Hawaii Photography Permits Process & Breakdown

Originally posted on February 21, 2022

If you’re here, you’ve probably asked yourself once ‘Do I need a permit to take photos in Hawaii?‘. I want to first make it clear that if you are taking photos, videos, or doing any kind of event for your own personal use and enjoyment, then NO. You don’t need a permit. However, if you are taking photos, videos, or doing any kind of event that 1) you are being paid for 2) will be used in your portfolio or on social media – then YES. That is commercial activity as defined by the State of Hawaii and requires a permit. But getting Hawaii photography permits isn’t complicated, expensive, or scary.

Well – it was to me when I first moved here and started my business on the Big Island in 2016. The government websites were hard to navigate. And to further complicate it all – there are two types of Hawaii photography permits and I didn’t understand the difference between the two, nor the cost. It was also challenging to know how to even get started applying for one. I searched every corner of the internet and finally pieced it all together.

I’m not an official Permit Spokesperson

I’m just a photographer and business owner who believes in following the rules and respecting the places I work. All of the information here I have gathered and put together over the course of many years. And the state of Hawaii is constantly changing its rules so some of this may be out of date in a few weeks, months or years! Part of getting Hawaii photography permits here means trying to stay on top of the changes.

If you want to see an example of the state putting down the hammer on misuse of state lands:

• https://www.sfgate.com/hawaii/article/hawaii-wedding-photographers-Kauai-illegal-permit-16519975.php
• https://www.kitv.com/video/kauai-photographers-ignoring-rules-receiving-cease-and-desist-letters/article_8aadc817-cf6c-5c48-a535-7e95a28f115b.html

The Two Ways to Get Hawaii photography permits

There are two offices you can go through to get commercial permits for commercial work at the beaches in Hawaii. For me, this was part of the confusion. But each permit covers different locations. There is some overlap, but there are also locations that only appear on one location list. So the type of permit you get may be decided on the location and which office issues a permit.

Hawaii Film Office

The Hawaii Film Office issues either a Standard Film Permit or an Open and Accessible ePermit. The price and application are different for both. Some locations take longer to process than others. Which one you go with is solely determined by the location you want to use and which permit list that falls under. You can read more about this here:  https://filmoffice.hawaii.gov/state-film-permits/

The Department of Land & Natural Resources

The DLNR (Department of Land & Natural Resources) issues Wiki Permits. I exclusively use wiki permits. Why? They are quick and easy to get – it takes me about 3 minutes using their online site to get a permit and print it out to have on me during a session. It is done completely online and you don’t need to talk or interact with anyone or wait for the approval. Once you are in the Wiki online system, you can buy and print as many permits as you need for one full year. After a year, you have to resubmit proof of insurance in order to renew your wiki permit account.

Hawaii Film Office permits cover a 2 week period and are $10. You have to submit an application and wait for the approval. This is a great option for weddings further out on your calendar.

Wiki Permits are $20 and cover a 2-hour time period at a specific date (you put the date in when you go through their online permit system) and covers a max of 30 people.

Required Insurance for Hawaii photography permits

You need proof of business insurance in order to apply for a commercial permit in Hawaii. I got a standard $1m policy via State Farm and I have been with them for nearly 6 years. The policy should cover your equipment and liability but if you’ll be working in Hawaii, you’ll also want to have inland marine as an option, as that will protect your gear in case of being damaged in or around water. There is specific wording required to be on your COI (certificate of Insurance) by the State. You’ll need to work with your agent to get this wording on your policy documents for your application.

Here is the wording required for your COI if you are applying for a Hawaii Film Office permit: https://filmoffice.hawaii.gov/certificate-of-insurance/?fbclid=IwAR2zY31ibEygJLJzFWNpJsfGLshf5icE__JCNm6AKtKpYCggeVEA0ovKX5E

List of locations for Hawaii photography permits

If you are just scrolling through this looking for a simplified breakdown of this process, here it is:

1. Get an Insurance Policy that meets the State of Hawaii permit requirements
2. Apply for a Wiki Permit Account or with the Hawaii Film Office
3. Review the list of permitted locations in Hawaii
4. Get your permit, do your work legally!

It’s important to me that every aspect of my business respects and honors Hawaii. I consider helping to educate visitors and locals alike on the permit process here to be part of my kuleana (responsibility) as a resident and local. Permits are truly just a way for the state to preserve the beauty of the islands. Not every location is suitable for a photo shoot or wedding. Either it would be culturally inappropriate, or the infrastructure (or lack thereof) of a place cannot handle a mass influx of people.

Got questions about the permit process? Please comment on this post and I’ll do my best to answer or point you in the right direction if I can. I also want to acknowledge how helpful this Facebook group has been! It is an amazing Hawaii permit resource and I highly recommend you join that group.