Recreational Fishing in Hawaiʻi
Start Fishing in Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi’s marine and freshwater hide an abundance of endemic and introduced fish. Whether you’re a resident or visitor, first timer or long-time fisherman, ensuring you have the right license or permit and a strong understanding of the regulations can help you enjoy Hawaiʻi’s waters today and ensure a thriving ecosystem for tomorrow’s generation.
Choose the type of Recreational Fishing License or Permit you need:
Marine Fishing Licenses and Permits
Recreational Marine
Fishing License
Recreational and subsistence marine fishers
Required for:
Any person to fish in the ocean from Hawaiʻi shorelines for recreational or subsistence purposes
Hawaiʻi Resident and Military Fees:
No license required
Non-Resident Fees:
Coming soon
Resources:
Fishing FAQs
Bottomfishing Vessel Registration
Applies to:
Bottom fishers
Required for:
Any vessel owner to take or possess any of the Deep 7 bottomfishes; vessel identification required
Hawaiʻi Resident and Military Fees:
$0
Non-Resident Fees:
$0
Resources:
Bottomfishing Information
Fishing FAQs
Lay Net Permit
Applies to:
Lay net fishers
Required for:
Any person to use or possess a lay net in State waters
Hawaiʻi Resident and Military Fees:
$0
Non-Resident Fees:
$25
Resources:
Marking Directions
Laynet FAQs
Fishing FAQs
Freshwater Fishing Licenses and Permits
Freshwater Game
Fishing License
Applies to:
Freshwater fishers
Required for:
Any person to recreationally take any introduced freshwater game fish
Hawaiʻi Resident and Military Fees:
Ages 16-64: $5
Ages 9-15: $3
Ages 65+: $0
Non-Resident Fees:
7-day: $10
30-day: $20
1-year: $25
Online Processing Fee:
$1
Resources:
Freshwater Fishing Information
Wahiawā Public Fishing
Area Entry Permit
Applies to:
Freshwater fishers
Required for:
Entry to fish in the Wahiawā Public Fishing Area (Oʻahu)
Hawaiʻi Resident and Military Fees:
–
Non-Resident Fees:
$10
Online Processing Fee:
$1
Resources:
Freshwater Fishing Information
Wahiawā Public Fishing Area Regulations
Culturally Important Bottomfish
The Deep 7 complex is composed of 6 snapper species and 1 grouper species: Ehu, Gindai, Hāpuʻupuʻu, Kalekale, Lehi, ʻUlaʻula Koʻae, and ʻŌpakapaka.
Public Freshwater Fishing Areas
There are only 4 freshwater fishing areas that are open to the public on 3 different islands. All other freshwater locations are privately owned.
Types of Aquatic Habitats
Hawaiʻi’s aquatic life makes their homes in the ocean among coral or artificial reefs, or in freshwater streams, and reservoirs.
Fishing Resources
Regulations
Specialized Use Permits
FAQs
Download our Fishing
Regulations App
Fishing Around
Protected Species
