Hawaii Oversize & Overweight Permits
Hawaii keeps the 9' (108") legal width, so you run legal to 9' wide, 13'6" high, 80,000 lb before a permit (HAR 19-104). Fees are small, roughly $5 to $25. A load over 12' wide needs an escort, over 14' wide a second one. Here the catch is jurisdiction: the state permits state highways, but Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, and Kauai each issue their own permits for county roads. Permits set tight midday, off-peak windows.
A detail here is flagged medium confidence — confirm with the state permit office before you rely on it.
When Hawaii needs a permit
Hawaii keeps the 9' (108") legal width, so you run legal to 9' wide, 13'6" high, 80,000 lb before a permit (HAR 19-104). Fees are small, roughly $5 to $25. A load over 12' wide needs an escort, over 14' wide a second one. Here the catch is jurisdiction: the state permits state highways, but Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, and Kauai each issue their own permits for county roads. Permits set tight midday, off-peak windows.
Thresholds, escorts, and curfews
- Legal max before a permit: Permit needed over 9' (108") wide, 13'6" high, or 80,000 lb. Hawaii keeps the 9' (108") legal width, wider than the mainland's 8'6". Island road lengths are shorter, so confirm the length limit locally.
- Escort / pilot car: Escort required over 12' wide, and a second escort over 14' wide. An escort is also required when a load's horizontal projection exceeds 4'. The escort must be a passenger car or a two-axle truck rated 20,000 lb or less, equipped with a two-way radio for continuous communication.
- Superload: No mainland-style superload tier. The largest moves are handled case by case by HDOT and the county, with route review and clearance checks before approval.
- Travel curfew: No fixed multi-day window. Permits are cut for specific dates and times, usually off-peak daylight and often midday to dodge Honolulu-area rush hours (roughly 5-8:30 a.m. and 3-6 p.m.). Exact hours vary by island and are stapled to the permit.
- Permit fee: Low, roughly $5 to $25 depending on permit type and period. County-issued permits carry their own separate fees.
Hawaii Oversize Permit FAQ
When do I need an oversize permit in Hawaii?
Does Hawaii require a pilot car or escort?
Can I move an oversize load at night or on weekends in Hawaii?
What does an oversize permit cost in Hawaii?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/home/doing-business/guide-to-permits/oversized-and-overweight-vehicles-on-state-highways/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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