Hawaii Tire Chain Laws

How Hawaii handles chains

Hawaii has no truck chain law. Chains are optional and there is nothing to activate, because snow reaches only the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, far above any freight route. Ordinary detachable tire chains are legal on public roads, and studded tires are allowed only on the Mauna Kea Access Road above Hale Pohaku (HRS 291-33). That road is 4WD-only and closes in bad weather. For a commercial rig, you will never chain up in Hawaii.

When, where, and what counts

• When required: Chains are optional and there is nothing to activate. No chain-control system exists. Snow reaches only the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, far above any freight route.
• Where: No mandate anywhere. The only place chains or studs ever help is the Mauna Kea Access Road above Hale Pohaku, a 4WD-only road not built for freight.
• Applies to: No CMV chain mandate. General roads see no snow. HRS 291-33 governs what may touch the pavement, not a chain-up duty.
• Chains vs traction devices: Ordinary detachable tire chains are allowed on public roads (HRS 291-33). Studded snow tires are banned everywhere except the Mauna Kea Access Road above Hale Pohaku and roads in the Mauna Kea Science Reserve. Nothing is required.
• Check the live order: Hawaii DOT (hidot.hawaii.gov) for road status, or the Maunakea Visitor Information Station for summit-road closures.
• Fine: No chain-up fine, because there is no chain-up mandate. Running wheel projections that damage the road surface violates HRS 291-33.

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