Film Permits
The Kauai Film Commission can assist with the application and film permitting process for State and County land jurisdictions. Following is a brief summary of each:
State of Hawaii: Filming on State, Conservation, or OHA owned land requires a State Film Permit and $1,000,000 liability insurance coverage naming the State of Hawaii as additional insured. Permit application forms are available through Hawaii Film Office. Several varieties of permits are available depending on the specifics of the project. For more information, contact:
Hawaii Film Office
P.O. Box 2359, Honolulu, HI 96804
Tel: 808-586-2570
Fax: 808-586-2572.
Email: info@hawaiifilmoffice.com
Website: www.filmoffice.hawaii.gov
Filming on Kauai
County of Kauai: Filming on County property requires a County Revocable Film Permit and $1,000,000 liability insurance coverage naming the County of Kauai as additional insured as well as a Waiver of Subrogation. County permit applications are available online by clicking here and going to the Office of Economic Development tab. You will need to register for an account with our CONNECT system prior to applying for a permit. If you are filming on Kauai but do not require a permit, we ask that you fill out the Film Production Registration form which is available here.
We loved filming on Kauai… beautiful light, exotic sites, friendly people and no snakes! Now I know what they mean by aloha spirit!
Danny DeVito
Director: Throw Mama from the Train
There is no charge for a County permit, nor are there location fees for filming on County property. A refundable security or damage deposit may, however, be required depending on the complexity of the activity planned. And, if the proposed location is considered sensitive, or the activity to be filmed is complex, special conditions may be imposed or supervisory personnel (i.e. State enforcement officers, off-duty police or fire personnel) may be required on location. All related costs are to be covered by the production company.
Filming on private property requires consent from the property owner, unless the set construction or complex activity is proposed for areas zoned Conservation or Special Management Area (SMA), in which case, County and/or State Film Permits and SMA Minor Permits may also be required.
For more information, contact:
Kauai Film Commission
4444 Rice St., Suite 200, Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766
Tel: 808-241-4953
Fax: 808-241-6399
Email: info@filmkauai.com
Website: www.filmkauai.com