No, it is not illegal to marry your first cousin in Hawaii. State law explicitly permits first-cousin marriages, with no restrictions on such unions as long as other requirements like age and consent are met.
Legal Basis
Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 572 governs marriage and omits first cousins from prohibited relationships, focusing bans on closer kin like siblings, parents/children, or uncles/aunts with nieces/nephews. Official state guidance confirms: “Cousins may marry, but a blood relationship…cannot be closer than first cousins.” This aligns with U.S. trends where about half of states allow it.
Second cousins and beyond face no issues either.
Marriage License Process
Applicants must obtain a license from an authorized agent with no waiting period. The form asks about blood relationships, so disclose cousin status honestly—it won’t block approval. No residency requirement exists, making Hawaii accessible for couples statewide or visitors.
Mental competency and age (16 with consent, 18 otherwise) apply universally.
Prohibited Relationships
Marriages voided include:
- Full or half-siblings
- Parent-child (any degree)
- Grandparent-grandchild
- Aunt/uncle with niece/nephew
Bigamy also bars licensing. Genetic risks, while debated, don’t factor into legality here.
Cultural and Religious Notes
Civil ceremonies proceed without issue, but some faiths like Catholicism may require dispensation. Social stigma varies, though Hawaii’s permissive stance reflects diverse norms.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Attempting prohibited marriages risks license denial or annulment; no criminal penalties noted for cousins. Fraudulent applications could invite perjury charges.
This framework, unchanged as of 2026, positions Hawaii among 20+ states greenlighting first-cousin unions. Consult clerks for latest forms.
SOURCES :
- https://mocobizscene.com/us-news/is-dating-your-cousin-illegal-in-hawaii-heres-what-the-law-says
- https://lambdalegal.org/publication/hawaii-marriage-faq/
