Is it illegal to take rocks 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 take rocks out of 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

What can't you bring back from Hawaii?

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.

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.

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 black sand 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.

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.

Can you take shells from Hawaii on a plane?

Yes, according to the TSA you can take seashells on a plane in either carry-on bags or checked bags. That means if your are flying on a domestic flight you're good to go. Just make sure to give any sea shells a good clean before packing them.

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.

Can we take lava rocks 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.

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.

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.

Can you take shells and coral from Hawaii?

No. Taking anything out of a National Park is against the law anywhere in the United States, and that includes lava rocks from Hawaii.

Can you take flower leis home from Hawaii?

Know the Lei of the Land

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits certain items, including some flowers used in Hawaiian leis, from entering the U.S. mainland to protect against harmful plant pests.

Can you keep coral found on the beach?

Can you keep coral found on the beach? Generally yes unless there is a local ordinance against it. Coral that washes up on the beach is the skeletons of dead animals. You won't damage a reef by taking a little of it home.

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.

Can I collect shells from the beach?

Unoccupied shells and shell grit may be collected in other habitat protection and general use zones for non-commercial purposes. Collecting more than 10kg per person per day requires a permit. Collecting seaweed from beaches is permitted within habitat protection zones and general use zones.

Can I take shells home 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.

What happens when you break open a sand dollar?

When a dead sand dollar is broken open, five v-shaped pieces are released, one from each section of the mouth. During a sand dollar's life, these parts function as teeth by allowing sand dollars to grind and chew their prey.

Is taking sand from the beach illegal?

You can not legally take sand from the beach as you would be contributing (even if only in a small way) towards the weakening of the defensive barrier the beach provides from the sea to the land. Sand is off-limits though.

How do I return sand to Hawaii?

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.