The Aloha State has plenty of sandy beaches and paradise vistas that are crying out to be enjoyed with a fruity cocktail. It goes without saying that the age requirement to consume alcohol in Hawaii is 21, as it is for the rest of the country. Read along to learn all about regulations and Hawaii liquor laws.

Servers are still allowed to serve alcohol to customers as long as they are at least 18 years of age and there is a requirement that a supervisor must be present who is at least 21 years old.

Hawaii is another state that falls under the three-tier system for alcohol sales that concerns manufacturers/distributors, importers/wholesalers, and retailers.

In this guide, we will detail the liquor laws and regulations in Hawaii. That will include penalties for driving or operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, selling alcohol, buying alcohol, state fees, and licensing requirements.

General Liquor Laws And Regulations In Hawaii

At off-premise retail stores, alcohol can be sold until 11pm in Hawaii though on-premise retailers can continue selling alcohol up to 2am. It should be obvious that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to possess, purchase, or consume alcohol.

However, it is also illegal for false ID to be used to obtain alcohol or use someone else’s ID for the purpose of obtaining liquor. Finally, it is also illegal for anyone to purchase alcohol for an individual under the age of 21.

Penalties For Driving Or Operating A Vehicle Under The Influence Of An Intoxicant In Hawaii

For a first offense without a driving or operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant conviction within the previous ten years, an offender can expect a range of penalties.

These include at least 14 hours of a substance abuse rehabilitation program, a single-year revocation of their license, and the installation of an ignition interlocking device for that period.

The fines can range from $250 to $1,000 while 72 hours of community service can also apply as well as 48 hours to five days in prison.

Surcharges can also be applied for a driver education assessment, to the trauma system special fund, drug demand reduction assessment, and crime victim compensation.

For a second offense, within ten years of their first driving or operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant conviction, the penalties are harsher.

The revocation of a license period is from 24 months to three years and an offender can also expect no less than 240 hours of community service or five days to 30 days in prison.

A fine can be from $1,000 to $3,000 while a substance abuse assessment and/or drive education assessment, as well as a $250 drug demand reduction assessment, may also be applied.

There could also be a $25 surcharge for neurotrauma, another $50 to be paid to the trauma system special fund, and $30 for crime victim compensation.

Selling Alcohol In Hawaii

The Department of Liquor Control is the regulatory agency that looks after the sale, importing, manufacturing, consumption, and purchasing of alcohol in Hawaii. Retail stores are allowed to sell alcohol and that includes beer, wine, and spirits, usually until 11pm.

However, bars and restaurants are required to stop selling alcohol by 2am but those establishments with a cabaret license can still serve alcohol up to 4am. Then there is Maui County which allows a 24-hour sale for alcoholic beverages.

Buying Alcohol In Hawaii

The state has allowed individuals to order more than a single drink at any one time. It does remain illegal for anyone to drink an alcoholic beverage on the beach.

It is fairly obvious that those under the age of 21 cannot purchase alcohol but it may be performed to allow the police to entrap servers or clerks.

Bear in mind that it is also illegal for anyone to use a false ID to buy alcohol and the penalty may involve the suspension of the individual’s driver’s license.

State Fees

There is a vast range of license classes and license fees in the state of Hawaii so it is worth noting the type of business and if the business has a commercial location.

There is also some difference if the venue falls under the music/dancing or standard category and whether they sell just beer and wine or opt for a full liquor license.

For instance, a beer manufacturer must pay a license fee of $1,320 but one for wine only costs $660 while other liquor is up to $1,320. A wholesaler liquor license costs $840 just for beer and wine but a retailer pays $900 for just beer and wine.

Licensing Requirements

Various establishments have their own individual classification which they need to remember when applying for a liquor license in Hawaii. That includes manufacturers, wholesales, restaurants, retailers, hotels, and brewpubs.

There are also different kinds of liquor including general, beer and wine, beer, wine, liquor, and non-consumable alcohol.

Finally, there is an applying category for the type of activity to be provided at the premises including music, clothed or unclothed dancing, and simply a standard bar.

Final Thoughts

When applying for a liquor license in Hawaii, there are specific requirements based on the classification of the business, the kind of liquor involved, and the activity category it relates to.

That creates a range of licenses and fees that are applied to each one though some of the regulations are more or less standard. That includes the legal age requirement to consume, purchase, and possess alcohol being 21.

Should you be caught driving or operating under the influence of an intoxicant like alcohol then you can expect some hefty penalties too.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Can Retailers Sell Alcohol In Hawaii?

The hours for selling alcohol in Hawaii differ between on-premise retailers and those who sell alcohol to be enjoyed off-premises. For on-premise retail stores, the hours of sale are until 11pm.

However, off-premise retailers can still sell alcohol up to 2am provided that they remain open and alcohol is also sold at gas stations seven days a week from 6am to 11pm.

What Is The Alcohol Excise Tax In The State Of Hawaii?

The alcohol excise tax differs between the type of alcoholic beverage in question. For instance, for still wine, it is $1.38 for every gallon though for sparkling wine this increases to $2.12. For malt or beer, it is set at $0.93 per gallon and for liquor, it is up to $5.98 per gallon.