| Features |
|
Competitor 1 | Competitor 2 | Competitor 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Approved |  |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual Instructor | |
No | No | No |
| Modern Content | |
Sometimes | No | Sometimes |
| Hands-On Learning | |
No | No | No |
| Mobile-Friendly | |
Partially | Yes | No |
| Self Paced | |
Minimum time requirements | Minimum time requirements | Minimum time requirements |
| Free Year of Wavve! |
|
No | No | No |
|
|
|---|
| Hawaii Approved |
| Virtual Instructor |
| Modern Content |
| Hands-On Learning |
| Mobile-Friendly |
| Self Paced |
|
Free Year of Wavve! |
| Competitor 1 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| Sometimes |
| No |
| Partially |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
| Competitor 2 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| No |
| No |
| Yes |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
| Competitor 3 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| Sometimes |
| No |
| No |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
In Hawaii, certain operators must complete an approved boating safety education requirement and carry proof of certification while operating a motorized vessel on Hawaii waters. Hawaii does not issue a traditional “boating license,” but state law does require boating safety education for specific operators.
Hawaii boating education requirements are administered by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
Hawaii law requires a Boater Education Card for the following operators:
Operators who are required to have a Boater Education Card must carry proof of certification and present it upon request.
You can earn your Hawaii Boater Education Card by completing a state and NASBLA-approved boating safety course and passing the required exam. Hawaii offers multiple approved learning methods, allowing boaters to choose the format that best fits their schedule.
Approved formats include:
Hawaii offers a free online boating safety course through an approved provider. After successful completion and passing the exam, you receive proof of certification and can obtain your Hawaii Boater Education Card.
Hawaii also recognizes classroom-based boater education courses offered through approved providers. These courses cover Hawaii boating laws, navigation rules, and key safety topics.
Hawaii's Boater Education Card is issued under NASBLA-approved standards, and many states recognize NASBLA-approved boating education credentials.
When boating outside Hawaii, operators should always review the laws of the destination state, as requirements may vary by age, vessel type, or engine horsepower.
Boat-Ed+ is produced by Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC. Kalkomey is dedicated to providing print and online boating education courses for North American boaters in Canada and the United States. Boat-Ed is the only boating safety education course and exam provider that develops online courses, eBooks, and print materials on behalf of government boating and boater safety agencies in North America. Completing your Hawaii boating safety course through Boat-Ed+ ensures you receive a DLNR-approved, NASBLA-compliant education that meets all state requirements for earning your Boater Education Card.
Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources
4 Sand Island Access Road, Honolulu, HI 96819
Made in the U.S.A.
This safety course is proudly made to serve students, agencies, and organizations worldwide.
Is it the Boating safety license?
Boating safety education certification is not the same thing as a Boating license.
What you really need is the Boating Safety Education Certificate.
You can get the
Boating Safety Education Certificate
by taking this boat safety course
at boat-ed.com.
Find out if you need the card.
Did you lose your card? Replace it here.
GET CERTIFIED
You can take a NASBLA-sanctioned paddlesports safety course to learn safe practices for non-motorized crafts such as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. This course focuses on paddlesports safety but does not replace Hawaii's boating safety certificate requirement when operating motorized vessels.
Relaxing on the water is easy when you’re protected with a leader in boat insurance. Progressive has the coverages you need to explore carefree and full of adventure! Discover how we can protect your boat today with coverage we offer to the 1 million+ watercraft we already insure.
Get a Quote
Hawaii offers year-round sunshine, clear seas, and a boating culture that spans fishing, sailing, paddling, and coastal cruising. With protected bays, leeward coves, and deep offshore channels, Hawaii's waterways support everything from relaxed family outings to open-water adventures.
What makes boating in Hawaii special is the combination of warm water, consistent trade winds, incredible visibility around reefs, and unforgettable wildlife viewing opportunities. Whether you're boating for snorkeling, fishing, sightseeing, or sailing, Hawaii delivers a one-of-a-kind experience on the water.
The Big Island (Kona & Hilo)
Kona is known for offshore boating and deep-sea fishing from Honokohau Harbor,
while Hilo offers calmer bay outings, whale watching, and nearby kayaking access.
Maui (West & South Sides)
Maui is ideal for calm-water cruising, snorkel trips around Molokini Crater, and sunset boat tours launching from Lahaina and Ma‘alaea Harbor.
Oʻahu (Waikīkī & Windward Coast)
Waikīkī is famous for catamaran cruises and sunset sails with Diamond Head views.
The Windward Coast is home to Kāneʻohe Bay and its iconic sandbar.
Kauaʻi (Nā Pali Coast & Wailua River)
Boat the Nā Pali Coast for dramatic cliffside scenery, or paddle the Wailua River for a quieter, inland experience.
Lānaʻi & Molokaʻi
Lānaʻi offers secluded boating and clear-water shorelines, while Molokaʻi delivers a more untouched, local-style experience near Kaunakakai.
