangers do check
- No Weekends on State Land: Commercial permits are NOT valid on weekends or state holidays for state lands
- 2-Hour Max: Wiki Permits are limited to 2 hours including setup and breakdown