Can you metal detect in Hawaii state parks? Hawaii state parks prohibit metal detectors except on the sand areas of beaches (HAR 13-146-32(h)).
Key rules
- Don't disturb geological, historical or archaeological features.
Federal land in Hawaii
National Park Service areas prohibit possessing or using metal detectors. National forests and BLM land generally allow low-impact detecting, but digging up or removing archaeological resources is illegal under ARPA. Federal rules →
Frequently asked
Can you metal detect in Hawaii state parks?
Hawaii state parks prohibit metal detectors except on the sand areas of beaches (HAR 13-146-32(h)).
Where do these Hawaii rules come from?
From the official sources listed on this page: HAR chapter 13-146. Last checked 2026-10-16.
Can I metal detect on federal land in Hawaii?
Not in National Park Service areas. National forests and BLM land generally allow low-impact detecting, but archaeological resources are protected under ARPA.
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