This comprehensive Hawaii driving guide translates the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS Chapter 291C) into practical road rules you can use daily on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Learn what double yellow lines mean in no-passing zones, when right turns on red are permitted, how pedestrian crosswalk laws work in high-traffic areas like Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, left turn and U-turn regulations, school bus stop requirements, and unique island driving considerations including narrow coastal highways, tourist-heavy routes, and weather-related hazards. We provide real-world examples, common citation pitfalls, and direct links to official Hawaii state traffic laws so you can verify every detail yourself.
Hawaii's scenic coastal highways require careful attention to double yellow no-passing zones, narrow lanes, and frequent pedestrian crossings.
Hawaii double yellow line laws: no-passing zones and permitted exceptions
Hawaii follows HRS §291C-38 for centerline markings and no-passing zones. Double solid yellow lines mark no-passing zones where overtaking is prohibited for both directions of travel. While passing across double yellow is banned, Hawaii law does permit limited exceptions: turning left into driveways or side streets when safe, executing legal U-turns where not prohibited by signs, and briefly crossing to avoid a genuine obstruction such as debris, a stalled vehicle, or road damage when no oncoming traffic is present and it can be done safely.
When crossing double yellow is legal in Hawaii
The most common exception is the left turn into a driveway or private road. Signal at least 100 feet before the turn, check mirrors and blind spots, yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians, and cross both yellow lines in one clean movement. Do not linger in the opposing lane waiting for a gap—position yourself in your own lane until you have a clear path to complete the turn safely.
Left turn across double yellow into driveways and businesses
On Hawaii's busy commercial strips—Kamehameha Highway on Oahu, Kaahumanu Avenue in Kahului, or Kuhio Highway on Kauai—left turns across double yellow are routine when entering shopping centers, gas stations, or residential streets. The key is to ensure adequate sight distance, especially on winding coastal roads where curves limit visibility. Complete your turn promptly and do not obstruct through traffic.
Gap judgment and signal timing for island highway left turns
Hawaii's mix of local traffic, tourists, and rental vehicles creates unpredictable speed differentials. Before turning left, scan for a gap of at least 6-8 seconds of clear oncoming traffic. Use your turn signal early to alert following drivers. In heavy tourist areas, be prepared for sudden stops from vehicles unfamiliar with the route.
Common left-turn mistakes on Oahu H-1 and H-2 freeway exits
Freeway exit ramps onto surface streets often feature double yellow centerlines immediately after the ramp. Wait until you reach a legal opening or intersection before attempting a left turn. Cutting across immediately after the exit is a common citation area, particularly on H-1 exits in urban Honolulu.
No-passing zones on narrow Hawaii coastal highways
The Road to Hana on Maui, the North Shore coastal route on Oahu, and the Hamakua Coast on the Big Island feature narrow two-lane roads with continuous double yellow markings. Passing is strictly prohibited in these zones due to limited sight distance around blind curves, one-lane bridges, and heavy pedestrian and bicycle activity.
Obstruction avoidance: debris, fallen rocks, and weather hazards
Hawaii's tropical environment means roads can be blocked by fallen tree branches, coconuts, rockslides, or flooding during heavy rains. When an obstruction genuinely blocks your lane and stopping would create a hazard, you may cross the double yellow briefly to navigate around it. Edge across only as far as necessary, maintain low speed, check for oncoming traffic, and return to your lane immediately. This is not permission to pass slow-moving vehicles or tourists stopping to take photos.
One-lane bridges and mandatory yielding protocols
Many rural Hawaii bridges are one-lane only, marked with YIELD or STOP signs and often double yellow approaches. The vehicle closest to the bridge when both arrive has right-of-way. Do not cross double yellow to squeeze past opposing traffic on narrow bridge approaches—wait your turn.
Emergency vehicle exceptions and shoulder pull-offs
When emergency vehicles approach with lights and sirens, pull to the right shoulder when safe, even if that means pausing near a double yellow zone. On narrow coastal roads with no shoulder, proceed to the nearest safe pull-off area and stop completely to allow emergency vehicles to pass.
Double yellow lines prohibit passing on narrow coastal roads. Cross only for left turns into driveways or to avoid genuine obstructions when safe.
Right turn on red laws in Hawaii: stop requirements and Honolulu restrictions
Hawaii generally allows right turns on red after a complete stop, yielding to pedestrians and conflicting traffic, unless prohibited by a NO TURN ON RED sign. Urban Honolulu, particularly Waikiki and downtown areas, has numerous intersections where right on red is banned due to heavy pedestrian traffic. Always check for signs before turning.
Complete stop requirement at limit line or crosswalk
Before turning right on red, you must come to a full and complete stop at the marked limit line, or if there is no line, before the crosswalk. Rolling stops are a common citation source at red-light camera intersections throughout Honolulu. Stop completely, count "one-one-thousand," scan left-right-left for conflicting traffic and pedestrians, then proceed only when safe.
Pedestrian right-of-way at Waikiki and high-traffic tourist zones
Waikiki intersections see continuous pedestrian flows crossing against signals or mid-block. Even when legally permitted to turn right on red, you must yield to all pedestrians in the crosswalk and those clearly intending to cross. Blocking the crosswalk while waiting to turn is illegal and frequently cited.
NO TURN ON RED signs and time-based restrictions
Many Honolulu intersections post time-based restrictions: "NO TURN ON RED 7 AM - 6 PM MONDAY - FRIDAY." During prohibited hours, you must wait for a green signal. Outside those hours, right on red is permitted after stopping and yielding. Read signs carefully, especially at school zones with varying restriction times.
Red-light camera enforcement at major Oahu intersections
Honolulu operates red-light cameras at dozens of high-violation intersections. Cameras trigger on vehicles entering the intersection after the light turns red and on rolling right turns without a complete stop. Violations result in mailed citations with photo evidence. Always make an obvious full stop before turning right on red.
Arrow signals and protected right-turn phases
Some intersections use right-turn red arrows instead of circular red signals. A red arrow means you must stop and wait for a green arrow or circular green—right turn on red arrow is prohibited unless a sign explicitly permits it. This is common at complex intersections along Ala Moana Boulevard and Nimitz Highway in Honolulu.
School zone right-turn restrictions during pickup and drop-off
Schools throughout Hawaii post NO TURN ON RED during school hours to protect children crossing at marked crosswalks. Typical restriction hours are 7:00-8:30 AM and 2:00-3:30 PM on school days. Violations in school zones carry enhanced fines and are strictly enforced.
Right turn on red is legal after a complete stop unless prohibited by signs, common in busy Waikiki pedestrian areas.
Hawaii pedestrian crosswalk laws: marked and unmarked crosswalk safety
Hawaii law grants pedestrians right-of-way in both marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. An unmarked crosswalk is the extension of the sidewalk across the roadway at any intersection where traffic control devices or signs do not indicate otherwise. Drivers must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians crossing within any crosswalk.
Yielding to pedestrians in marked crosswalks throughout the islands
Marked crosswalks with painted stripes, often accompanied by overhead PEDESTRIAN CROSSING signs or flashing beacons, are common in tourist districts, near beaches, and at school zones. When a pedestrian enters the crosswalk, all lanes of traffic in that direction must stop and allow the person to cross safely. Do not proceed until the pedestrian has completely crossed your lane and is clear of your vehicle's path.
Unmarked crosswalks at intersections: invisible but legally protected
Many drivers do not realize that crosswalks exist at every intersection even without painted lines, unless specifically removed by signage. On residential streets throughout Honolulu, Hilo, and Lihue, pedestrians have the legal right to cross at corners. Drivers must yield. Failure to yield at unmarked crosswalks is a common citation, particularly in school zones and residential neighborhoods.
Flashing pedestrian beacon systems and mandatory stop rules
Hawaii uses rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) at mid-block crossings near schools, parks, and beaches. When the yellow lights flash, drivers must slow and prepare to stop. If a pedestrian is in or approaching the crosswalk, you must stop. These beacons are activated by pedestrians pressing a button, so always be alert when you see flashing yellow.
Common pedestrian-related citations in tourist areas
Tourist-heavy areas like Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki, Front Street in Lahaina (Maui), and Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona see frequent pedestrian violations. Common citations include failure to yield at marked crosswalks, blocking crosswalks while stopped at red lights, and passing vehicles stopped for pedestrians. Police actively enforce these zones due to high pedestrian crash rates.
School crosswalks and crossing guard authority
School crossing guards have legal authority to stop traffic and direct pedestrian movements. When a guard steps into the roadway with a stop paddle, you must stop and remain stopped until the guard signals you to proceed. Disobeying a crossing guard is a citable offense with enhanced penalties in school zones.
Hawaii drivers must yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Flashing beacons indicate active crossings.
U-turn laws in Hawaii: visibility requirements and prohibited locations
U-turns are generally permitted in Hawaii where not prohibited by signs and where adequate sight distance exists. You must be able to see approaching traffic from both directions for at least 500 feet before beginning a U-turn. U-turns are prohibited in business districts except at intersections where permitted, near curves or hills with limited visibility, and wherever NO U-TURN signs are posted.
Legal U-turn locations and sight distance requirements
Before executing a U-turn, ensure you have clear visibility in both directions for at least 500 feet. Check for NO U-TURN signs, which are common at major intersections on H-1, H-2, and H-3 freeways. Signal left, yield to all traffic and pedestrians, and complete the turn into the nearest legal lane traveling in the opposite direction.
U-turns across double yellow on wide island highways
On wide highways like the Farrington Highway on Oahu's west shore or the Mamalahoa Highway on the Big Island, U-turns may be executed where sight distance permits and no signs prohibit them. Cross the double yellow lines only after confirming no oncoming traffic is within 500 feet in either direction. Complete the turn smoothly without backing up or making multiple movements.
Prohibited U-turn zones: business districts and curve restrictions
U-turns are banned in business districts unless made at an intersection controlled by traffic signals or signs that permit the movement. Downtown Honolulu, Kailua commercial zones, and Lihue business areas enforce this strictly. Similarly, do not attempt U-turns on curves like the Pali Highway switchbacks or the Hana Highway's blind corners—visibility is insufficient and the risk of collision is extreme.
Signalized U-turn pockets and protected left-turn phases
Many major intersections provide dedicated U-turn pockets with protected green arrow phases. Use these where available—they are the safest and most legal way to reverse direction on busy roads. Wait for the green arrow, then proceed into the U-turn lane marking and complete the turn within the designated space.
U-turn restrictions near schools and residential areas
School zones often post NO U-TURN signs during school hours to reduce conflict with student crossings and school bus operations. Residential neighborhoods may restrict U-turns at certain intersections to control traffic flow. Always observe posted signage, especially in areas with heavy pedestrian activity.
U-turns require 500 feet of sight distance in both directions and are prohibited in business districts unless at signed intersections.
Hawaii school bus stop laws: when to stop and divided highway exceptions
Hawaii law requires drivers to stop for school buses displaying red flashing lights and an extended stop arm. On undivided roadways, traffic in both directions must stop and remain stopped until the bus retracts the stop arm and turns off the red lights. On divided highways with a physical median—raised curb, concrete barrier, or grass strip—only traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop. Opposite-direction traffic may proceed with caution.
Both-directions stop requirement on undivided roads
Most Hawaii two-lane roads are undivided. When a school bus stops on these roads, all traffic from both directions must stop at least 20 feet from the bus. This applies even on multi-lane undivided roads like Kamehameha Highway on Oahu's North Shore. Do not proceed until the bus driver retracts the stop arm and the red lights stop flashing, or the bus begins moving again.
Red flashing lights and extended stop arm signals
School buses activate yellow flashing lights as a warning that a stop is imminent, followed by red flashing lights and an extended stop arm when students are loading or unloading. You must stop for red lights and stop arm. Do not attempt to pass the bus on either side, even if there appears to be room. Passing a stopped school bus is a serious violation with heavy fines and potential license suspension.
Passing stopped school buses: severe penalties and enforcement
Illegally passing a stopped school bus in Hawaii results in fines starting at $500, potential license suspension, and points on your driving record. Many school buses are equipped with stop-arm cameras that record violations. Citations are mailed to vehicle owners with video evidence of the violation. Courts rarely dismiss these cases due to the serious safety implications.
School zones and reduced speed limits during school hours
In addition to stopping for buses, Hawaii enforces reduced speed limits in school zones during posted hours, typically 25 mph or less. Speed limit signs often include flashing yellow lights that activate during school hours. Speeding in school zones carries doubled fines and enhanced penalties. Always slow down and watch for children, buses, and crossing guards near schools.
Divided highway exceptions: physical median requirements
On divided highways like H-1, H-2, and H-3, or other roads with raised physical medians, only traffic on the same side as the stopped school bus must stop. If you are traveling in the opposite direction separated by a median barrier, you may proceed cautiously but should still watch for students who might dart across. Painted medians without a physical barrier do not count—both directions must stop.
Stop for school buses from both directions on undivided roads. On divided highways with physical medians, only same-direction traffic must stop.
Official Hawaii traffic law sources and additional resources
This article is for general education and informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always verify rules with official Hawaii Revised Statutes, posted traffic signs, and local traffic control devices.
Hawaii Traffic Laws: Island Driving Rules & Safety Guide
