Hawaii: Are fireworks legal?
Hawaii allows fountains, sparklers and similar ground fireworks on set holidays, firecrackers only with a permit, and aerial fireworks only at licensed displays.
Under state law, consumer fireworks stay on or near the ground, and they may be set off only from 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve to 1 a.m. on New Year's Day, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Chinese New Year's Day, and from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the Fourth of July. Firecrackers require a $25 permit, which allows up to 5,000 of them. Aerial devices such as bottle rockets, Roman candles and aerial shells are allowed only at displays that have a county permit and a state-licensed pyrotechnic operator. Counties may pass stricter ordinances, and the law has been amended several times, most recently in 2024 and 2025.
Conditions
- Use only during set hours on New Year's Eve/Day, Chinese New Year's Day and the Fourth of July
- $25 permit required to buy and use firecrackers
- Aerial devices only at permitted displays run by a state-licensed pyrotechnic operator
- Counties may adopt stricter ordinances
What the law says
Consumer fireworks may be set off, ignited, discharged, or otherwise caused to explode within the State only: ... provided that the purchase of not more than five thousand individual consumer fireworks commonly known as firecrackers shall be allowed under each permit. ... Display fireworks, articles pyrotechnic, and aerial devices may be purchased, set off, ignited, or otherwise caused to explode in the State only if for display and permitted in writing pursuant to sections 132D-10 and 132D-16.
Sources
- HRS § 132D-3 (permissible uses of consumer fireworks) Official · data.capitol.hawaii.gov
- HRS § 132D-4 (display fireworks and aerial devices) Official · data.capitol.hawaii.gov
- HRS § 132D-2 (definitions) Official · data.capitol.hawaii.gov
- HRS § 132D-10 (permits) Official · data.capitol.hawaii.gov
- HRS § 132D-16 (permit for display) Official · data.capitol.hawaii.gov
- HRS § 132D-17.5 (county ordinances) Official · data.capitol.hawaii.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- County fire department (fireworks permits are issued by the county under HRS 132D)
How bordering states compare
Hawaii doesn't share a land border with another state.