Hawaii Governor David Ige ordered all state-owned beached closed yesterday, April 17th, 2020 due to the Coronavirus crisis and due to “many people are continuing to access beaches, waters, and trails for social and recreational activities without proper social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis.”

Violating these new rules can come with a fine of up to $5,000 and/or 1 year in jail.

As of April 18th, Hawaii had seen 551 total cases of Coronavirus and 9 deaths.

“Violations of the emergency rules are a petty misdemeanor and could result in fines of up to $5,000 and one year in jail, or both.”

– Hawaii Governor’s office, 4/17/20

Residents can still swim and surf while observing social distancing.

Sunbathing, picnicking, playing games, hanging out is all now prohibited on Hawaii’s beaches.

“Governor David Ige today, issued a Fifth Supplementary Proclamation to his Emergency Rules. This one includes limitations on activities outside homes or places of residence and closes all beaches in Hawai‘i. It became clear that many people are continuing to access beaches, waters, and trails for social and recreational activities without proper social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis. Such activity contributes to the risk of spread of coronavirus across the state.

Under these new rules, all beaches are closed, which means no sitting, standing, lying down, lounging, sunbathing, or loitering on beaches and sandbars.  People can still cross beaches to access the ocean for outdoor exercise like surfing, solo paddling and swimming as long as social distances are maintained.”

– Hawaii Governor’s office, 4/17/20

The order also states that boating is now limited to 2 humans per boat.

Hiking and fishing excursions are also now limited to 2 people.  

By the way, the surfing in Hawaii was all-time this week (see video below from Wednesday:

Hawaii Governor’s Office Press Release on

Closed Beaches:

ALL HAWAI‘I BEACHES CLOSED BY GOVERNOR’S SUPPLEMENTARY PROCLAMATION

Boating, fishing and hiking social distancing requirements expanded

(Honolulu) April 17, 2020– Governor David Ige today, issued a Fifth Supplementary Proclamation to his Emergency Rules. This one includes limitations on activities outside homes or places of residence and closes all beaches in Hawai‘i. It became clear that many people are continuing to access beaches, waters, and trails for social and recreational activities without proper social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis. Such activity contributes to the risk of spread of coronavirus across the state.

Under these new rules, all beaches are closed, which means no sitting, standing, lying down, lounging, sunbathing, or loitering on beaches and sandbars.  People can still cross beaches to access the ocean for outdoor exercise like surfing, solo paddling and swimming as long as social distances are maintained.

DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “We encouraged more severe restrictions after our law enforcement officers (DOCARE) and many people noted large groups of people continuing to congregate on beaches in close proximity to one another.  Social distancing requirements are necessary for all of us to practice until COVID-19 is brought under control here in Hawai‘i. The Fifth Supplementary Proclamation does include exceptions which will allow people to still get outside and enjoy nature.”

The emergency rules also contain provisions for boating, fishing, and hiking. No more than two people are allowed on any boat in Hawai‘i’s water for recreational purposes, unless they are part of a single residential or family unit sharing the same address.  Both people on the boat are required to maintain physical distancing of six-feet from one another, as is reasonably possible. All boats are required to stay 20-feet from one another.

Group hiking on State trails is not allowed, again unless all participants are part of a single residential or family unit sharing the same address. People who want to hike alone, but who want to have another person nearby for safety reasons, are required to maintain a distance of not less than 20-feet from each other.

People can actively engage in fishing and gathering to get food.  No groups of two or more people can engage in fishing and gathering in state waters or state lands, unless all in the group are part of a single residential or family unit sharing the same address.

DLNR is calling on each individual to take personal responsibility to limit the impact they have on their community and self-exposure to essential activities only. If you feel the need to hike, it’s recommend that you first check the Na Ala Hele website (https://hawaiitrails.hawaii.gov/) for trail updates, and then the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus) and Hawai‘i Department of Health (https://health.hawaii.gov/coronavirusdisease2019/) for the most up to date guidelines for personal safety and distancing requirements.

Certain DLNR-managed coastal and trail features are deemed unsuitable for visitation due the inability to achieve the desired social distancing recommendations, remoteness of location exacerbating public safety concerns, and known history of issues such as illegal camping and social gatherings. Please try to stay in or near your own ahupua‘a of residence for your outdoor exercise. For a complete list of closed state parks visit: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/

Violations of the emergency rules are a petty misdemeanor and could result in fines of up to $5,000 and one year in jail, or both.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige ordered all state-owned beaches closed Friday as part of the effort to combat coronavirus.

Residents will still be allowed to swim and surf with social distancing, but cannot sunbathe, picnic, or play games on the sand.

Ige’s order also said recreational boating is limited to two people per boat, and that watercraft should maintain a distance of at least 20 feet. Hiking and fishing trips also are limited to two people at a time, except for relatives who live together.

The new rules are in effect until April 30.

Hawaii’s governor orders beaches closed

Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Friday ordered the state’s iconic beaches closed.

“Many people are continuing to access beaches, waters and trails for social and recreational activities without proper social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis,” Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources said in a statement.

However, Hawaii will allow people to cross the sand to engage in water sports, including the state’s official sport, surfing, which has its global center on the island of Oahu.

Hawaii on Friday reported 553 total cases and 9 deaths. The beach closure came as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said local governments could reopen beaches so long as people maintain social distancing and don’t gather in groups of 50 or more.