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I Would Rather Be Boating

Everything you need to know about boating and ocean recreation in Hawaiʻi.
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Individual and Vessel Registration and Title
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Commercial Boating and Ocean Recreation Operations
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Boating Safety
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Boating Facilities
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Contact Us
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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.

Number 1
Get Certified by taking a State approved safety course.
Number 2
Title and Register your vessel with the State.
Number 3
Apply for additional licenses for commercial use.
Number 4
Ensure that your licenses and permits are carried with you at all times.
A sailboat on the ocean at sunset.

Camping Locations on Oʻahu

Location Highlight

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 Oahu

Camping Locations on Molokaʻi

Camping in Molokaʻi
State Parks

Camping in Oʻahu
Forest Reserves

Pālāʻau State Park

Pālāʻau State Park

Location Highlight

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 Molokai Palaau State park

Camping Locations on Maui

Location Highlight

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 Maui Waianapanapa

Camping Locations on Hawaiʻi Island

Camping in Hawaiʻi
Island Forest Reserves

Kapapala Forest Reserve

ʻAinapō Cabin

Waimanu Estuarine Research Reserve

Waimanu Campsite

Location Highlight

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.

Camping Hawaii Islang Waimanu Campsite

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

Click the location icon to see the Hawaiʻi Marine Recreational Fishing Survey page.
Hawaiʻi Ocean Recreation Management Area Interactive Map
Whale Tail
Boating with Whales
Click the wave icon to find information on Severe Weather and Tsunami Preparation.
Severe Weather and Tsunami Preparation
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The Division of Boating & Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) aims to preserve Hawaiʻi’s natural and cultural resources while ensuring public access to State waters and enhancing the ocean experience. Learn more about the work they do >