Updated: Jul 22, 2026
A DUI arrest in Hawaii can create serious legal and licensing problems, even if you were only visiting the islands when the incident occurred. Hawaii officially refers to DUI as Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant, commonly abbreviated as OVUII.
Hawaii’s OVUII laws apply not only to driving but also to assuming actual physical control of a vehicle. The state’s definition of a vehicle includes motor vehicles and mopeds. It may also include vessels operated on Hawaii waters. A nonresident’s privilege to drive in Hawaii can be affected even when the driver’s license was issued by another state.
Under Hawaii Revised Statutes §291E-61, a person may be charged with OVUII for operating or being in actual physical control of a vehicle:
A driver can therefore face an OVUII charge based on observed impairment even when a chemical test does not establish a blood alcohol concentration of .08%.
For a first offense, or an offense not preceded by another OVUII conviction within the previous ten years, the sentence may include:
The court may impose one or more of the community service, imprisonment, or fine penalties. Hawaii law also requires an assessment by a certified substance abuse counselor. Additional treatment may be ordered when the assessment identifies substance abuse or dependence.
An OVUII offense committed within ten years of a prior conviction carries increased penalties. These may include:
Higher penalties can also apply when a driver had a passenger younger than 15 or qualified as a highly intoxicated driver.
Hawaii has a separate zero-tolerance law for drivers younger than 21. It is illegal for an underage person to operate a vehicle with a measurable amount of alcohol. Hawaii defines that amount as a test result of at least .02% but less than .08%.
For a first underage violation, the court requires an alcohol education and counseling program of no more than ten hours. A person younger than 18 must generally attend with a parent or guardian. The sentence ordinarily includes a 180-day suspension, although qualifying drivers age 18 or older may receive a 30-day absolute suspension followed by restricted driving privileges for the remainder of the 180-day period. Community service or a fine of $150 to $500 may also be imposed.
Repeat underage violations within five years can result in a one-year suspension, a two-year revocation, increased community service, and fines of up to $1,000.
A person whose license has been revoked may qualify for an ignition interlock permit after installing an approved device and obtaining compliant motor vehicle insurance. The device generally requires the driver to provide an acceptable breath sample before the vehicle will start. Installation and maintenance costs are normally the driver’s responsibility.
An SR-22 or other proof of financial responsibility may be required in some situations, but it should not be presented as an automatic requirement for every Hawaii OVUII case. Requirements can vary based on the sentence, administrative action, insurance circumstances, and driving history.
If alcohol education is part of your Hawaii OVUII requirements, our online Hawaii DUI classes provide a convenient way to complete your coursework from home. Courses are available online day or night, and you may log in and out as needed.
After completing the course, you will receive a certificate of completion at no additional charge. This educational information is not legal advice, and an attorney can advise you about deadlines, license revocation proceedings, insurance requirements, and the specific terms of your case.
| Class | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| 14 Hour DUI Class | $219.00 | Register Now |