Is it OK to take sand from Hawaii?

Division of Aquatic Resources Removing them can possibly upset the natural balance of each location they are removed from. In addition, it is illegal to take sand, dead coral, or coral rubble statewide per Hawai'i Revised Statute (HRS) §171-58.5 and §205A-44. Collecting beach glass and shells is still allowed.



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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.

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Speaking of gifts, don't take rocks or sand from the beach or lava rocks from a volcano. Superstition says that people who take them will be cursed, which probably gets its roots from the high esteem Hawaiian culture has always held for rocks.

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Tip: Pineapples are on the USDA list of agricultural items permitted to leave Hawaii. As long as there are no bugs, soft spots or holes you can take them home to the mainland. It makes for a perfect souvenir.

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Any type of dutiable good, food, plant or animal product must be declared. If you and your travel companions together are carrying $10,000 or more in cash or other negotiable instruments such as endorsed checks, you must declare it upon arrival. If you do not, it is subject to forfeiture.

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Tourism is Hawaii's largest industry. Expansion has been particularly rapid since World War II, and the growth has resulted in part from continued improvements in transportation and the stimulus provided by the state government and local businesses.

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Leave corals and shells in their place Don't take corals and seashells home for souvenirs. Corals are alive and seashells are home for many animals. Both also play an important role in creating beautiful, sandy beaches. In many coastal states and territories collecting corals as souvenirs is prohibited.

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Soon would be the first lesson in bringing home beach: a gallon size bag of very powdery white sand in your carry-on will likely get you a second look at airport security. Fortunately for me – and my husband – TSA was able to confirm, after a thorough luggage inspection, it was not some other illegal contraband!

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