Film permits are required for all filming activity, commercial or non-commercial, which will take place on public locations. As the liaison between government and filmmaker, the Hawaii Film Office works closely with other State agencies, the county film offices, federal agencies within the state, and private property owners to help filmmakers determine the permits they need to film in public areas.

The Hawaii Film Office is the central coordinator for filming use of locations administered by the State of Hawaii, such as parks, beaches, harbors, highways, and state facilities. The county film offices coordinate permits for locations under their respective counties, such as city streets and buildings. If you are unsure about which entity has jurisdiction over a particular location, please contact us.

State permit applications require your signature before submission and are designed to be faxed directly to the Hawaii Film Office at (808) 586-2572. Permits must be submitted one week prior to the date of shooting.

We recommend the use of a local production coordinator or location manager, which you can find in our Production Index. Given their familiarity with the permitting process and knowledge of Hawaii's unique cultural and environmental sensitivities, their expertise would be invaluable in helping you complete film permit applications and secure approvals.

Click on the links at the left to learn more about our filming regulations and permit procedures, and to download film permit applications.