Individual and Vessel
Registration and Title
Commercial Boating and Ocean
Recreation Operations
Boating Safety
Boating Facilities
Contact Us
FAQs
About Boating and Ocean Recreation in Hawaiʻi
Recreational and commercial boats are used for a wide variety of activities, including fishing, tow sports, sailing, paddling, or just cruising.
It is important that operators of all watercraft know the requirements for both the operator and the vessel.
Get Certified by taking a State approved safety course.
Title and Register your vessel with the State.
Apply for additional licenses for commercial use.
Ensure that your licenses and permits are carried with you at all times.
Camping Locations on Oʻahu
Camping in Oʻahu
State Parks
Camping in Oʻahu
Forest Reserves
Ewa Forest Forest Reserve
Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve
Kuaoakala Forest Reserve
Mālaekahana
Mālaekahana offers 37 developed campsites available for tent camping in a wooded beach park with swimming, bodysurfing, beach-related activities and shore fishing.
Camping Locations on Molokaʻi
Camping in Molokaʻi
State Parks
Camping in Oʻahu
Forest Reserves
Pālāʻau State Park
Pālāʻau State Park
Camp in an ironwood grove at Pālāʻau State Park, which offers a scenic overview of historic Kalaupapa to which persons with Hansen’s Disease (leprosy) were once banished.
Camping Locations on Maui
Camping in Maui
State Parks
Waiʻānapanapa
Waiʻānapanapa means glistening waters, and is a volcanic coastline offering solitude and respite from urban life. This location offers an excellent opportunity to view a seabird colony and natural stone arch, as well as a native hala forest, heiau (religious temple), sea stacks, blow holes and small black sand beach.
Camping Locations on Hawaiʻi Island
Camping in Hawaiʻi
Island State Parks
Camping in Hawaiʻi
Island Forest Reserves
Hilo Forest Reserve
Kapapala Forest Reserve
Waimanu Estuarine Research Reserve
Waimanu Campsite
The Waimanu Campsite is located at the end of Muliwai Trail, a minimally maintained trail that zig- zags up the western wall of Waipiʻo Valley, climbing approximately 1,200 feet, leads across a forested plateau area to Waimanu, then descends a final 1,200 feet into Waimanu Valley. There are nine designated campsites accommodating up to 48 campers.
Minimum Age to Operate a Motorized Vessel
A person under 16 may operate a motorized vessel with a valid boating safety certification and supervision by a person at least 21 years old who is also certified. The minimum age to operate a PWC is 15.
Polynesians Arrive in Hawaiʻi by Boat
Polynesian boat travelers were the first people to settle in Hawaiʻi by navigating the ocean using only the stars to guide them. They are believed to have arrived on the islands around 300 AD.
Number of Small Boat Harbors in the State
There are currently 16 Small Boat Harbors managed by the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land & Natural Resources.
Boating Resources
Hawaiʻi Ocean Recreation
Management Area
Interactive Map
Boating with Whales
Severe Weather and
Tsunami Preparation
