Sexual abuse of a child is generally defined as physical contact or other interaction between a child (under age 17, for example) and an adult when the child is being used for the sexual stimulation or pleasure of the perpetrator or another person. In addition to physical contact, sexual abuse of a child may include (1) the exposure of the genitals of an adult in the presence of a child, (2) the exposure of the genitals of a child, (3) using a child in making pornography, or (4) making a child view sexual acts or pornography.

And in some states multiple instances of sexual contact between an adult and a child may constitute the enhanced criminal offense of continual sexual abuse of a child—which is sometimes a first-degree felony offense.

In Hawaii, sexual abuse of a child is addressed under various statutes that criminalize sexual contact with minors, exposure to harmful material, and child pornography. Hawaii Revised Statutes §707-730 defines Sexual Assault in the First Degree, which includes knowingly subjecting another person who is less than fourteen years old to sexual penetration. The law also covers cases where the perpetrator is in a position of authority over the child. Additionally, Hawaii Revised Statutes §707-732 and §707-733 address Sexual Assault in the Second and Third Degrees, respectively, which include acts of sexual contact with minors. The exposure of genitals to a child and causing a child to view sexual acts or pornography can be prosecuted under Hawaii Revised Statutes §707-752, which pertains to Harmful Material to Minors, and §712-1215, which addresses Promoting Pornography for Minors. The production of child pornography is criminalized under §707-750 and §707-751. Hawaii does not have a specific statute for continual sexual abuse of a child as a distinct offense; however, multiple instances of sexual abuse can lead to multiple charges, each carrying severe penalties, including extended prison terms that reflect the gravity of the offenses.