Hawaii boating laws
What you need before you launch in Hawaii: boater education, age limits, life jackets, safety gear and registration.
Boater education
A boating course is required to operate a motorized vessel over 10 hp. Official course info
Who can drive a boat
Operators under 16 need a certified adult 21 or older aboard. Thrill craft (PWC) operators must be 15 or older.
Life jackets
Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket when underway or anchored offshore.
Required safety gear
Federal U.S. Coast Guard minimums apply:
- A wearable life jacket for each person aboard, plus a throwable cushion or ring on boats 16 feet and longer
- A fire extinguisher on most motorboats with an enclosed engine or fuel tank
- A whistle or horn
- Navigation lights if you are out between sunset and sunrise or in poor visibility
- Visual distress signals (flares or a flag) on coastal waters and the Great Lakes
Registration
Boats with motors of 5 hp or more and e-foils must be registered. Kayak registration is optional.
Boating under the influence
It is illegal to operate a boat with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher.
Before you launch in Hawaii
Links go to official Hawaii agency pages.
Summary checked 2026-10-27. Rules change, so confirm with the official Hawaii source before you go. This is not legal advice.