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Hawaii Voyeurism Laws: Hidden Camera Penalties and Privacy Protections

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 Voyeurism Laws: Hidden Camera Penalties and Privacy Protections

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it a felony to place a hidden camera in someone's home in Hawaii?

It depends on the circumstances. Installing a hidden camera in a private place without consent is a misdemeanor under HRS 711-1111 with up to 1 year in jail. However, if the camera captures intimate images, the charge elevates to violation of privacy in the first degree under HRS 711-1110.9, which is a Class C felony carrying up to 5 years in prison.

Is revenge porn illegal in Hawaii?

Yes. Hawaii Act 114 (2018) made it a Class C felony to disclose intimate images of another person without their consent. This applies even if the images were originally shared consensually, such as between partners during a relationship. Penalties include up to 5 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Are deepfake intimate images illegal in Hawaii?

Yes. Hawaii Act 59 (2021) specifically criminalized the creation, disclosure, or threat of disclosure of AI-generated deepfake images that realistically depict a person nude or engaging in sexual conduct without consent. This is a Class C felony with up to 5 years in prison.

Can I sue someone for recording me with a hidden camera in Hawaii?

Yes. In addition to criminal charges, victims can file civil lawsuits for invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and statutory damages under HRS 803-48 (at least $10,000). You can also seek injunctive relief to require destruction of the recordings and protective orders to prevent further distribution.

Are hidden cameras legal in Airbnb rentals in Hawaii?

No. Hidden recording devices inside vacation rental units violate HRS 711-1111, which prohibits installing recording devices in private places without consent. Exterior security cameras that are disclosed in the rental listing may be permissible, but any camera inside the rental property that is not disclosed to guests is illegal.

Updates

Corrected the description of Hawaii's non-consensual intimate-image disclosure offense: the page had added a requirement that the image be originally obtained under an expectation of privacy, which is not in the statute and contradicted the page's own later, correct explanation that even consensually obtained images are covered once disclosed without consent.

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

Corrected 'upskirting' (recording an intimate area underneath clothing in public): it is a misdemeanor under HRS 711-1111(1)(f), not the Class C felony under HRS 711-1110.9 the page previously stated, and restated the revenge-porn 'key elements' list to include the statute's actual intent-to-harm element instead of an unrelated recording-privacy element.

Governing law re-checked for recent changes

Reviewed and approved by an editor

Sources and References

  1. Hawaii Revised Statutes 711-1110.9 - Violation of Privacy in the First Degree(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
  2. Hawaii Revised Statutes 711-1111 - Violation of Privacy in the Second Degree(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
  3. Hawaii Revised Statutes 706-660 - Sentencing for Class B and C Felonies(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
  4. Hawaii Revised Statutes 803-48 - Recovery of Civil Damages(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
  5. Hawaii Act 164 (2016) - Right to Record Law Enforcement(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
  6. Hawaii Revised Statutes 710-1010 - Obstructing Government Operations(capitol.hawaii.gov).gov
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