A speeding ticket is never a welcome souvenir, whether traveling to or from Hawaii. This summer, BOH editor Rob learned that firsthand while visiting Switzerland. Amid the distractions of unfamiliar roads and sudden speed limit changes, he missed one at a tunnel, and two months later, an expensive ticket arrived in the mail. With the Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT) planning to expand its traffic camera systems statewide, visitors may need to brace for similar surprises.
The DOT’s rollout of cameras to catch red-light running and speeding through intersections, aims to improve road safety. Still, these measures could add to an already challenging experience for visitors driving rental cars on unfamiliar roads.
Hawaii’s traffic cameras revealed.
Hawaii is no stranger to traffic enforcement, but the planned expansion of automated cameras represents a major shift. Launched initially as a pilot program in Honolulu, the initiative will soon extend to key intersections on Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai. According to the DOT, the goal is to reduce traffic incidents and improve road safety across the islands.
For first-time offenders, fines start at $200, with repeat violations incurring even higher penalties. Tickets issued to rental cars are typically sent directly to the rental company, which often tacks on additional processing fees.
Visitors, beware: that scenic sunset drive could become unexpectedly expensive—even if the bill arrives after your vacation is only a memory in your rearview mirror.
Hawaii visitor confusion is a real concern.
Navigating Hawaii’s roads can be challenging for first-time visitors. Heck, even for us neighbor island residents, driving in Honolulu can present significant hurdles. Speed limits can change without warning, signage isn’t always clear, and distractions abound.
As Rob’s experience in Switzerland illustrates, even the most careful drivers can be caught off guard by sudden changes in speed limits or unexpected camera zones.
One BOH commenter echoed this frustration and took it further, saying about ticketing visitors, “Locals clearly do not like tourists!” Another noted that road unfamiliarity can make traffic cameras feel like a trap. These concerns may intensify as Hawaii’s camera program expands, particularly in high-traffic tourist areas like Waikiki and Lahaina.
Balancing safety and visitor experience.
While the DOT emphasizes safety as the primary goal, some residents and visitors see these cameras through a different lens. A reader remarked, “It’s just another way to nickel-and-dime tourists to death,” reflecting a broader frustration with rising costs and a perceived lack of hospitality toward visitors.
On the other hand, supporters argue that the cameras are essential. One commenter stated, “People die every week from red-light runners. Want to avoid a ticket? Obey the laws.” These opposing views underscore the tension between improving road safety in Hawaii and preserving the islands’ reputation as a welcoming destination.
Lessons for Hawaii from other destinations.
Hawaii isn’t alone in adopting traffic cameras, but implementing them here presents unique challenges. Automated enforcement has sparked debate in tourist-heavy locations worldwide. Rob’s Switzerland ticket wasn’t just a surprise financial hit; it raised questions about how visitors are expected to adapt quickly to unfamiliar road rules.
One BOH commenter recalled, “I don’t understand how it’s legally enforceable. The state should prove who was driving.” This legal gray area has previously fueled controversy in other locations, and Hawaii could face similar pushback as cameras become more widespread.
Tips for avoiding tickets and driving safety in Hawaii.
Visitors should familiarize themselves with Hawaii’s traffic rules before hitting the road to avoid surprises. Paying close attention to speed limit signs and knowing common camera locations can make a significant difference. Apps like Waze and Google Maps can also alert drivers to upcoming cameras and speed traps, though relying solely on technology has limitations.
A reader offered practical advice: “Slow down, pay attention, and enjoy the ride.” While it may sound simple, this approach could save money and stress—and keep your Hawaii vacation carefree.
What do you think?
Hawaii’s statewide traffic cameras are a divisive topic. Do they represent a step forward for safety, or are they another challenge for visitors navigating the islands? Share your thoughts below—whether it’s a story of your ticket experience or tips for driving smarter on Hawaii’s roads. Mahalo!
Photo of BOH editor Rob in his rental car.
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Simple solution, stay away from Hawaii!
50, 25, 45, 30, 50, 30…Kauai has gotten a little better at smoothing this out, but only a little. Doing a bit more of that would help some everywhere.
I have mentioned before in earlier comments on this forum that a large percentage of the cars going by me while I’m doing the speed limit on the highways are locals. It might be time for the state to wag a finger at residents for setting a bad example.
Informative article, high point “slow down and enjoy the ride”.
On a trip to the Big Island last year to look at retirements property on the east side, we encountered many issues with two different rental cars. The cars would speed up going downhill due to having 7 gears even with the car’s speed control set at the listed speed limit. That presents problems for us even today, however, because the speed limit signs continuously are manipulated to cause confusion and constant need to readjust your speed and in very short distance spans! And whatever speed limit is listed on your directional app, is usually contrary to what is posted. We got a ticket going downhill as my husband struggled to slow the noncompliant vehicle down thru breaking and cursing and of course at the bottom of a big hill sits a cop. Yes, we got a hefty fine and the officer elevated the speed that we knew was our actual speed to above the next higher level of financial burden. We fought it and lost it.
If the goal of traffic cameras is safety, then post large, clear signs to inform people of camera zones/locations to make people slow down and obey signs. If no signs, then it is clearly a money grab.
I am a tourist. I drive the locals nuts. I follow the speed limits, while the locals don’t pay any attention. Oh well…
Thanks for the informative update. Another wrinkle in enforcement will be the Turo “car rental” program. I typically use them when on the mainland since it’s usually half the cost of a rental. Not an issue for me here at home. But for those renting out their vehicles to visitors how will that be handled I wonder? Ditto for motorcycle rentals via Riders Share or Twisted Road.
I Never leave home without my radar detector … it’s saved me a ton of tickets.
Not legal in some states …need to check Hawaii.
I actually think that locals are the only ones who will get the speeding tickets, since they get frustrated with visitors driving too slow ….
In a city close to mine it happened that the yellow warning to slow down was state regulated to have to be 4 seconds. Evidently the red light triggered in 3.2 seconds after yellow and the lawyers debated with the city to dismiss all the red light allegations. Check on how long the yellow should be on to see if it is some kind of quick yellow to red situation.
Politics, money or whatever aside the core topic is a speed limit which people should abide by when driving in a city. Maybe the interstates should be adjusted, I drive i95 in FLa which is 65 mph but I usually go with the flow 80ish and quite a few people zoom by me. It doesn’t feel unsafe though, cars are made very well & safe nowadays but the tailgating people… always some Carolina or Georgiabama plate on vacation, but slow down when you move to middle lane to let them pass @@
Red light cameras and ones at Stop Sign intersections have their usefulness, but they should only be deployed at locations where there has been a history of traffic/pedestrian collisions. Placing them at locations that have not had a problem with traffic accidents just makes them a financial cash cow for the municipality.
Another problem with these devices is they are absolutly “Zero Tolerance”. As an example, I received a red light camera violation locally for being ‘0.18 seconds’ late on the red phase. You can’t blink that fast, and most law enforcement officers would not write you up for it, and have to testify about it in court. It cost me over $500.
$500 not counting the rise of insurance rates of having a moving violation on your record and loss of 3yrs with no violations good driver discount..
Oh wow! That’s ridiculous!
Posted speed limits in Kihei, Maui are a joke. 35 mph on the Pi’ilani Hwy? Nobody goes that slow, one must stay in the right hand lane going 47 so speeding drivers can whiz by in the left lane going 55-60 mph. Don’t even get me started on the red light runners, it’s become the norm and not the exception.
How are you going to fight the ticket if it gets sent to you after you get home from vacation? Pay to come back to show up in court? Most people wouldn’t . Not only is it the price of the ticket but the result of running a red light reported to your insurance company as a moving violation. Warning rate Hike!!!!! IMO if you are on Oahu get the four day (THE BUS)bus pass and avoid the parking fees. It takes you most anywhere you need to go outside of a short walk. Also I read if you get into a traffic accident in Hawaii it is illegal to leave the Islands until it is settled.
Don, the procedure is you email a copy of the rental return or the pdf they emailed you which has the date and time on it. Much easier with a camera as the time will be reliable whereas a manually written ticket from a policeman with a laser gun or one who alleges that you ran a red light may be more variable potentially.
I had to do this when I got a penalty for not paying a highway toll in Illinois. Sent them the rental return explaining the time difference and heard no more. (Copied Rental Company).
Unless they have a clear photo of you driving, then they can’t prove it was you driving at that time. Perhaps you forgot that your friend or neighbor had borrowed your car that day.
I have seen where cars purposely slow down while going through the intersections in attempts to hold or delay the car behind from making it through. The only solution to this IMO is to avoid traveling those intersections altogether. It’s a game young drivers like to play at the expense of the person behind.
Got a ticket doing 240 km an hour loafing on the A Bahn in Deutschland in 1982. In mein Porsche 911. The ticket wasn’t for speeding, it was for not getting out of the way fast enough for a Mercedes 450 SEL going max in a hurry. German Specs of course…
Best regards.
Red light cameras, OK- no excuse. “Speed” cameras in Hawaii? Too much room for abuse. Hawaii posted speed limits are not based upon speed surveys as required by law. If you have ever received a speeding ticket, challenge the posted limit if you think it is unreasonably low. The criteria are outlined in HRS. Case in point: Farrington HWY east of Kalaeloa – 25 mph – not supported by any evidence. Speed trap used by HPD. They can’t produce the required legal survey.
This is the way of the future. It’s “them”, the government, against “us”, the public. Now I get the “don’t speed and you don’t have to worry about it” argument. I actually do that. 55 years without a ticket shows that works. Don’t speed. Period. If you don’t, you need not worry. If you speed…
Mufi H. will be working overtime to ensure these red light cameras are located at roads and intersections adjacent to condo vacation rentals.
Mufi will swing a sledgehammer at any pole hoisting a camera positioned near coastal hotels. The HTA wants tourists’ wealth vacuumed up by resort fees, property rental taxes, and rental car fees — not red light cameras, which are outside the HTA’s control.
Good! As a local, too many people are speeding – and I don’t care if it is another local, or a tourist, if you speed, you are accountable, so suck it up. Please stop with these whiny articles and whipping people up on topics such as this. Encourage people to be better, not find another reason to complain and pretend that they should not be accountable.
I absolutely welcome $500 red light and stop signs tickets. I’m absolutely tired of cavalier, clueless drivers blowing red lights and stop signs. Worst offenders? -> Locals <- That's right.
"this ain't da mainland" bumper stickers are a joke, considering the people with them on the car blow past us on the highway or almost run us over in the crosswalk.
Time for some enforcement, crackdown and kuleana.
I kinda hate to say it, but he’s pretty much correct about speeders, most seem to be local, and you can usually tell by the type of vehicle they are driving, they don’t look like ‘rental cars’. With 30 odd years of visiting the islands, the fast drivers, the loud exhausts, the tired looking older cars/pickups, that’s not a visitor in his rental car blowing by you going down the road. It’s easy to blame visitors, but the locals know who most of the ‘problem drivers’ are, they’re their neighbors.
This made me think. It does seem those who will be paying the most in fines and tickets are Hawaii residents themselves. Helped me recollect the most dangerous cars were not the rented Jeeps and convertible Mustangs. No, the most dangerous by far were residents/locals in their jacked ten-year-old trucks and Honda Civics going twenty to forty mph over the speed limits.
Anyone who has driven to Hana knows exactly what I mean. I always pulled over to the side of the road to let residents pass me. Here come the janky trucks, absolutely *blasting* up Routes 36 and 360, flying like you would not believe over the one-way bridges. Triple my speed, and Dukes of Hazard over the bumps, no exaggeration.
Another one: going north or south on Napoopoo or Hawaii Belt, Kona. Stop signs, red lights, pausing for pedestrians: all optional for residents. You need orbs of titanium to hike or bike to Captain Cook, Pohue, or South Point.
It’s not only on the road to Hana, but also going upcountry to Kula etc. I must admit I am driving fast sometime, but only when it feels safe. My car alerts me when the car in front brakes and I don’t. Also when I want to change lanes because the car in front goes too slowly, it alerts me when another car is coming too close in that lane. It should all be about safety, but most of the time cameras and speed limits are all about collecting more money.
Well you don’t have to worry about getting a speeding ticket in Kapaa, 😉
Though on a more serious note, i could see how this could be a problem with rental cars. I drop off my rental in the morning, it gets rented out in the afternoon by someone who gets a camera speeding ticket. Rental car company thinks it was me and sends me the bill!
I use Waze on my iphone. The safe way to go.
I’ve only gotten one speeding ticket from a camera – in Augsburg, Germany back in the 90s. Something seemed off so I checked my calendar and realized that was the day I had driven to Schloss Neuschwanstein, right after having my transmission worked on that morning. And the ticket was in the morning. The Politzei agreed to request the actual photo and when it came in it was rather obviously not me behind the wheel – they forwarded the ticket to the repair shop, which said it was used to getting them.
A while back I penned an analysis of the flawed Red Light Camera program. Nothing changed. It’s still flawed – only worse. Now they anticipate putting speed cameras at the same intersection so if you try to speed up to avoid the red light they get you that way.
hawaiifreepress.com/Articles-Daily-News/ID/28995/Letters-to-the-Editor-June-2021
Jim Bob, I like the lights I have seen in some other countries where a countdown in shown, as it is for pedestrians. Then you do not get surprised by last minute yellows, where slamming on the brakes could cause a collision. Of course they are not sources of revenue….