Key points
In Hawaii, 20% of all traffic fatalities are pedestrians.
Source: Handbook p. 95
“In Hawaii 20% of all traffic fatalities are pedestrians.”
Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 95Almost half of pedestrians killed are under 15 or over 65.
Source: Handbook p. 95
“Almost half of those fatally injured are under age 15 or over age 65.”
Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 95Slow down and be ready to stop whenever people are walking on or crossing the road, or children are nearby.
Source: Handbook p. 95
“Slow down and be prepared to stop whenever you see persons walking on or crossing the roadway and whenever you observe children near the roadway.”
Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 95Stop for all blind persons in the roadway, identified by a white cane or guide dog, whatever the signal says.
Source: Handbook p. 95
“Stop for all blind persons in the roadway (identified by a white cane or guide dog) regardless of the traffic signal indication or traffic situation.”
Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 95Never pass a vehicle stopped to let a pedestrian cross; it is prohibited by law.
Source: Handbook p. 95
“Never pass a vehicle stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross the street. (Prohibited by law)”
Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 95You must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
Source: Handbook p. 36
“YOU MUST STOP FOR PEDESTRIANS IN CROSSWALKS.”
Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 36Pedestrians should walk on the left side of the street, facing oncoming traffic.
Source: Handbook p. 96
“Walk on the left side of the street facing oncoming traffic.”
Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 96
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 20% | share of traffic fatalities who are pedestrians | Handbook p. 95 |
| 15 and 65 | almost half of pedestrians killed are younger or older than these ages | Handbook p. 95 |
Recognize these signs
Pedestrian crossing
3 questions from the Hawaii practice test
1. At a marked crosswalk, what right of way does Hawaii give a pedestrian who is crossing?
- Priority belongs to the faster traveler
- The pedestrian must yield to every vehicle
- The vehicle that arrives first has priority
- The pedestrian has the right of way
Show answer
The pedestrian has the right of way. Crosswalk lines show pedestrians where to safely cross, and Hawaii's manual tells drivers they must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. The driver gives way to the person on foot instead of relying on arrival order or speed. A pedestrian does not lose that protection simply because a vehicle reached the area first, and the choice saying the pedestrian yields to every vehicle reverses the rule. A useful road cue is to scan the full crossing before moving, including someone who has just stepped into the marked area.
2. What must a driver do when a pedestrian is caught in an intersection as the signal changes?
- Stop only if the pedestrian is in a marked lane
- Continue because the light changed
- Sound the horn and drive around the pedestrian
- Yield until the pedestrian has cleared the intersection
Show answer
Yield until the pedestrian has cleared the intersection. A changing signal does not erase the pedestrian's need to finish crossing. The driver must yield and wait until the person has cleared the intersection. Proceeding solely because the light changed creates a conflict, and a horn is not a substitute for yielding. The marked lane limitation is also too narrow because the protection concerns a pedestrian already in the intersection. Look beyond the signal head before moving, especially when a crossing began during the prior phase.
3. The vehicle ahead of you has stopped to let a pedestrian cross the street. What does Hawaii law say?
- Do not pass the stopped vehicle
- Pass on the left if the lane is clear
- Pass slowly while sounding your horn
- Pass on the right if the pedestrian is on the left side
Show answer
Do not pass the stopped vehicle. The manual lists passing a vehicle stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross as prohibited by law. The rule covers passing on either side of the stopped vehicle, so neither the left nor the right side is an exception. A clear adjacent lane does not create an exception, and sounding the horn does not make passing lawful. Stop and wait until the pedestrian has finished crossing.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with right of way questions from the free Hawaii practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the Hawaii Driver's Manual, Chapter XII: Pedestrian Safety. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.