In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in Hawaii.
Hawaii is a magnificent archipelago made up of eight magnificent islands that are well-known all over the world. Countless movies have used its picturesque landscape as the backdrop for their scenic views. It is renowned for its crater-topped mountains, vivid beaches, unusual animals, and laid-back Pacific island vibe.
Hawaii is a place with plenty of outdoor activities, vacations for two, and the most beautiful seascapes. This trip to the tropics is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You’ll want to savor every moment, so you’ll need to be aware of the top drone spots in this idyllic utopia.
In this article, I will reveal to you where to fly your drone in Hawaii, as well as where it is permitted and not permitted by the law to fly a drone. I will also offer regulatory guidance to assist you in maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
Drone Regulations In Hawaii
The federal drone laws governing drone operations in Hawaii, which were created by the Federal Aviation Administration, classify drone operations as either recreational or commercial.
Federal Regulations In Hawaii
Recreational drone pilots are subject to the FAA rules for recreational flyers, which require them to register their drones if they weigh more than 250 g and complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before they can operate their drone for recreational purposes in the United States of America.
Commercial drone pilots are subject to FAA rules for commercial pilots, which require them to follow The Part 107 regulations, complete a multiple-choice exam, and earn a drone pilot certification from the FAA before they can operate their drone for commercial purposes in the United States of America.
When flying within five miles of an airport, drone pilots are no longer needed to independently contact air traffic control. Instead, to obtain airspace authorization to fly in regulated airspace near and above numerous airports, both commercial and leisure fliers can use the automated LAANC system. You must apply for airspace authorization if you are operating in Class B, C, D, or E regulated airspace. In areas where LAANC is not available, you can use the FAA Drone Zone or LAANC.
Interested in becoming an FAA-certified drone pilot so you can operate under the Part 107 regulations and make money flying your drone? Check out our industry-leading online training course over at Drone Pilot Ground School.
State and Local Rules In Hawaii
Here is an in-depth guide to the drone laws in Hawaii that we put together. Be sure to check them out to see the state and local drone laws you need to adhere to in Hawaii. You should always exercise sound judgment when in doubt and adhere to the FAA’s regulations.
DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this website should be construed as legal advice and is solely provided for informative reasons. If there is anything we missed or if you have any further questions, please contact us at info [at] droneller [dot] com, and we will do our best to assist you.
Best Places To Fly A Drone In Honolulu, Hawaii
Here are my top recommendations for where to fly a drone in Honolulu, Hawaii. These places were chosen because of their accessibility, airspace constraints, and tourist attractions.
1. Sandy Beach Park
21.2853261, -157.678240
Sandy Beach is a beach on Hawaii’s South Shore of Oahu. Due to the beach break and reliable barrels, it is well renowned for its outstanding bodyboarding and bodysurfing prospects. This is the place to go if you’re a drone pilot looking to photograph breathtaking beach views in Hawaii.
2. Waikiki Beach
21.2757777, -157.827781
Waikiki Beach is one of six beaches in Waikiki, which is also home to Queen’s Beach, Kuhio Beach, Gray’s Beach, Fort DeRussy Beach, and Kahanamoku Beach. Drone pilots in Hawaii will love the pristine beach and trees set against the backdrop of Honolulu’s cityscape.
Best Places To Fly A Drone In Maui, Hawaii
Here are my top recommendations for where to fly a drone in Maui, Hawaii. These places were chosen because of their accessibility, airspace constraints, and tourist attractions.
1. Ho’okipa Lookout
20.9335026, -156.358490
The Ho’okipa Lookout offers the greatest views of Ho’okipa Beach’s expanse and all of its surfing activity. The lookout’s cliff is also a great place to launch, especially if you want to take “dronies” or “drone selfies,” but be careful of the tremendous surf and spray!
2. Road to Hana
20.8529184, -156.158707
You may go through some of the most beautiful places in Maui by taking the Hana Trail, often known as the Road to Hana. There is a lot of variety in the landscape here, from the coastal rainforest to the desert-like landscape on the other side of the road. The Road to Hana is the place to go if you want to film a highlight reel’s worth of footage in a single day.
Final Thoughts on Where To Fly A Drone In Hawaii
So there you have it: the best places to fly a drone in Hawaii!
I hope you have a great time exploring the beautiful landscape of Hawaii from above. You can also check out where to fly a drone in other states and cities in the United States.
Always remember to obey the federal, state, and local drone laws in Hawaii to avoid having issues with the law and authorities.
And don’t forget to share this article with a friend and other drone pilots who will benefit from this information using the share icons below.
