Many people wonder if marrying a cousin is legal, especially in places like Hawaii. There are many myths about cousin marriages, but Hawaii law is clear on this matter. In this article, we will explain the rules about cousin marriage in Hawaii, the types of cousins allowed, and how these laws compare with other states in the U.S.
Is Marrying Your Cousin Legal in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, it is perfectly legal to marry your cousin. The state law permits marriages between cousins, including first cousins. The only restriction is that the couple cannot be more closely related than first cousins. This means closer family relationships, such as siblings or uncle and niece, are not allowed to marry.
Types of Cousin Marriages Allowed
Hawaii’s laws are quite broad when it comes to cousin marriages. Not only can first cousins marry, but the law also allows marriages between first cousins once-removed, half-cousins, and even cousins through adoption. This shows Hawaii is more accepting of cousin marriages compared to many other states.
Other Marriage Rules in Hawaii
There are some other important rules to know about marriage in Hawaii. The state does not require you to live there to get married, so even visitors can marry their cousins in Hawaii. The legal age to marry is 18, but younger people can marry with permission from their parents and sometimes the court. Also, Hawaii does not require blood tests before marriage, which makes the process simpler.
How Hawaii’s Laws Compare with Other States
While cousin marriage is legal in Hawaii, the rules in other U.S. states vary a lot. As of 2025, 24 states do not allow first cousins to marry. Some states have special rules, like age limits or needing proof that the couple cannot have children. Meanwhile, 18 states, including Hawaii, allow cousin marriages without many restrictions. This means Hawaii is one of the more permissive states when it comes to cousin marriage.
To sum up, marrying your cousin in Hawaii is legal and allowed under state law, with no strict limits beyond the usual close family restrictions. Hawaii also accepts various types of cousin relationships for marriage and does not require residency or blood tests. If you are considering marrying a cousin, knowing these facts about Hawaii’s laws can help you understand your options and how they compare across the U.S.
