In Hawaii, it is not illegal to marry your cousin. The state law explicitly allows marriage between first cousins, as well as other types of cousin relationships.
Legal Status of Cousin Marriage in Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the U.S. states that permits first cousin marriages without any restrictions. Specifically:
- First cousins are allowed to marry
- First cousins once-removed can marry
- Half-cousins can marry
- Cousins through adoption can marry
Additionally, Hawaii law allows these couples to cohabitate and have sexual relations legally.
Marriage Requirements in Hawaii
While cousin marriage is legal, there are still general requirements for getting married in Hawaii:
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old
- Neither person can be currently married, in a civil union, or registered as reciprocal beneficiaries with someone else
- Couples cannot be more closely related than first cousins
- If either person is under conservatorship or legal guardianship, consent from the conservator or guardian is required
For those under 18, there are specific rules:
- 16 and 17-year-olds can marry with parental permission or a court order
- 15-year-olds can only marry with parental permission
Blood Relationship Restrictions
The Hawaii Department of Health explicitly states that “Cousins may marry, but a blood relationship between the prospective applicants cannot be closer than first cousins”. This means that while first cousins can marry, closer relationships such as uncle-niece or half-siblings are prohibited.
Comparison to Other States
Hawaii’s laws on cousin marriage are more permissive than many other U.S. states. As of 2025, only 18 states and the District of Columbia allow unrestricted first cousin marriages. Many states have partial restrictions or outright bans on such marriages.
Hawaii law clearly permits marriage between first cousins and other cousin relationships, setting it apart from the majority of U.S. states that have some form of restriction on such unions.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- http://lambdalegal.org/publication/hawaii-marriage-faq/
- https://www.insideedition.com/gallery/kissing-cousins-states-where-marrying-your-relative-legal-48234
- https://www.draslamabdullah.com/post/first-cousin-marriage-laws-in-the-u-s
- https://emrs.ehawaii.gov/emrs/public/faq.html
