Is drinking alcohol on a beach allowed in Hawaii?
Unfortunately, it is not allowed. According to the law, it is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in your car or in public places, like beaches, parks or street sides. This usually comes as a surprise to many people, who thought they’d spend the day boozing and cruising in the sun and surf; only to get hit with the biggest party-pooper of them all: a ticket.
The fine for a passenger in Hawaii caught with an open container costs about $200 to $300. For the driver, it’s more than $1,000 – the highest fine in any state. This obviously puts a damper on any plans of watching the sunset with a bottle of wine. But the question is, is it worth the risk?
I’d say, nay. Of course, people get creative by spiking their juice or hiding alcohol in a cup. Both are inconspicuous but definitely not worth the risk. Cops on foot were all over Sandy’s the other weekend. I saw them giving tickets to people parked in their cars and on the beach, who I’m assuming had open bottles of alcohol.
While it seemed out-of-the-ordinary for cops to be so aggressive at a public beach park, it definitely wasn’t out of their realm of responsibilities. Best not to chance it, or you’ll end up leaving the islands with one really expensive souvenir.
Source: www.cga.ct.gov/2008/rpt/2008-r-0128.htm
