Yes, but not at most famous spots. Haleakala National Park bans drones. Hawaii state parks, including Iao Valley and Waianapanapa, don't allow drones without written DLNR approval, and Maui County runs its own beach parks, so ask the county before launching there. You can fly from private land, with permission, where the airspace allows it.
Haleakala National Park
Haleakala, including the summit and the Kipahulu area near Hana, is a National Park Service unit. The park's compendium prohibits launching, landing or operating an unmanned aircraft in the park unless the superintendent approves it in writing. The maximum penalty for breaking park rules is six months in jail and a $5,000 fine.
State parks and state land
Hawaii's state park rules (HAR 13-146-9 and 13-146-28) bar launching or landing aircraft, including motorized models, without written permission from the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and DLNR's park rules page says "No drones." Forest reserves and natural area reserves need DLNR permission too. On Maui that includes:
- Iao Valley State Monument
- Waianapanapa State Park on the Road to Hana
- Makena State Park (Big Beach)
Maui County parks
Many popular beaches are Maui County beach parks, and the county sets its own park rules. Ask the Maui County Department of Parks and Recreation before you launch on the sand.
Airspace
- Kahului Airport is in Class C airspace, which covers much of central Maui. Get LAANC authorization when needed.
- Kapalua and Hana have smaller airports.
- Tour helicopters fly to Haleakala, the West Maui Mountains and the Hana coast every day. Keep the drone low and close, and land if one approaches.
Check B4UFLY or Aloft for TFRs before every flight, and never fly near wildfires or emergency operations.
Wildlife
Humpback whales arrive in Maui's waters each winter, and they are protected by federal law. Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles and seabirds are protected too. Keep well away and never hover over or follow an animal.
Hawaii state drone laws
Since 2024, Hawaii law makes it a felony to disable Remote ID or required lighting, to fly while intoxicated, or to obstruct police or firefighters with a drone. Harassing someone by flying near their home is a misdemeanor. See Hawaii drone laws.
Tips for flying on Maui
- Wind. Trade winds are strong, especially in the central valley and on ridgelines. Watch the wind warning in the DJI Fly app.
- Over water. Launch only where you can recover the drone on land.
- Altitude. Haleakala is off-limits, but other high spots get cold and gusty.
A sub-250 g drone like the DJI Mini 5 Pro or Mini 4 Pro is easy to pack and handles moderate wind, while the DJI Neo is good for calm selfie clips at your rental. Pass the TRUST test before you go, and see traveling with a drone for flying with batteries.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
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