Hawaii Film Office

1. Download and fill out the “GENERAL INFORMATION SECTION” form of our Film Permit Application (below). Be sure to provide all statistical information requested. Use the second page of the General Information section for additional locations that do not fit on the first page. NOTE: this acts as a cover page or a running list of locations for your project. Each time you add a new location, update the General page and send along with the rest of your documents.
2. Download and fill out one “SPECIFIC INFORMATION SECTION” form for EACH location requested. You must sign each “Specific Information” sheet you submit. Fore each location, please provide easily readable map(s) to expedite the approval process. An aerial map (i.e. a screen shot from this map) is preferred.  Please circle and mark the whole area of intended filming. The map acts as a visual to support all of the described activity on your Specific Information sheet.
3. Fill out all required COVID19 documents. More on COVID-19 info here.
4. Attach a Certificate of Insurance with your permit application. Read the insurance requirements here. 
5. Send your complete application to the State of Hawaii Film Office via e-mail at [email protected]
   • Please combine all files into a single PDF in the following order :
     • General Page
     • Specific Page
     • Detailed Map
     • Attestation COVID 19 form
     • COVID19 Permit Guidelines
     • Your productions COVID19 Safety Plan
     • COI ( see requirements here)
6. Once approved by the proper state agencies, your film permit will be emailed to the contact e-mail address listed on your “General Information Section” form.    A copy of the permit should be with the production at all times while filming on the approved location.  Although hard copies are preferred, digital copies on a phone or tablet are accepted. The contact person listed on the application will be responsible for ensuring that the production abides by the conditions of the permit.
7. Any Water Activity or Drone Use will require additional supporting materials.
8. Use the “ADDENDUM” form only if you need to make changes to an already approved location on your film permit application. If you want to simply add a new location to your existing permit, please list it under #7 on your “General Information Section” form and resend it together with a “Specific Information Section” form with corresponding map for that new location. Be sure to always submit along with your existing approved permit for reference.

Water Activities require that you submit a complete Standard Permit Application along with the following:

1. Water safety letter
2. Water safety person credentials
3. Vessel registration
4. Captains’ credentials for any motorized vessel.

NOTE: Locations involving water activity must include abbreviation WO for “Waters off of (location)” EX. WO Waikiki lets us know that you are applying for water activity in Waters off of Waikiki Beach”

Visit Water Activities page here.

Drones are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and require a minimum 14 business day turn around on submitted applications . Please see following link for airspace classification.

When applying for the use of drones, a complete Standard Permit Application must be submitted along with the following:

1. UAS Application
2. Drone Flight Plan Map
3. Drone Operators License
4. Drone COI

FAA Visualize it website

Visit Drone Activity page here

General Page + Specific Page EXAMPLE (PNG Format)

General Filming Information (General Page): Fillable PDF Format, Microsoft Word Format

Specific Filming Information (Specific Page): Fillable PDF Format, Microsoft Word Format

Detailed Map – EXAMPLE (PNG Format)

COVID-19 Vaccination Negative Test Attestation (PDF Format)

COVID-19 Film Permit Guidelines (PDF Format)

COVID-19 Safety Plan – EXAMPLE (PDF Format)

Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI) Information (PDF Format)

Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI) EXAMPLE (PNG Format)

Drones: Request to us Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Filming over State Proerty (PDF Format)

Drone Flight Plan EXAMPLE (PDF Format)

Merchant Mariner Credentials EXAMPLE (PDF Format)

Water Safety Letter EXAMPLE (PDF Format)

Addendum (for changes to permits already approved): Fillable PDF Format, Microsoft Word Format

Most State-administered locations are free to use for filming, but there are several exceptions: airports, harbors, and highways under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation are $100/day; small boat harbors, launch ramps, and beaches under the Department 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 $1,000/day.

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 $60 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).

Productions must have required insurance in place prior to applying. 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