Hawaii State Law Hawaii recognizes same-sex relationships under state law as follows: Same-Sex Marriage Hawaii prohibits same-sex marriage. A legal union of two persons that is not recognized under Hawaii's marriage law, which was validly formed in another jurisdiction and which is substantially equivalent to a civil union under Hawaii's civil union law, is generally recognized as a valid civil union in the state. Click here for more information. Civil Unions Same-sex couples are eligible for civil union recognition in Hawaii. Partners to a civil union have all the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities under law as are granted to married couples. A legal union of two persons that is not recognized under Hawaii's marriage law, which was validly formed in another jurisdiction and which is substantially equivalent to a civil union under Hawaii's civil union law, is generally recognized as a valid civil union in the state. Click here for more information.