Guidelines for Filming and Photography at the University of Hawaiʻi

Thank you for your interest in filming at the University of Hawaiʻi. Our 10-campus system is comprised of educational and recreational facilities across six islands servicing more than 80,000 students.

For convenience, the word filming applies to motion pictures, filming, videotaping, still photography and digital imaging. The guidelines below will assist you in your request. The guidelines apply to all campuses and UH facilities, including the Lyon Arboretum, Coconut Island and the Waikīkī Aquarium.

The general guidelines which follow apply to most film requests. Exceptions include requests for filming at Maunakea and at Haleakalā. The respective contacts for those locations are as follows:

Center for Maunakea Stewardship
Contact: Joy Yoshina
Phone: 808-933-0734
Email: cmshilo@hawaii.edu

Haleakala–Institute for Astronomy
Contact: Mike Maberry
Phone: 808-870-3344
Email: maberry@hawaii.edu

License Requirements

Filming on university property is permitted only if it does not interfere with normal university business and previously scheduled events.

A license to film on university property for commercial and non-news purposes must be obtained prior to filming. The issuing of a license is coordinated through the University of Hawaiʻi Broadcast/Film/Public Information Officer, the Office of Risk Management, the university's Office of General Counsel and the Office of the Vice President for Administration.

To begin the process, submit a film request application to the UH Office of Communications. The application will be reviewed in conjunction with the appropriate campus or facility and work with the applicant to ensure university requirements are met prior to issuing the license.

The license is issued by the Office of the Vice President for Administration once all conditions are met to the satisfaction of the university.

A minimum of 10 business days is required to properly consider any request and process required paperwork.

If you have any questions, please contact the officer by phone at (808) 956-8856 or via email at film.permit@hawaii.edu.