Drinking age in Hawaii (2026)
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026
In short: Alcohol rules are set by state law; these rules have not yet been verified for this state.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minimum age to buy beer and wineBuying and drinking alcohol | 21 years [1] |
| Minimum age to buy spiritsBuying and drinking alcohol | 21 years [1] |
| Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcohol | Giving liquor to a person under 21 is an offence, but it is a defence if it was given with the express consent of the parent or legal guardian and the giver reasonably believed the young person would only drink in the parent's or guardian's presence (or not drink it), as part of a recognised religious ceremony, or as an ingredient in a medicine prescribed by a physician. [2] |
| Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol | Nobody may drink liquor on a public highway (except as section 291-3.4 allows), on a public sidewalk, or on the common areas of a public housing project. A person under 21 may not consume, or have liquor in their possession, in any public place, public gathering, public amusement, public beach or park, or in a motor vehicle on a public highway, with exceptions such as religious ceremonies and delivery for an employer. Counties may add rules. [1] |
Sources
- Hawaii State Legislature: Hawaii Revised Statutes ch. 281 (s.281-1, 281-78, 281-101.5) (Internet Archive snapshots of 12 May 2026, 22 Aug 2025 and 10 Aug 2025 of the official pages) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
- Hawaii State Legislature: HRS s.712-1250.5, promoting intoxicating liquor to a person under 21 (Internet Archive snapshot of 25 May 2026 of the official page) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Where and when alcohol is sold | Federal law does not itself ban the sale of alcohol to people under 21. Under 23 U.S.C. 158, a State loses 8 percent of certain federal highway funds if buying or publicly possessing alcohol is lawful there for a person under 21. (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (U.S. Code)) |
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More rules in Hawaii
- Cannabis
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: Set by county ordinance or signs · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): Set by county ordinance or signs
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15½ (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3 · Minimum age: Class 2/3: 16 or supervised
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Oahu: No (firecrackers with permit) · Minimum age to buy: Oahu: 18 (firecracker permit)
- Knives and pepper sprayLocking or one-handed knives: Switchblade or butterfly knife: concealed carry banned
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $16.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned (holding) · Hands-free use: Allowed (not under 18)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, all seats · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all seats
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.