Mining in Hawaii: Minimal, Regulated, and Focused on Aggregates

Hawaii has no large-scale metal or mineral mining. Commercial extraction is extremely limited due to:

• Strict environmental regulations (protecting reefs, aquifers, endemic species)
• Lack of economically viable ore bodies
• Cultural and ecological preservation priorities
• High energy/logistics costs

What Is Mined

• Aggregates: Basalt, sand, gravel, cinder — for local construction (roads, concrete, fill)
• Small-scale quarrying on Maui, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island

Economic Reality

Hawaii imports virtually all metals, industrial minerals, and fossil fuels. The state's economy relies on tourism, defense, agriculture, and services—not extractive industries.

Any mining proposal faces intense scrutiny under Chapter 343 (HRS), NEPA, and community review.