Can you fly a drone at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

No. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park prohibits launching, landing or operating drones, the same as every other National Park Service unit. That includes Kilauea's summit overlooks, Chain of Craters Road, the coastal sea arch, Thurston Lava Tube and the Kahuku unit. Eruptions don't change the rule; they usually add temporary flight restrictions on top of it.

Drone rules at Hawaii Volcanoes — Drones are banned in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. Eruptions often add temporary flight restrictions, and state land needs written DLNR approval.

Why drones are banned

The NPS has prohibited drones in national parks since 2014 under 36 CFR 1.5. Hawaii Volcanoes' laws and policies page states that launching, landing or operating an unmanned aircraft on park lands and waters is prohibited unless the superintendent approves it in writing. There are extra reasons here:

Air tours and science flights. Tour helicopters and USGS research aircraft fly low over Kilauea, especially during eruptions.
Endangered wildlife. The park protects nene (Hawaiian geese) and nesting seabirds, which a low drone can flush.
Sacred places. Kilauea and Halemaumau are culturally important to Native Hawaiians.

A violation is a federal misdemeanor with a maximum of six months in jail and a $5,000 fine, and rangers can confiscate your drone. Sub-250 g drones are covered too.

Eruption flight restrictions

When Kilauea erupts, the FAA often issues a temporary flight restriction (TFR) over the active area. A TFR applies to everyone, inside or outside the park, and flying into one can bring FAA penalties on top of park charges. Check B4UFLY or Aloft for current TFRs before any flight on the Big Island.

Can you fly near the park instead?

Sometimes, with care:

Private land in Volcano village or elsewhere, with the owner's permission. You still can't fly into the park or a TFR.
State land is not an easy option. Hawaii's state park rules (HAR 13-146-9 and 13-146-28) bar launching aircraft and motorized models without written permission, DLNR's park rules page says "No drones," and forest and natural area reserves need DLNR permission too.
Airspace. Hilo and Kona airports have controlled airspace, and military training areas cover parts of the island's interior. Get LAANC approval where required.

Hawaii state law

Act 161 (2024) made several drone acts felonies in Hawaii, including disabling Remote ID or required lighting and flying while intoxicated. See Hawaii drone laws for the details.

Getting the shot legally

The best legal views of an eruption are from the park's overlooks on foot or from a licensed helicopter tour. Leave the drone in the car while you're in the park. For island flights elsewhere, a 249 g DJI Mini 5 Pro needs no FAA registration for recreational use. Trade winds are strong, so watch the wind warnings in DJI Fly and keep extra battery.

Planning more parks? Read can you fly a drone in a national park and the Maui guide. Official park rules are on the NPS Hawaii Volcanoes site.

Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.