Oahu Commercial Activity Permits

Let's start by clarifying that if you're capturing photos or videos, or hanging out at the beach for personal use and enjoyment, no permit is required. However, if you're engaged in commercial activity, such as being paid for your services or using the content for your portfolio or social media, a permit is necessary as defined by the State of Hawaii.

We understand that the process of obtaining Hawaii photography permits can seem complicated and even intimidating. Navigating government websites, comprehending the types of permits available, and understanding associated costs can be challenging. Additionally, knowing how to initiate the application process is not always straightforward. Having extensively researched and pieced together this information, we have created this resource to help fellow wedding business owners who believe in following the rules and respecting the places they work. Please note that while we strive to provide up-to-date information, Hawaii's rules may change over time, and it's important to stay informed about any revisions.

Page and Information updated as of 6/1/2023

Do I need a permit(s) to do business (commercial activity) in Hawaii?

YES All elopement/wedding ceremonies, photo shoots, picnics, and other commercial activity on beaches/unencumbered shorelines are required to have a permit.. Whether you’re an officiant, musician, photographer, videographer, etc…depending on the type of commercial activity you are conducting, you will need to obtain permits from one or more of the Government branches who manage the space.

What are the differences between State vs County permits?

You will need to pull permits based on where (whose land, State or County) you are using for your Commercial Activity.

PHOTOGRAPHERS/VIDEOGRAPHERS:
If you are shooting on State Land, Hawaii requires you to obtain a DLNR Wiki Permit OR Hawaii State Film Permit (Open & Accessible or Standard) depending on the location you’re shooting at.

COORDINATORS, OFFICIANTS, RENTALS, PICNICS:
If you are having a ceremony, proposal or picnic on State Land requires that you obtain a DLNR Wiki Permit to do any type of Commercial Activity like a wedding ceremony or proposal

City & County of Honolulu issues Film and Picnic permits for Commercial Activity.

You may need BOTH permits from State plus City & County of Honolulu based on the type of Commercial Activity you're doing. When you utilize the City Parks via parking lot, bathrooms and space, then you need the City Park Permit.

Example: Waialae Beach Park you'll need the City Park Permit (either Film or Picnic) AND the DLNR Wiki Permit (covers both Film, Ceremony or proposal)

Where can I find more information on the different permits?

Film Office Webpage for Elopement/Wedding Ceremonies

If the elopement is taking place on private property and photos/video will be on a public beach afterwards, do I need a permit?

Yes, as the photographer or videographer, you will just need a permit for the public beach location.

What is the timeframe for a permit application?

O+A locations and the guidelines of the O+A permit give you the ability to easily pull a permit within 2-3 days of your shoot. For elopements/small ceremonies, a WIKI permit is always required to cover the ceremony as the O+A ePermit does not.

You can also pull a WIKI permit for same day shoots/elopements. It is done completely online and fairly quick and easy. Once you are registered in the Wiki online system, you can apply, 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.

What is the cost of a permit?

  • Hawaii State Film OPEN & ACCESSIBLE Permit - $10 and covers a list of locations for a two week period.

  • Hawaii State Film STANDARD Permit - The fee for these permits can vary ($100+). View more on fees here.

  • Wiki Permit - $20 and covers a 2-hour time period on the date you put on your application.

  • C&C Permit - $20 per use or $100 per month

Can anyone apply for a Permit?

Yes, as long as you/your business provides the State &/or City with the required Certificate of Insurance and has the proper permit request forms submitted to that Governmental Branch. Please check the websites of those Branches for specific Permit requirements. All applicants are required to carry a minimum of $1 million general liability and $1 million combined single limit automobile liability (for owned, non-owned and hired vehicles), and to supply a Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI) for all sites requested, naming the State of Hawaii as additional insured (Click here for example). Counties also require that they are listed as additionally insured. You’ll need to work with your insurance agent to get this wording on your COI to apply.

Does every vendor need their own permit for the same ceremony/shoot?

It's common for multiple vendors to be involved in a ceremony or elopement, such as photographers, videographers, officiants, and coordinators. A common question that arises is whether each vendor needs their own permit for the same shoot. The answer is that it's up to the vendor's discretion on who they want to include on their permit. The reason for this is that the permit is connected to the applicant's certificate of insurance, and whoever is listed on the permit assumes all the liability. Therefore, vendors need to decide whether to obtain their own permit or be included under another vendor's permit.