Is it illegal to take rock 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.

Can you bring rocks from Hawaii?

Not only is it illegal to remove anything from a national park, but it is just unwise to trifle with Pele, the volcano goddess of 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.

Is it illegal to take rocks from the beach in Hawaii?

It is against federal law to remove rocks from a national park, and against state law to take sand from any Hawaii beach.

What rocks can you not take 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.

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.

Tourist Takes Rocks from Hawaii, Doesn't Expect What Happens Next

Can I take shells from 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.

Is it illegal to take Hawaiian sand?

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.

Why you should not take 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.

Is it OK to take dead coral from 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.

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.”

Can you take beach rocks?

Sand and rocks incorporated into landscapes use little water, create no waste and are not flammable. Just don't take them from the beach. Kelly Saye, of Ventura, recently photographed and reported to an officer a couple who backed their Ford F-150 up to the beach and started loading it with boulders.

Why is it illegal to take lava rocks?

Legend also has it that if you take any of the natural minerals including lava rock, sand or dirt from where Pele placed it, she will curse you, bringing you bad luck and misfortune not long after removing what she considers hers from the island.

Can you bring volcanic rock 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.

Can you bring black sand home from Hawaii?

During a volcanic eruption, enough lava can interact this way with the ocean that a new black sand beach can form literally overnight. It is illegal in Hawaii to take lava rocks and sand from the beautiful beaches on any of the islands.

What do stacked rocks mean in Hawaii?

Wilde. Stacking rocks is a practice in some Buddhist cultures. Its a way of asking for blessings on your family for example. It is not done for any bad or egotistical reason, but I agree it does not belong in Hawaii where it is considered disrespectful. 6 yrs Report.

What can you not bring back from Hawaii?

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.

Why are there no shells in Hawaii?

Occasionally we find small shells in the tide pools or after a good rain, but to find the really nice shells you have to dive. Shell collecting is not permitted in nature reserves or in harbors, and may be restricted in other areas as well.

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!

Is it bad to take rocks?

Little rocks and pebbles would be okay to ask for, but common sense will tell you that it would not be okay to take anything too big like a giant boulder. Taking too much of anything would disrupt the environment, wildlife, and scenery.

How do I return black sand to Hawaii?

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

Sand from Hawaii state beaches can be sent to: Division of State Parks, P.O. Box 621, Honolulu, HI 96809. They will try to return it to the island of origin if you let them know where you got the sand.

Can you take shells from beaches in 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.

Is it illegal to take shells from the beach?

No, it's not illegal. I wouldn't collect from a beach where there was an official sign to discourage or forbid it, but if there wasn't I would think it ok to pick a few items. Shells and driftwood are renewable, rock material less so IMO.

Can you bring home sand from Maui?

In Hawaii, taking sand has been prohibited since 2013, when the Hawaii State Legislature put the law in effect. This was predominantly in response to tourists taking large quantities of sand from their black sand beaches, like Punaluʻu Beach.

Is it illegal to take shells from Kauai?

LIHUE — The sight of tourists picking up seashells off the beaches of Kauai is common. Taking those shells from the ocean or beach is generally not prohibited but is regulated by the Division of Aquadic Resources.