What is the Hawaii rule?

Written by Editorial Team | Last Updated: August 2026

The Hawaii Rule—formally known by the NCAA as the Hawaii Exemption—is a specialized regulatory provision that allows any Division I college football team that travels to play a road game against the University of Hawaii to schedule a 13th regular-season game. Established to help offset the massive financial burdens, logistical challenges, and severe travel expenses associated with making the long trip to the Hawaiian islands from the continental United States, this rule gives visiting athletic departments an extra opportunity to secure home-game ticket revenues and financial guarantees, while also providing Hawaii with a vital incentive to attract mainland opponents.

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