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I'd Rather Be Fishing

Everything you need to know before you go fishing in Hawaiʻi

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Click the certificate of insurance icon to view the Certificate of Insurance Sample.

Recreational Licensing
and Permits

Click the certificate icon to see information on getting hunter education certification.

Commercial Licensing
and Permits

Click the fish and ruler icon to see the DAR regulations page.

Regulations

Click the ID icon to request a hunter education certification card replacement.

Special Permits

Click the report violations icon click to report violations.

Report Violations

Click the FAQ icon see the Division of State Parks FAQ page.

FAQs

About Fishing in Hawaiʻi

There are many ways to enjoy ocean and freshwater fishing in Hawaiʻi. Learn more about fishing licenses, permits, and regulations that keep our aquatic resources thriving for generations to come.

Number 1

Determine the license type you need.

Choose from Recreational Licenses and Permits or Commercial Licenses and Permits.
Number 2

Apply for a new license or renew an existing license.

Number 3

Submit your application online. Applications are processed and are subject to verification. If approved, your license, permit, and/or registration will be sent to you within five business days.

Boy fishing in pond

Traditional Fishing Methods in Hawaiʻi

Hook and Line, Spears, Traps, Nets, Kokiʻo Dye, Noose Shark Hunting and Fishponds.

Inshore Fish Endemic to Hawaiʻi

%

This is the highest percentage of endemism for warm water marine fishes in the world.

High and Low Tides Per Day

There are usually two low and two high tides each day, not usually reaching over 2.4 ft.

Fishing Resources

Click the mobile phone icon to learn about the Outerspacial App.

Download our Fishing
Regulations App

Click the sea turtle icon to learn about fishing around protected species.

Fishing Around
Protected Species

Click the location icon to see the Hawaiʻi Marine Recreational Fishing Survey page.

Hawaii Marine
Recreational Fishing Survey (HMRFS)

Logo Division of Aquatic Resources

The State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) proudly protects Hawaiʻi’s aquatic resources and ecosystems. Learn more about the work they do >