This paper presents an overview of noise impact considerations in modern Hawaii, emphasizing those which are different from most mainland situations. The favorable year‐round climate encourages outdoor recreation in public parks and the natural ventilation of residential and school buildings. However, this lack of closure often causes the noise from modern transportation systems to be excessive. Also, because of limited useable land, the high density of open housing often causes problems with acoustical privacy. Examples of the variation in freeway traffic noise with height in an “open” high‐rise building will be shown. The high background noise levels created by the tradewinds in certain tropical foliage will be cited and examples shown of use as an acceptable masking noise. Likewise, the use of surf noise in planning deluxe condominium complexes will be cited. Two unique transportation noise sources will be discussed: 24‐h sugar cane hauling operations and gas‐turbine‐powered interisland hydrofoils. Noise‐abatement efforts at Honolulu International Airport will be cited, including the effectiveness of a new runway built on an ocean reef and a fixed, 15‐sensor noise‐monitoring system with a unique feature to log aircraft type automatically. Some noise problems related to the tourist industry will be discussed, e.g., the containment of entertainment sounds, tour bus noise, and hotel mechanical equipment noise affecting naturally ventilated homes.