Hawaii Fishing Regulations
A plain-language guide to Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources rules — species limits, gear restrictions, regulated areas, and more.
A plain-language guide to Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources rules — species limits, gear restrictions, regulated areas, and more.
Browse Regulations
Size limits, bag limits, seasons, and protected species for reef fish, bottomfish, crustaceans, and freshwater species.
Rules for nets, lay nets, traps, spears, drones, and prohibited methods such as explosives and electrofishing.
Safe fishing practices, catch-and-release guidelines, pono fishing, dive flag rules, shark fin laws, and contacts.
Recreational and commercial fishing licenses, vessel permits, Deep 7 bottomfish rules, and longline regulations.
Marine Life Conservation Districts, Fisheries Management Areas, and Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Areas by island.
Report injured sea turtles (option 2), monk seals (option 1), entangled whales (option 3), and other marine animal emergencies. Also call 643-DLNR (3567) to report fishing violations.
About This Guide
This site presents the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) fishing regulations in an easy-to-read format. All content is derived from the official fishing_regs_May_2025.pdf rulebook. For the authoritative source, always refer to the DAR website or visit a DAR office.
| Island | DAR Office | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| O’ahu | 1151 Punchbowl St., Rm. 330, Honolulu | 808-587-0100 |
| Kaua’i | 3060 ‘Eiwa St., Rm. 306, Līhu’e | 808-274-3344 |
| East Hawai’i | 75 Aupuni St., Rm. 204, Hilo | 808-961-9530 |
| West Hawai’i | Honokōhau Marina, 74-380B Kealakehe Pkwy., Kailua-Kona | 808-327-6226 |
| Maui County | 130 Mahalani St., Wailuku | 808-243-5294 |