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Hawaii Phone Call Recording Laws: One-Party Consent Rules for Calls

Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 15, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 15, 2026. · 6 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content

Hawaii Phone Call Recording Laws: One-Party Consent Rules for Calls

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record a phone call in Hawaii without telling the other person?

Yes. Hawaii is a one-party consent state under HRS 803-42. As a participant in the call, you can record it without notifying the other person. There is no legal requirement to announce the recording or play a beep tone. However, if the other party is in a two-party consent state, that state's law may require notification.

Can my employer record my work phone calls in Hawaii?

Yes, in most circumstances. Employers who are parties to calls (such as through company phone systems) can record calls under one-party consent. Employees are typically informed of recording practices through workplace policies. Employers cannot record personal calls that employees make on personal devices.

Do I need to tell callers from other states that I'm recording?

It depends on their state. If the caller is in a two-party consent state like California or Florida, you should inform them that you are recording. A safe practice is to state at the start of any recorded call: 'I want to let you know that this call is being recorded.'

Can I record customer service calls in Hawaii?

Yes. When a company plays a message saying 'this call may be recorded,' they are exercising their one-party consent right. You have the same right as a participant. You can record any customer service call you participate in without additional notice.

What happens if I illegally record a phone call in Hawaii?

Illegal interception of phone calls is a Class C felony under HRS 803-42, carrying up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Victims can also sue for civil damages of at least $10,000 under HRS 803-48, plus actual damages and attorney fees.

Updates

Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes

Governing law re-checked for recent changes

Corrected the status of the FCC's TCPA one-to-one consent rule (FCC Order 24-24): it was vacated by the Eleventh Circuit and removed from the CFR, not currently in effect as the page previously stated; also removed a reference to a nonexistent 'FCC Order 23-107.'

Governing law re-checked for recent changes

Reviewed and approved by an editor

Sources and References

  1. Hawaii Revised Statutes 803-42 - Interception of Communications(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
  2. Hawaii Revised Statutes 803-47 - Suppression of Intercepted Communications(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
  3. Hawaii Revised Statutes 803-48 - Recovery of Civil Damages(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
  4. Hawaii Revised Statutes 706-660 - Sentencing(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
  5. 18 U.S.C. 2511 - Federal Wiretap Act(law.cornell.edu)
  6. 18 U.S.C. 2520 - Federal Civil Remedies(law.cornell.edu)
  7. Hawaii Rules of Evidence Rule 901(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
  8. Hawaii Revised Statutes 711-1111 - Violation of Privacy in the Second Degree(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
  9. 18 U.S.C. 2703 - Federal Stored Communications Act(law.cornell.edu)
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