Film permits and insurance coverage* are required for ALL filming activity, commercial or non-commercial, which will take place on state-administered and/or conservation-zoned lands. *Productions are required to carry $1 million general liability and $1 million combined single limit automobile liability (for owned, non-owned and hired vehicles), naming the State of Hawaii as additional insured. Click here for the specific insurance wording to use.

There are two main types of state film permits: 

1. Standard Film Permit:  This is the most common type of permit for film, television, and commercial productions. Productions may list specific locations at which they wish to film. Standard film permit applications must be submitted one week prior to the scheduled shoot date.  Productions must have required insurance in place prior to the scheduled activity.   Depending on the complexity or sensitivity of the shoot, productions may also be required to have supervisory state personnel present on location during a shoot at $40 per hour (with a 4 hour minimum per day). Use of DLNR's waterborne vessels for monitoring purposes will be charged a $50 per hour fee (with a 4 hour minimum per day).  Location Fees: Most state locations are free to use for filming, but there are several exceptions: airports, harbors, and highways under the jurisdiction of the Dept. of Transportation are $100/day; small boat harbors, launch ramps, and beaches under the Dept. of Land and Natural Resources / Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation are $100/day; parks and beaches under the Department of Land and Natural Resources / Division of State Parks have a $100/day nonrefundable fee; and locations that fall under the Dept. of Hawaiian Home Lands are $500/day.
   >> STANDARD FILM PERMIT APPLICATION
   
   
2. Annual Permits:  Typically applicable to Hawaii-based companies that engage in year-round still, video, or film shooting involving minimal activity such as scenics, weddings, model portfolios, stock footage, or tour group photography. Applicants are not required to specify individual locations because the annual permit is effective at any Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) administered area, excluding Boating administered areas (Kaanapali Beach, Waikiki Beach--from beach fronting the Reef Hotel to the Moana Hotel, plus Ala Wai and other recreational harbors), that is open and accessible to the general public (DLNR open/accessible sites).  However, this permit must be worn as a badge at all times while on location. There is no fee for this type of permit, and it is renewable at the start of each calendar year. Applicants must have the required insurance coverage. The annual permit is for filming activity only; applicants are not allowed to solicit business or conduct any type of business transaction on location 
   >> ANNUAL PERMIT APPLICATION

Additional Information on Permits

1. Pre-Approved Criteria:  Certain Standard Film Permits may meet our pre-approved criteria, which means that approval of your permit could be issued within two days. The beauty of the pre-approved permit is that it may immediately and directly from the Hawaii Film Office.  There are no fees and no enforcement officer supervision requirements. However, your production must meet the insurance requirement and the following criteria in order to qualify for pre-approved status:
   
   a. The location requested must be a DLNR open/accessible site.
   Note that there may be a pre-approved site which has special restrictions, and contrarily, open/accessible sites which are not pre-approved (e.g., Kehena Beach and Kalapana Beach on the Big Island).  without need for a special permit (i.e. hiking, Natural Areas Reserve, hunting, etc.). 
   
   b. Your on location activity may not involve the following: 
   * Size of crew significantly impacts or impedes the public's use of the site
   * Special parking arrangements
   * Building of temporary or permanent structures (scaffolding for camera position is OK)
   * Equipment needs require special attention or create public disturbances (e.g., long cables, noisy generators, dolly tracks)
   * Props cause public inconvenience
   * Special effects, helicopters, simulated gunfire, or explosives
   
   
2. After Your Permit is Approved: Carry the approved permit with you on location at all times. The contact person listed on the application will be responsible for ensuring that the production abides by the conditions of the permit.  Should you need to make changes to your permit after it's been approved, fill out an Addendum for your permit or give us a call at (808) 586-2570. 
   
   
3. Restrictions:
   a. Weekend filming is highly discouraged if filming negatively impacts the general public, particularly at popular locations.  However, requests for weekend filming will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 
   b. Commercial filming is not allowed at the following locations:
   * Heiau in Haena on Kauai
   * Iolani Palace and grounds on Oahu
   * Royal Mausoleum on Oahu
   * Washington Place on Oahu 

If you have any questions or concerns about the state permitting process, contact the Hawaii Film Office now at (808) 586-2570 or info@hawaiifilmoffice.com.  Don't wait until mid-crisis!