Hawaii (kauai and oahu)

[abtronic]

Hi everyone,

I go to hawaii with my mavic mini 2 and i a little bit confused about the laws, i read a lot of stuff about it is almost imposible to find beatifull and legally places to fly, but the airmap and B4UFLY app say a different thing. Could somebody help me with this?

Thank you very much!

 

[tlswift58]

Hi everyone,

I go to hawaii with my mavic mini 2 and i a little bit confused about the laws, i read a lot of stuff about it is almost imposible to find beatifull and legally places to fly, but the airmap and B4UFLY app say a different thing. Could somebody help me with this?

Thank you very much!

The apps concern mainly federal government flying scenarios. Too many varied state laws for them to cover - so pilot responsibility to search for them. Google search "Hawaii drone laws / rules' should help bring up all. Most states restrict take-off / landing from state parks; but you can fly over them if not in a No Fly / Restricted Zone.

Much of Hawaii is probably covered under military / commercial aircraft restrictions - esp Oahu with all the military bases on it. Kauai is a little different as the airport at Lihue is on the east coast and a typical 5 mile No Fly would not extend to many areas outside of that zone. Yet, tourist helicopters fly all over Hawaii (esp Kauai - I suggest taking one of the heli flights from Jack Harter with the heli doors off) and at very low altitudes (under 400 ft) - so you'd have to be very aware and within a good VLOS of the drone to not have an incident.

What flying you may be able to do - esp on Kauai - should be awesome - esp Na' Pali / western / northern coast. Some great scenery as well southwest of Lihue on the coast there too.

 

[Saladshooter]

Hi everyone,

I go to hawaii with my mavic mini 2 and i a little bit confused about the laws, i read a lot of stuff about it is almost imposible to find beatifull and legally places to fly, but the airmap and B4UFLY app say a different thing. Could somebody help me with this?

Thank you very much!

Drones are prohibited in Hawaii's national parks except with written permission from the proper authority.

As with many states the launching and landing or drones in state parks is prohibited in Hawaii. This generally means that if you can find a public place to stand outside of a state park you can fly. Local beaches may have similar regulations but the FAA controls the airspace so if you can find a legal place to take off from you should be ok.

Use your common sense, you can't operate over people so you need to be especially careful about your route near beaches and roads. If someone asks you not to fly from an area (police, ranger, locals, etc) I would comply even if you think you are in your rights. Its not worth the hassle.

 

[tommytavor]

Thanks for the topic and information. Heading to Kauai in May.

Thom

 

[mobilehomer]

Try a Google search for Hawaii drone regulations in the cities and towns you will visit.

 

[IMADMAN]

Be on guard if you are flying near beaches, occasionally a fire dept. Heli will come in hot and low. Most times when you hear it, it may be to late to react as your line of sight is limited.