Hawaii
Sex Laws 2026

The age of consent in Hawaii is 16 as of May 2026, the same as in 29 other states. Hawaii requires schools to teach sex education, one of 28 states that do, and the mandated approach is comprehensive, with a medical-accuracy requirement and LGBTQ+ inclusive content. Adult entertainment regulation is liberal, and the state scores 100/100 on this page's sex-ed progressiveness scale.

Hawaii's age of consent is 16. There is no close-in-age exemption explicitly codified in state law, though prosecutorial discretion is applied in cases involving minors close in age. Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 707-730 covers first-degree sexual assault.

Hawaii has one of the most progressive sex education frameworks in the country. The state requires comprehensive, medically accurate sex education that is inclusive of LGBTQ+ relationships and identities and includes consent education. Instruction covers contraception, STI prevention, healthy relationships, and reproductive health. The overall curricular approach reflects Hawaii's liberal political culture.

Hawaii's adult entertainment environment is permissive. Honolulu has an active adult entertainment industry. The state regulates adult businesses through local licensing but has not pursued aggressive restriction campaigns. Nudity in licensed venues is permitted under state law. Hawaii's tourism-heavy economy and Pacific Rim cultural influences have contributed to a relaxed posture on adult entertainment.

Hawaii has some of the most progressive sex ed standards. Comprehensive, inclusive, consent-focused.

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More on Hawaii

Also on Hawaii: the full Hawaii profile covers taxes, cost of living, crime and schools, and the county map lets you compare every county in the state. For related rules, read the Hawaii nudism guide and the Hawaii gambling laws guide.