In summary, it is generally illegal under Hawaii state law and federal statutes for visitors to remove sand from Hawaii beaches, even small amounts. Fines can be steep if caught stealing sand, and it also causes environmental damage.
Can I take green sand from Hawaii?
Leave no trace: We would like to stress the often used quote “Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints!”. Please don't take the green sand home as souvenir, and take an extra bag along to keep your trash.
Is it illegal to take sand from the beach in Oahu?
Removing sand from Oahu's beaches, public and government lands is illegal.
What happens if you take sand from Hawaii?
Can you bring back sand on a plane?
For starters, you can bring sand, your light saber and maybe your drone, but you can't bring a golf club or a cordless curling iron. If it all gets too confusing, you can snap a photo of the object in question and sent it to AskTSA on Facebook Messenger or Twitter.
Can you bring sand back to the US?
Travelers must be able to prove to U.S. customs inspectors that imports of peat, sand, clay, and souvenir rocks or stones are entirely free of soil or any other organic matter (such as algae) before they can enter the United States.
Can I bring sand back to the USA?
Soil, Sand and MineralsNo soil or earth of any kind is allowed into the United States without a permit issued in advance by USDA Plant Protection and Quarantine Permit Unit. Pure sand, such as a small container of decorative beach sand, is usually allowed. Always check with the permit unit in advance for details.