Hawaii Boating Laws and Regulations

Age and Operator Restrictions

All persons operating a power-driven vessel with a motor that is more than 10 hp must complete a NASBLA‐approved boater safety education course and carry on board their certificate of completion. Taking this online course will satisfy the educational requirements.

To meet the Hawaii boating requirements, all PWC operators must be at least 15 years of age or older, must have completed this online course and an additional approved boater safety course from an accredited institution of higher learning, and carry their boating license on board. For more information, visit the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources website’s Personal Watercraft page.

Enforcement

Hawaii law enforcement officers patrol the waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant. Cooperate with them by following the laws and guidelines.

Carry the Card: Vessel operators who are required to have a Boater Education Card must carry the card on board the vessel and have it available for inspection by an enforcement officer.

Penalty: Not carrying your Boater Education Card when one is required can result in a fine.

Reciprocity

For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)