Can I take lava from Hawaii?

HAWAII (CBS) – Tourism officials in Hawaii are reminding visitors not to take lava rocks home with them. Taking things from National Parks is against the law, so taking volcanic rocks from Hawaii's volcanoes is illegal.
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What happens if you take lava from Hawaii?

A legend, referred to as Pele's Curse, says that visitors who take rocks or sand away from Hawaii will suffer bad luck until the native Hawaiian elements are returned. However, while Pele is the source of a number of legends, Pele's Curse is a relatively modern invention.
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Is it OK to take lava rock from Hawaii?

For most people, lava rocks are the perfect souvenir. But you should think twice before taking anything from the Island. Legend has it that Pele, the goddess of fire and volcano, enacts a curse on anyone who steals items off the Island. She considers the rocks and sand her children and will do anything to protect them.
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Why don't you take lava rocks from Hawaii?

The belief that Pele, the volcano goddess of Hawaii's Big Island, brings bad luck to those who take lava prompts hundreds of people to return rocks each year; 'we're very sorry.
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Why is it illegal to take lava rocks?

These islands have been formed by the goddess Pele." It's also illegal to take rocks and minerals from any national park. Taking such things as black sand and lava rock depletes a geological resource -- another reason to leave the rocks undisturbed.
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Unlucky lava? National parks still receive rock returns by mail



Can I bring a rock home from Hawaii?

HAWAII (CBS) – Tourism officials in Hawaii are reminding visitors not to take lava rocks home with them. Taking things from National Parks is against the law, so taking volcanic rocks from Hawaii's volcanoes is illegal. But apart from being illegal, legend has it that taking volcanic rocks from Hawaii is bad luck.
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What is illegal to take from Hawaii?

And that's a very risky endeavor, as taking sand from any beach in Hawaii is punishable by fines upwards of $100,000. This includes Papakolea Beach, also known as Green Sands Beach, and Punalu'u Beach, which is famous for its black volcanic sands. This issue stretches far beyond the beaches of Italy and Hawaii.
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Is it OK to take shells from Hawaii?

Second, some people think it is illegal to remove rocks or sea shells from the shore in Hawaii. According to the Division of Land and Natural Resources, taking small amounts of sand, dead coral, rocks or other marine deposits for personal, noncommercial use is allowed.
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Can I take dead coral home from Hawaii?

To keep it short and simple, the answer is no. Hawaii coral laws do not allow anyone to “take, break, or damage, any stony coral, including any reef or mushroom coral.”
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What can you not bring back from Hawaii?

Common Items from Hawaii NOT ALLOWED into the U.S. Mainland or Alaska
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables, some exceptions are those listed below as permitted.
  • Berries of any kind, including fresh coffee berries and sea grapes.
  • Cactus plants or cactus plant parts.
  • Cotton and cotton bolls.
  • Fresh flowers of jade vine, and Mauna Loa.
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Is it illegal to take rocks from Hawaii beaches?

It is illegal in Hawaii to take lava rocks and sand from the beautiful beaches on any of the islands.
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Is it illegal to take sand from Hawaii?

It is illegal to take sand from Hawaii beaches, state Department of Land and Natural Resources spokeswoman Deborah Ward said. The law contains a limited number of exceptions that do not include personal or commercial sales. Fines for illegally collecting Hawaii sand can reach upward of $100,000.
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Why don't you whistle at night in Hawaii?

According to Hawaiian legends, some say these restless souls are looking for a way to reclaim their rightful territory or searching for a way to enter the new world. It has been said that if you whistle at night, you are summoning the Hukai'po, aka the Night Marchers, and if you hear their drums—HIDE!
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Is Pele's curse real?

According to a park ranger at the Kilauea Visitor Center, the “curse” has no basis in Hawaiian culture. The claim is traced back to early tour guides and park rangers who wanted to discourage visitors from removing rocks. Some say it is the power of suggestion.
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Can you bring black sand home from Hawaii?

Not to burst the bubble, but it's actually against the law in Hawaii to take black sand home. It's actually a crime. NSA confiscates a lot of it daily, especially over on the Big Island.
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How do I return lava rocks to Hawaii?

Here are some addresses for you to mail your items back to:

Lava rocks taken from the Big Island of Hawai'i should be returned to: Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, P.O. Box 52, Hawai'i National Park, HI 96718-0052. For rocks picked up on the island of Oahu, return to: Bernice P.
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Can I take my lei home from Hawaii?

Those flower lei from your friend's Hawaii wedding? You can take them home… usually. Be sure to ask the lei maker there are any citrus plant parts incorporated in the lei.
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Is black coral illegal in Hawaii?

No. In Hawai'i, it is unlawful to take, break or damage, any stony coral, including any reef or mushroom coral (HAR 13-95-70), except as otherwise authorized by law by a Special Activity Permit for scientific, educational, management, or propagation purposes (HRS 187A-6). Am I allowed to collect coral to sell? No.
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Why are there no shells in Hawaii?

Re: Sea shells in Oahu? Two of the main reasons you won't find seashells on the beach here in Hawaii are: the isolation of the islands and the slope of the beaches. If one is diving or snorkeling far off shore, you will see seashells. These of course are homes to living animals and shouldn't be taken.
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Can I take pineapple home from Maui?

For the most part, we will accept one pre-packaged box of pineapples or treated papayas, per paid passenger, free of charge (subject to space availability) on flights departing from Hawaii to the North America. The box must not exceed 10 lbs in weight and must be pre-agriculture inspected.
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Can I take sea shells home?

You are more than welcome to keep it and take it home. They are few and far between, and there are many locals who would snag one if they found it. Many artisans collect shells for their works and to make jewelry. Just make sure it does not have a critter inside and is well cleaned of all soil and any plant life.
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Can you take shells from beach in Hawaii?

Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources allows you to collect seashells for personal use but not for resale. You can search for shells year-round, but to beat the crowds, it is better to start searching early in the day.
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Is it illegal to eat your second wife in Hawaii?

Husbands cannot eat second wife

In the Hawaiian Orakama tribe, it is illegal for a man to eat his second wife, according to StupidLaws.com . Cyrus Horoma, a freshman with an undecided major from Laie, blinked and said, “Cannibalism should be banned. You shouldn't eat other people.
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Why is it illegal to put a coin in your ear in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, coins are not allowed to be placed in one's ears.

The reason for this is because in 1900 when Hawaii became apart of the United States, there was an order to destroy all Hawaiian coins, and people would hide them in their ears; now it is a sign of being a drug dealer."
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Can you take lava rocks on a plane?

According to the TSA, you are allowed to bring rocks and minerals on a plane. You can pack them in your checked luggage or even keep them your carry-on bag. If your samples are sharp or fist-sized, it is best to put them in a checked bag to avoid the appearance of a potential security risk.
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