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
For more information, please visit the DAR website – Licenses & Permits: Recreational Section.
Nonresident Recreational Marine Fishing License
Saltwater fishers
Required for:
Any nonresident age 15 or older, except active duty military and their families, to fish recreationally in the ocean
Fees*:
1-day: $20
7-day: $40
Annual: $70
*Additional online processing fees may apply
Bottomfish Vessel I.D. Registration
Prerequisite:
Valid vessel registration
Fees:
$0
Applies to:
Bottom fishers
Required for:
Any vessel owner to take or possess any of the Deep 7 bottomfishes; vessel identification required
Lay Net Permit
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
*Additional online processing fees may apply
For more information please visit the DAR website – Licenses & Permits: Lay Net Permit Section.
Freshwater Fishing Licenses and Permits
For more information, please visit the DAR website – Licenses & Permits: Recreational Section.
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
*Additional online processing fees may apply
Wahiawā Public Fishing Area Entry Permit
Prerequisite:
Freshwater game fishing license
Applies to:
Freshwater fishers
Required for:
Entry to fish in the Wahiawā Public Fishing Area (Oʻahu)
Fees:
$0
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
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.