Cycling safety in Hawaii

Crash data

8 cyclist fatalities in 2023 .

In 2023, Hawaii recorded 8 pedalcyclist (bicyclist) fatalities out of 93 total traffic deaths, per NHTSA's FARS-based report 'Bicyclists and Other Cyclists: 2023 Data' (Table 6). Note that Hawaii DOT and IIHS have publicly cited 9 bicyclist deaths for 2023 (described as a record high); the small difference reflects differing counting methods (federal FARS traffic-crash tallies vs. state counts). For context, IIHS Fatality Facts reports 7 bicyclist deaths in Hawaii for 2024. No clean, official statewide bicyclist-injury count was verified from a Hawaii DOT source, so cyclistInjuries is left null rather than stated inaccurately.

Official reports & data:

Cycling rules in Hawaii

Helmets: Hawaii requires anyone under 16 to wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet when operating a bicycle on a street, bikeway, or other public property (HRS 291C-150); there is no statewide helmet requirement for adults. (source)
Passing distance: A motorist overtaking a bicyclist must leave at least 3 feet of clearance between the vehicle and the bicycle (HRS 291C-43). (source)
Lights and reflectors at night: From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, a bicycle must have a white front lamp visible from at least 500 feet and a red rear reflector visible from at least 600 feet (HRS 291C-147). (source)
Direction of travel / where to ride: Bicyclists must ride with the flow of traffic, and when moving slower than traffic they must ride as close to the right-hand curb or shoulder as practical, with exceptions for turning, hazards, and one-way multi-lane streets (HRS 291C-145). (source)
Sidewalk riding: Sidewalk riding rules are largely set by county/local ordinance: it is prohibited in business districts such as Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, while elsewhere on Oahu riders may use sidewalks at 10 mph or less and must yield to pedestrians; rules vary by island and locality. (source)
E-bikes: Hawaii treats a low-speed electric bicycle (electric motor under 750 watts, top motor-assisted speed under 20 mph) like a regular bicycle, with a minimum operator age of 15; recent legislation has been moving Hawaii toward the standard three-class e-bike system plus registration and an under-18 helmet requirement, so confirm current specifics before relying on them. (source)

Cities and counties often add their own rules (for example, where you can ride on sidewalks or boardwalks). Check the local ordinance for the specific town you're visiting.

Resources

Bike-friendly destinations in Hawaii

Ride these with the rules above in mind:

In an emergency in the U.S., call 911. Read our general bike safety guide →