Emergency Help Abroad – Hawaii

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Hawaii — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• The USA enforces strict federal and state drug laws — illegal possession or trafficking leads to arrest.

• Carrying concealed weapons without a permit is a criminal offence.

• Drink-driving (DUI) carries severe penalties, including arrest.

• Alcohol consumption in public areas such as beaches and streets is often prohibited.

• Marijuana laws vary across the US — but Hawaii allows medical use only, not recreational use.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Hawaiian culture and sacred sites are to be treated with respect — do not climb on heiau (temples).

• Littering beaches, parks or trails results in fines.

• Public nudity is generally not allowed outside designated areas.

• Vandalising cultural or geological sites is a criminal offence.

• Respect local customs around wildlife such as sea turtles and monk seals.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may ask for identification — carry your passport or a copy.

• Petty theft occurs in busy tourist locations such as Waikiki, beaches and trail car parks.

• Avoid walking alone late at night in isolated or unlit areas.

• Avoid protests or large demonstrations.

• Attempting to bribe officials is illegal.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Driving is on the right; speeding and mobile phone use while driving are enforced with fines.

• Parking illegally in beach parks or residential zones leads to tickets or towing.

• Inter-island flights must be booked through licensed airlines only.

• Overstaying your ESTA/visa may result in fines or future entry bans.

• Hiking popular trails (e.g., Diamond Head, Kalalau) may require permits — violating entry rules leads to fines.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drone use is heavily regulated, especially near airports, beaches and wildlife zones.

• Do not photograph military bases, naval stations or government facilities.

• Certain cultural ceremonies prohibit photography.

• Ask permission before photographing local residents, especially in rural areas.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Touching or disturbing sea turtles and monk seals is illegal.

• Removing lava rocks, sand or coral is prohibited and can incur fines.

• Swimming during strong surf or high-wave conditions can be extremely dangerous.

• Hiking off marked trails in volcanic or jungle terrain may be illegal or unsafe.

• Lighting fires on beaches is restricted.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging volcanic formations, heritage sites or cultural landmarks is a criminal offence.

• Entering sacred cultural areas without permission is forbidden.

• Removing artifacts from archaeological sites is illegal.

• Buying items made from endangered species is prohibited.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels familiar or harmless in the UK may be perceived through a different cultural lens in Hawaii.

• Don’t attempt to buy alcohol or enter bars without valid ID, regardless of age — strict ID checks apply nationwide.

• Don’t assume public drinking is allowed, as many cities enforce open-container laws with fines for alcohol in streets or parks.

• Don’t ignore road rules on turning right on red, which is legal in many states unless a sign says otherwise.

• Don’t wander into unfamiliar neighbourhoods at night, and seek local advice before walking long distances.

• Don’t carry illegal drugs, including small amounts of cannabis where it’s still prohibited at state or federal level.

• Don’t take photos of security checkpoints, border officers or airports, where restrictions may apply.

• Don’t swim in lakes, rivers or oceans without checking local conditions, especially where strong currents, rip tides or dangerous wildlife exist.

• Don’t underestimate long driving distances, and plan fuel, rest stops and food carefully on rural highways.

• Don’t leave valuables visible in cars, particularly in major cities where break-ins can occur.

• Don’t attempt risky wildlife encounters in national parks, such as approaching bison, bears or elk for photos.

• Don’t walk across highways or busy roads, as jaywalking laws vary and fines can apply.

• Don’t assume tips are optional, as tipping 15–20% is standard and expected for most services.

• Don’t smoke where prohibited, especially indoors, near building entrances and in certain public spaces.

• Don’t ignore state-specific firearm laws, and avoid discussing or handling firearms unless in controlled settings.

• Don’t argue aggressively with law enforcement, and follow all instructions during traffic stops or checks.

• Don’t cross private property without permission, as trespassing laws are enforced strictly.

• Don’t underestimate heat risks in desert regions, where dehydration and heatstroke can happen quickly.

• Don’t enter unfamiliar waters in Florida or Gulf Coast areas, where alligators may be present near the shore.

• Don’t assume pedestrian crossings always give you priority, as vehicle behaviour varies widely.

• Don’t rely on public transport everywhere, particularly in cities with limited coverage outside downtown areas.