Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon in Kaua’i is a 3,600-foot deep canyon that produces red-colored water because of the pink soil erosion across the canyon.
It’s a powerful surprise for sure, however are you able to fly your drone across the canyon?
You can’t fly your drone in Waimea Canyon, because it’s a state park. Hawaii’s Division of State Parks and the Division of Land and Pure Assets prohibits drone use of any variety in all state parks in Hawaii.
On this information, we’ll stroll you thru the principles at Waimea Canyon State Park so you’ll be able to fly safely. You gained’t wish to miss it!
Are you able to fly a drone in Waimea Canyon?
As we talked about within the intro, the total identify of Waimea Canyon is Waimea Canyon State Park. This gorgeous canyon in Kaua’i is one mile huge and 14 miles lengthy. with crags, buttes, crests, and deep rocky cliffs. The panoramic sight is one value seeing if you happen to ever get the prospect.
Sadly, you’ll have to go away your drone at house.
Hawaii’s sole native drone legislation from the Division of State Parks and Division of Land and Pure Assets states, “The use, launching or touchdown of drones and different varieties of plane is prohibited” in all 50 Hawaiian state parks.
The full land space of those parks is 30,000 acres.
It’s not such a foul factor not to have the ability to use your drone in Waimea Canyon. Like one other deep canyon in the US–the Grand Canyon–it’s far too simple for mishaps to happen.
Many pilots have misplaced their drones for good in deep canyons like Waimea Canyon as a result of they misjudged the space down or acquired too near the sting, or in any other case made a easy however expensive mistake!
What occurs if you happen to fly a drone in Waimea Canyon?
The Division of State Parks and the Division of Land and Pure Assets created its statewide park ban to guard Hawaii’s interesting geologic options and the uncommon plant and animal species that always name state parks house.
In a spot like Waimea Canyon, will probably be very apparent if you happen to’re utilizing a drone, so that you gained’t be capable of disguise it. A park attendant will see it, or a park customer they usually’ll report it.
You could obtain a warning for a primary violation, however you may be fined. You’ll must go to court docket and attraction to a choose, the place you could possibly rack up additional fines.
The crime additionally goes onto your document, which is simply pointless.
Are you able to fly a drone outdoors of Waimea Canyon?
Whereas the drone utilization ordinance put in force by the Division of State Parks and the Division of Land and Pure Assets doesn’t apply as soon as you permit the boundaries of Waimea Canyon State Park, that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to fly across the park as you may need hoped.
In any case, there’s not a lot round. To the north, you’ll discover the Black Pipe Path Loop and Mini Falls. You might be able to fly your drone right here.
The Na Pali-Kona Forest Reserve is northeast of Waimea Canyon, however as protected land, you gained’t be capable of use your drone.
To the west of Waimea Canyon is the Puu Ka Pele Forest Reserve, one other off-limits space for drones. Additional east of the Na Pali-Kona Forest Reserve is the Alaka’i Wilderness Protect, the place drones can also’t go.
Locations in Kaua’i to fly your drone as an alternative
It’s disappointing to have to surrender your aspirations of flying your drone in Waimea Canyon, however all hope is just not misplaced. Take a look at these different distinctive locations close to Kaua’i to take pleasure in your drone as an alternative.
1. Hanalei Seaside
Though it’s a special backdrop than Waimea Canyon, the wonder and majesty of Hanalei Seaside will make you neglect all in regards to the canyon.
Ranked among the many greatest 25 seashores within the nation, Hanalei Seaside options waving palms, a fascinating blue ocean, and clear white sands. The mountainous backdrop throughout you’ll encourage you to take numerous wonderful pictures along with your drone.
Understand that Hanalei Seaside may be very well-liked because it’s so esteemed. Kayakers, paddleboarders, bodyboarders, swimmers, surfers, sunbathers, and households collect right here in droves.
To keep away from getting too near anybody when flying your drone, we suggest planning your journey to Hanalei Seaside throughout off-peak hours. You would possibly get up with the solar and go to then, when solely probably the most devoted ocean lovers will likely be round.
2. Polihale Seaside
Whilst you should give Polihale State Park a large berth, the seaside is ok so that you can fly your drone. It’s the longest seaside in Hawaii.
Polihale Seaside is 17 miles of pristine white sand, a few of that are organized into dunes. These dunes prolong 100 ft tall!
Different sights in Polihale Seaside embrace the crystal-clear ocean, desert cacti, and patches of wilderness. In the event you enterprise to the seaside from the west, you’ll be able to drink within the alluring Napali Coast.
There’s not lots of shade right here, in order you stroll to discover a excellent spot to launch your drone, be sure you convey loads of water and sunscreen. An umbrella isn’t a foul concept, both.
Don’t enterprise too near the water’s edge, because the seaside has no lifeguard and scary robust currents!
Hawaii drone legal guidelines to your flight
Now that you simply’ve discovered some nice locations to make use of your drone round Waimea Canyon, be sure you brush up on these Hawaii drone legal guidelines courtesy of the FAA.
You have to have a sound drone license
You can’t function a drone in the US with out an FAA-administered license. Industrial pilots should maintain a present Distant Pilot Certificates. Since these certs expire each two years, verify that yours is legitimate earlier than you pack up to your journey to Hawaii.
If it isn’t, it’s now free to recertify by way of the FAA. You may take a web-based examination, the place you need to reply all of the questions accurately. That’s simpler than it sounds contemplating mistaken solutions are displayed earlier than you submit your check.
Hobbyists want the TRUST license, which doesn’t expire. Simply be sure you have your license or a replica of your license in your particular person while you get on the aircraft.
Register your drone earlier than you fly
In case your drone exceeds 0.55 kilos or 250 grams, register it earlier than you get to Hawaii. You may register with the FAA for under $5 per drone. The registration is legitimate for the subsequent three years.
Don’t use your drone round delicate infrastructure
Delicate infrastructure in Hawaii, equivalent to authorities buildings, hospitals, and the like, strictly prohibits drone use. Verify your drone map for restricted airspace.
Don’t fly close to airports
You can’t fly your drone inside 5 nautical miles of any airport. Kaua’i has no airports, however the closest ones are Lihue Airport in Lihue and Princeville Airport in Kilauea.
Hold your drone the place you’ll be able to see it
Your drone should stay in your visible line of sight while you fly it. That refers back to the pure distance you’ll be able to nonetheless see your drone with out utilizing binoculars. You may have a spotter with you to take care of VLOS if wanted.
Don’t exceed 400 ft in altitude
Drones can not fly greater than 400 ft from the bottom to maintain the skies secure for manned plane.
Solely use your drone in clear climate
Hawaii is understood for its excellent climate, however when that climate turns lower than excellent, beware. It’s unlawful to fly your drone in robust winds, rain, hail, fog, and snow, though you shouldn’t have to fret about that in Hawaii.
Don’t fly your drone at evening
You may’t use your drone after darkish except you may have particular permission and sufficient illumination.
Be respectful of others when flying your drone
All the time respect the privateness of everybody you see when utilizing your drone. Don’t observe anybody with the UAV, don’t movie or {photograph} others with out their permission, and attempt to persist with your individual space so that you don’t interrupt anybody’s expertise.
Conclusion
Waimea Canyon State Park is an attractive a part of Hawaii in Kaua’i. Sadly, you’re prohibited from utilizing your drone right here, as Hawaii outlaws drone utilization in all state parks.
Kaua’i has some wonderful seashores for buying footage so your journey isn’t a complete bust. Be sure that to all the time observe FAA drone legal guidelines when flying right here!
