Can I bring my drone to Honolulu / Oahu?

LoveWaikiki, Your Q & A’s - Waikiki

Yes, you can bring your drone to Oahu, and it is legal to fly there, but there are several regulations and restrictions you need to follow:

1. FAA Regulations

  • Register Your Drone: If your drone weighs more than 0.55 lbs (250 grams), it must be registered with the FAA.
  • Altitude Limit: You cannot fly your drone higher than 400 feet above ground level.
  • Line of Sight: You must always keep your drone within your visual line of sight.
  • Airspace Restrictions: You must avoid flying in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and E) without prior FAA authorization. This includes areas around airports.
  • Night Flights: Flying at night is only permitted if your drone is equipped with appropriate anti-collision lights.
  • No Fly Zones: Some areas in Oahu are off-limits for drone flights, such as near military bases and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

2. Hawaii State and Local Regulations

  • State Parks: Drones are generally not allowed in state parks across Hawaii without a special permit. This includes popular locations like Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, and the Waimea Valley.
  • Beaches and Wildlife Areas: Flying over certain beaches and protected wildlife areas may also be restricted to protect nesting birds and other wildlife.

3. Specific Areas to Avoid in Oahu

  • Honolulu International Airport (Daniel K. Inouye International Airport): Controlled airspace around the airport is a no-fly zone unless you have authorization.
  • Pearl Harbor: Drones are not allowed due to the sensitive nature of the area.
  • National and State Parks: As mentioned, parks like the Diamond Head State Monument are off-limits without a special permit.

4. Airline Restrictions

  • Battery Limits: Airlines have restrictions on the transportation of lithium batteries, which are commonly used in drones. Batteries must be carried in your carry-on luggage and not in checked bags. Typically, you can bring batteries with a watt-hour rating of up to 100Wh without special approval, and some airlines may allow larger batteries up to 160Wh with prior approval.
  • Packaging: Make sure your batteries are stored in a way that prevents short circuits (e.g., using battery cases or tape over the terminals).
  • Drone Size: Ensure that your drone fits within the airline’s size and weight limits for carry-on luggage if you plan to bring it on board.

Tips:

  • Check Local Rules: Before flying, always check the latest rules for specific areas on Oahu, as they can change.
  • Use Apps: Consider using FAA-approved apps like B4UFLY to check for no-fly zones and airspace restrictions in real-time.

Following these guidelines will help ensure you have a safe and legal drone flying experience on Oahu.

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