Weird Laws Still on the Books in Hawaii
In Honolulu, just a short drive from the bustling heart of Waikiki, the Hawai‘i State Capitol stands as a modern architectural icon and a gateway to understanding some of the island’s quirky legal legacies. Completed in 1969, the building’s open-air design reflects the islands’ breezy climate and volcanic origins, with reflecting pools symbolizing the Pacific Ocean and lava flows. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits and displays that delve into Hawaiian governance, including the persistence of unusual laws inherited from the territorial era. For example, although it’s rarely enforced, an old law once prohibited the wearing of bikinis on the beaches of Honolulu—a vestige of more conservative times. Touring the Capitol is best on a sunny morning when the interplay of light and water around the building’s symbolic pools adds a serene backdrop to the serious business of state history.
On the Big Island, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park near Hilo—about a 45-minute drive southwest—offers a dramatic context for laws related to land use and natural preservation. The park is home to Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and visitors often trek the Kīlauea Iki Trail, a moderate 4-mile loop that traverses a crater floor scorched by lava flows. Here, the significance of ancient kapu laws—strict prohibitions meant to protect sacred volcanic sites—resonates with the park’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the landscape. While the kapu system no longer governs modern conduct, some island laws still echo these protective traditions, such as restrictions on disturbing volcanic features or collecting rocks. Early morning hikes offer cooler temperatures and the chance to glimpse native birds like the nēnē, Hawaii’s state bird, making the experience both culturally and ecologically rich.
Over on Maui, the historic town of Lahaina, roughly 40 miles northwest of Kahului Airport, is a place where the intersections of old laws and modern life play out vividly. Once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Lahaina’s Front Street is lined with restored 19th-century buildings and art galleries that tell stories of whaling days and missionary influence. Among these stories is the legacy of laws that once imposed strict moral codes on residents, such as bans on public dancing or certain types of attire. Visitors can explore the Lahaina Heritage Museum, housed in the former courthouse, to see artifacts and learn how some of these statutes linger in the background of Hawaii’s evolving culture. Early evening strolls along Front Street deliver a lively atmosphere, especially when local hula performances recall traditions once constrained by those very laws.
On Oahu’s North Shore, Haleiwa Town offers a laid-back contrast to urban Honolulu and a glimpse into local customs shaped by unique regulations. About 45 minutes north of downtown Honolulu, Haleiwa is famous for its surf breaks like Waimea Bay and the Banzai Pipeline, attracting surfers worldwide. Here, old ordinances regarding trespassing and public behavior still surface, especially during big surf events where crowd control and safety are paramount. Walking down Haleiwa’s main street, visitors can enjoy shave ice from a roadside stand or browse surf shops, all the while sensing the underlying tension between preserving the town’s small-village feel and accommodating tourism. Late afternoon, when the sun dips low and surfers catch the last waves, is an ideal time to absorb the rhythm of this coastal community.
Lanai, the island often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, holds its own legal oddities tied to land ownership and access. The island’s rugged Munro Trail, about a 30-minute drive from Lanai City, is a 12.8-mile route winding through forested ridges and offering panoramic views of Maui and Molokai. Historically, Lanai was dominated by a single pineapple plantation, and laws governing property use remain unusually strict even today. Hikers and off-road drivers exploring Munro Trail must adhere to permits and regulations designed to protect the island’s fragile ecosystem and private lands. Visiting during the dry season between April and October enhances views and trail conditions, making the journey through this less trodden terrain a special experience framed by legal stewardship of the environment.
In Hilo on the Big Island, the Palace Theater stands as a cultural monument where the echoes of Hawaii’s governance and quirky laws can be felt. About five minutes from downtown Hilo, this restored 1920s venue hosts performances and film screenings that often celebrate Hawaiian history and identity. The theater itself recalls a time when censorship laws governed what could be shown or performed, and some of these restrictions have left lasting impressions on local artistic expression. Attending a local hula or Hawaiian music show here provides firsthand insight into how cultural preservation intersects with the legal framework. Evening events are vibrant and intimate, offering a unique window into the community’s creative spirit shaped by its legal past.
Finally, the Lawai International Center and Botanical Gardens on Kauai, just under a half-hour drive from Lihue, offers more than lush tropical flora—it’s a place where visitors can contemplate the island’s complicated history of land and water laws. The gardens feature native plants alongside art installations that reflect Hawaiian spirituality and relationships to the land. Kauai, sometimes called the Garden Isle, still upholds traditional water rights laws that influence how streams and taro terraces are managed. Exploring the garden trails during the cooler morning hours not only showcases rare plants but also invites reflection on the island’s unique blend of ancient customs and modern legal frameworks—reminders that some laws are as deeply rooted as the roots of the Native ʻōhiʻa trees nearby.