Fishing/Non-Commercial/Residents
Resident Fishing Licenses
Residents are not required to obtain a recreational license for saltwater fishing, although there may be other requirements.
Overview
Hawaiʻi residents do not need a fishing license to fish non-commercially (recreationally) in saltwater. All anglers who fish for Hawaiʻi’s six stocked freshwater gamefish species (largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, channel catfish, bluegill sunfish, tucanare, oscar) will need to first obtain a Hawaiʻi Game Fish License.
The State of Hawaiʻi also has permitting and registration requirements for various non-commercial activities including entry into the Wahiawā Public Fishing Area and Deep-7 Bottomfish Vessel Registration. See below for more information.
Resident Fishing Licenses
Required for vessels fishing for Deep 7 Bottomfish species.
Needed to catch sport fish in Hawaiʻi’s lakes, streams, and other freshwater areas.
Authorizes the possession and use of lay nets in Hawaiʻi.
Required to access and fish within the Wahiawā Public Fishing Area.