Register a Boat in Hawaii

Once you have your Hawaii boating license, you can take your sportfishing boat out to troll offshore for tuna or get behind the helm of your motor yacht and explore Maui. The boating opportunities around the islands of Hawaii are virtually endless. Before going on your first trip, just be sure you have your boat registration paperwork and know the HI boating rules.

Register Your Boat
Boat Registration

HAWAII BOATING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Nothing beats a day of boating as a way to relax, unwind, and bring family or friends together. However, every boat owner has to realize that they are not only responsible for their own safety, but for the safety of all passengers and other boaters using the waterways. State and federal boating laws are in place to help keep your days on the water safe and enjoyable.

IT’S NOT A FEE, IT’S A CONTRIBUTION

Your Hawaii boat registration serves as documentation to prove that you are the rightful owner of a vessel. There are registration fees that you will need to pay when you register your boat; however, these fees are used by the state to help sustain our natural resources and promote responsible boating.

HAWAII BOAT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

  • When you register your boat, a unique registration number will be assigned to your vessel. Registration numbers are important since they are often used for purposes such as rescue, safety control, and theft prevention.
  • All vessels must be registered annually except: a recreational vessel holding a valid U.S. Coast Guard marine document.
  • A use permit is required to use any harbor facility, including boat launching ramps.