It’s hard to name a more idyllic place for a vacation than the Aloha State. “The loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean” is the ideal getaway for families and friends, as well as experienced anglers and those who haven’t held a fishing rod in their lives.
A fishing adventure in Hawaii is pretty perfect for any type of angler. There’s everything you could wish for – from inshore reefs to deep offshore waters, as well as seven inhabited and 129 uninhabited islands with an incredibly rich fishing culture.
The rules and regulations when it comes to getting your Hawaii fishing license are a bit more complex than in other states. But that’s why we’re here. In this guide, we’ve tried to cover everything you need to know about the different Hawaii fishing licenses and how to make sure you’re fishing within the law. Let’s dive in!
Who needs a license in Hawaii?
First of all, Hawaii is an archipelago, which means that it’s surrounded by water. That, in turn, means plenty of saltwater action. It used to be the case that saltwater fishing in Hawaii was hassle-free when it came to licenses. But, in February 2024, the Aloha State joined many other states in introducing fees for angling permits. But not for all. Only non-residents over the age of 15 need a Saltwater Fishing License.
At the same time, if you’re planning to cast a line in one of Hawaii’s numerous lakes or rivers, you’ll need a Freshwater Fishing License. This goes for everyone over the age of 9, regardless of their residency status.
You’re considered a Hawaii resident if you:
- Are domiciled in the state
- Reside in the state for other than a temporary or transitory purpose
An additional entry permit is also required for anyone planning to fish Wahiawā Reservoir from the public fishing area.
Hawaii Saltwater Fishing Licenses
As mentioned above, Hawaii residents are exempt from the saltwater license requirement, with all non-residents over the age of 15 having to purchase one. The good news is that they’re relatively affordable and pretty straightforward to understand.
Hawaii Saltwater License Costs
| License type | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-day | $20 |
| Weekly | $40 |
| Annual | $70 |
While Hawaii residents and children aged 15 and under won’t need a license, they’re not the only ones. Hawaii has decided to reward our servicemen by ensuring that all military personnel are exempt from these requirements.
Hawaii Freshwater Licenses
The Aloha State is blessed not only with ocean waters, but also natural lakes and freshwater reservoirs, home to high-quality game species. You can catch them in public fishing areas such as Koke’e and Wailua in Kaua’i, Wahiawā in O’ahu, and Waiākea in Hawai’i. As well as that, you can fish in most State Forest Reserve Areas.
Note that some stream banks, beds, and reservoirs are privately owned, so you’ll only be able to fish there if you get special permission from the landowner.
Younger anglers below the age of nine don’t have to purchase a license, although they must be accompanied by an adult with a Freshwater Game Fishing License. All of the fish that the minor catches will count towards the daily limit(s) of the licensee.
Resident Freshwater Game Fishing License options are also available for active duty military members, their spouses, and dependents over the age of 15.
There may be certain provisions and restrictions on freshwater fish species that you can catch in the state. Feel free to learn more here.
Hawaii Freshwater License Costs
| License type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Minor (9-15) | $4.00 |
| Resident (15 and older) | $6.00 |
| Non-Resident | $26.00 |
| 7-Day Tourist | $11.00 |
| 30-Day Tourist | $21.00 |
| Senior (65+) | $1.00 |
| Duplicate | $1.00 |
Where to Buy
You can purchase your Hawaii fishing licenses online at the Hawaii.gov portal or buy them in person from an authorized fishing license agent.
You can obtain a free permit to fish in the Wahiawa Public Fishing Area on the island of O’ahu online, in person, or from authorized license agents in Kaua’i or O’ahu.
Anything else I need to know?
Most of Hawaii’s shoreline is open to fishing, although there are restricted areas where you won’t be able to cast your line. These include wildlife refuges, freshwater streams, natural area reserves, military bases, harbors, and other areas. While looking for a special sign is a good idea, you may want to double-check if the location you’re planning to visit is available for anglers.
Here’s a list of some of the locations where the state doesn’t allow fishing:
- O’ahu: the Hanauma Bay Marine Life Conservation District, Paikō Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary, the Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District, the Waikīkī Marine Life Conservation District, Ala Wai Canal, on the reefs and bay waters surrounding Coconut (Moku-o-loe) Island, Heʻeia Kea Wharf.
- Hawai’i Island: Kealakekua Bay, the Lapakahi Marine Life Conservation District, the Waialea Bay Marine Life Conservation District, South Kona (Miloli’i).
- Kaua’i: Kapa’a and Waika’ea Canals.
- Maui County: ‘Āhihi-Kīna’u Natural Area Reserve, Honolua-Mokulē’ia Bay, Molokini Shoal.
Please note that there are exceptions to some of the locations where you can fish in certain permitted areas. Check out the full list from the DLNR.
Hawaii Fishing License FAQs
We’ve tried to cover everything, but if you still have questions it’s best to get in touch with your local DLNR office. Hopefully, you’re now ready to grab your rod and start fishing!
