No, it is not illegal to marry your first cousin in Hawaii, as state law explicitly permits such unions while prohibiting closer relatives like siblings or parents/children.
Legal Framework
Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 572 allows first cousins, first cousins once removed, second cousins, and beyond to marry without restriction, provided both parties are at least 18 (or 16 with parental/judicial consent) and not currently married.
The marriage license application asks about blood relationships, but disclosing a first-cousin tie does not bar issuance—unlike sibling or uncle/niece unions, which are void.
Prohibited Relationships
Marriages are banned between parents/children, grandparents/grandchildren, siblings (full or half), and aunts/uncles with nieces/nephews. Bigamy also voids a marriage.
Cousins are explicitly excluded from these bans, making Hawaii one of about 20 states fully allowing first-cousin marriage.
| Relationship | Legal to Marry? |
|---|---|
| First Cousins | Yes |
| Siblings | No |
| Uncle/Niece | No |
| Second Cousins | Yes |
License Process
Apply at any district health office or authorized agent (no residency required); provide ID, disclose relationship, and pay ~$60 fee. No blood tests or waiting period apply. Out-of-state cousin marriages are recognized if valid where performed.
Additional Notes
Catholic Church weddings may require dispensation for first cousins, but civil ceremonies face no such hurdle. Genetic counseling is advisable due to potential risks, though not legally mandated.
SOURCES :
- https://mocobizscene.com/us-news/is-dating-your-cousin-illegal-in-hawaii-heres-what-the-law-says
- https://getordained.org/state-marriage-laws/hawaii
