HI · State boating guide
Hawaii
boating laws
Last verified
At a glance
- Boater card
- Required for specified operators
- anyone operating a power-driven vessel on state waters. Exempt: holders of a USCG merchant mariner credential, thrill craft operators in an authorized commercial thrill craft zone, operators of motorboats of 10 hp or less, and boaters on a voyage that started outside Hawaii staying less than 60 days. Thrill craft (PWC) operators need a separate Hawaii thrill craft certificate.
- Operating age
- Operators under 16 may run a power-driven vessel only with a certificate and a supervisor aboard who is 21 or older and also holds one. No one under 15 may operate a thrill craft.
- Life-jacket age rule
- Children under 13 must wear a properly fitted life jacket while the vessel is underway, or anchored offshore outside a designated mooring area, unless below decks or in an enclosed cabin.
- BUI / BAC limit
- 0.08 BAC
- Registration fee
- $10.00–$75.00
- Published categories; see fees and exceptions below.
- Registration term
- 1 year
The short answer
Do I need a boating license in Hawaii?
Certificate of completion from a NASBLA- and state-approved boating safety course with a Hawaii component (DOBOR Certified Boater Registry) is required for anyone operating a power-driven vessel on state waters. Exempt: holders of a USCG merchant mariner credential, thrill craft operators in an authorized commercial thrill craft zone, operators of motorboats of 10 hp or less, and boaters on a voyage that started outside Hawaii staying less than 60 days. Thrill craft (PWC) operators need a separate Hawaii thrill craft certificate.
Confirm with Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) ↗Anyone operating a power-driven vessel in Hawaii state waters must carry a certificate from a NASBLA-approved boating course with a Hawaii-waters component, with a few exemptions such as motorboats of 10 hp or less. Operators under 16 also need a certificate-holding supervisor 21 or older aboard, and no one under 15 may operate a thrill craft (PWC). Registration is renewed every year with DLNR's Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, at $20 for boats under 20 feet and $35 for 20 feet and longer. Children under 13 must wear a life jacket while underway, and the BUI limit is 0.08 BAC.
Before you operate
Boater education & operating age
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education required | Yes — see who needs a card below |
| Who needs a card | anyone operating a power-driven vessel on state waters. Exempt: holders of a USCG merchant mariner credential, thrill craft operators in an authorized commercial thrill craft zone, operators of motorboats of 10 hp or less, and boaters on a voyage that started outside Hawaii staying less than 60 days. Thrill craft (PWC) operators need a separate Hawaii thrill craft certificate. |
| Card or certificate | Certificate of completion from a NASBLA- and state-approved boating safety course with a Hawaii component (DOBOR Certified Boater Registry) |
| Minimum operating age | Operators under 16 may run a power-driven vessel only with a certificate and a supervisor aboard who is 21 or older and also holds one. No one under 15 may operate a thrill craft. |
| Out-of-state cards | Partial. A NASBLA-approved course from another state, territory or Canada can count toward Hawaii's requirement, but boaters must still complete the Hawaii-specific portion. There is no reciprocity for thrill craft or tow-in surfing credentials. |
Your boat’s paperwork
Boat registration & fees
All undocumented vessels must be registered with DOBOR, renewed every year (renewal allowed up to 90 days early). Exceptions include manually propelled boats, sailboats 8 feet or shorter propelled only by sail, documented and foreign vessels, out-of-state vessels in Hawaii waters 60 days or less, lifeboats, and motorized vessels under 5 hp. Vessels must also be titled; titles do not expire.
- New registration, vessel under 20 feet$25.00
- Registration renewal, vessel under 20 feet$20.00
- New registration, vessel 20 feet and longer$40.00
- Registration renewal, vessel 20 feet and longer$35.00
- New certificate of title (one time)$20.00
- Ownership transfer (title and registration)$30.00
- Launch ramp use (includes decals)$75.00
- Replacement registration card or decals (each)$10.00
Registration fee data and sources
| Boat / fee category | Fee | Term | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| New registration, vessel under 20 feet | $25.00 | 1 year | Official source: New registration, vessel under 20 feet ↗ |
| Registration renewal, vessel under 20 feet | $20.00 | 1 year | Official source: Registration renewal, vessel under 20 feet ↗ |
| New registration, vessel 20 feet and longer | $40.00 | 1 year | Official source: New registration, vessel 20 feet and longer ↗ |
| Registration renewal, vessel 20 feet and longer | $35.00 | 1 year | Official source: Registration renewal, vessel 20 feet and longer ↗ |
| New certificate of title (one time) | $20.00 | Not published | Official source: New certificate of title (one time) ↗ |
| Ownership transfer (title and registration) | $30.00 | Not published | Official source: Ownership transfer (title and registration) ↗ |
| Launch ramp use (includes decals) | $75.00 | Not published | Official source: Launch ramp use (includes decals) ↗ |
| Replacement registration card or decals (each) | $10.00 | Not published | Official source: Replacement registration card or decals (each) ↗ |
Personal watercraft (Jet Ski) rules
- No one under 15 may operate a thrill craft (PWC), and no one may let a person under 15 operate one.
- Recreational thrill craft operators must carry a certificate from a state-approved thrill craft course that includes Hawaii-specific content.
- All thrill craft operators and passengers must wear a life jacket.
- No thrill craft operation in marine life conservation districts or marine natural area reserves, and operation is limited in other designated areas.
Towing & watersports
- A motorboat towing a water-skier must carry at least two competent people, one of whom watches the person being towed, unless it has an adequate rear-view mirror.
- No towing water-skiers or similar devices from sunset to sunrise.
- Tow in a careful and prudent manner and at a reasonable distance from people and property.
Life jacket rules
- Carry USCG-approved life jackets as required by federal standards, adopted in Hawaii rules.
- Children under 13 must wear a properly fitted life jacket while the vessel is underway, or anchored offshore outside a designated mooring area, unless below decks or in an enclosed cabin.
- All thrill craft operators and passengers must wear a life jacket.
Boating under the influence
Published limit: 0.08 BAC. Read the linked official guidance for the full rule and any age-specific provisions.
At a glance
- A boating safety certificate is required for power-driven vessels over 10 hp.
- Under 16 needs a certified supervisor 21 or older aboard.
- Minimum age for a thrill craft (PWC) is 15.
- Registration renews yearly: $20 under 20 feet, $35 for 20 feet and longer.
- Kids under 13 must wear a life jacket while underway.
Plan your day
Before you launch
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Sources and last checked
Sources
Official guidance is the final reference. Rules and fees may change after this guide’s verification date.
- Boating - Motorized Vessel (mandatory boater education) ↗Hawaii DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation
- Vessel Registration and Titling Fees ↗Hawaii DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation
- Numbering Your Vessel ↗Hawaii DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation
- HAR Chapter 13-244, Boating Rules ↗Hawaii DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation
- HAR Chapter 13-243, Safety Equipment ↗Hawaii DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation
- HAR Chapter 13-256, Ocean Recreation Management ↗Hawaii DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation
- Thrill Craft (PWC / Jet Ski) ↗Hawaii DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation
- HRS 291E-61, Operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant ↗Hawaii State Legislature
- HRS 291E-1, Definitions ↗Hawaii State Legislature
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