Source: fishing_regs_May_2025.pdf (DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources, May 2025)
These markdown files contain the full text of Hawaii's fishing regulations, organized by topic for easy reference when building the website.
| File | Contents |
|---|---|
| regulations_pages4-11.md | Marine fish regulations (goatfish, surgeonfish, Deep 7 bottomfish, baitfish), protected species (sharks, turtles, monk seals), invertebrate regulations (lobsters, crabs, octopus, opihi, sea cucumbers), measuring guide, uhu (parrotfish) identification, coral/live rock/limu rules, scientific names for all regulated species, freshwater species regulations, and the first three O'ahu MLCDs (Hanauma Bay, Waikīkī, Pūpūkea) |
| regulated_areas_oahu.md | 11 O'ahu regulated areas — Waikīkī-Diamond Head FMA, Honolulu Harbor, Maunalua Bay FMA, Coconut Island Marine Lab Refuge, Ala Wai & Kapālama Canals, He'eia Kea Wharf, Pōka'ī Bay, Waialua Bay (Hale'iwa Harbor), Wahiawā Public Fishing Area, Nu'uanu Freshwater Fish Refuge, 'Ewa Limu Management Area |
| regulated_areas_hawaii_island.md | 15 Hawai'i Island regulated areas — Kealakekua Bay MLCD, Old Kona Airport MLCD, Waialea Bay MLCD, Lapakahi MLCD, Waiākea PFA, Hilo Bay/Wailoa River/Wailuku River, West Hawai'i Regional FMA (including Ka'ūpūlehu Marine Reserve, aquarium permitting, lay net rules), Puakō Bay & Reef, Kona Coast FMA, Kiholo Bay FMA, Kawaihae Harbor, Kailua Bay FMA, Keauhou Bay FMA, South Kona (Miloli'i), Miloli'i CBSFA |
| regulated_areas_kauai.md | 7 Kaua'i regulated areas — Hanamā'ulu Bay & Ahukini Recreational Pier, Nāwiliwili Harbor & Port Allen, Kapa'a & Waika'ea Canals, Waimea Bay & Recreational Pier, Kōke'e Public Fishing Area, Wailua Reservoir PFA, Hā'ena Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area |
| regulated_areas_maui.md | 5 Maui regulated areas — Molokini Shoal MLCD, Honolua-Mokulē'ia Bay MLCD, Kahului Harbor, Kahekili Herbivore FMA, Kīpahulu Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area |
| regulated_areas_lanai_molokai.md | 3 Lāna'i & Moloka'i regulated areas — Mānele-Hulopo'e MLCD, Mānele Harbor, Kaunakakai Harbor |
| other_management_areas.md | Areas under other agency jurisdiction — 'Āhihi-Kīna'u Natural Area Reserve (Maui), Paikō Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary (O'ahu), Kaho'olawe Island Reserve, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine Refuge |
| gear_restrictions.md | Statewide gear rules — thrownets, gill/seine/drag nets, akule nets, drift nets, lay nets (statewide rules + Moloka'i special rules), traps, aquarium collecting gear, bullpen traps, firearms & spears, drones, explosives/chemicals |
| licenses_and_commercial_fishing.md | All license types and commercial regulations — nonresident recreational marine license, freshwater game fishing license, Commercial Marine License, Commercial Marine Vessel License, Bait License, commercial uhu & kala fishing permits, Deep 7 bottomfish rules, longline fishing rules, dealer licenses, O'ahu aquarium fishing rules, Special Activity Permits |
| safety_and_general_rules.md | General rules and safety — Fish Safe tips, barbless circle hooks, catch-and-release guidelines, Pono Fishing principles, shark feeding prohibition, shark fin prohibition, fisher harassment law, dive flag rules, fish aggregating devices (FADs), safe fishing practices for sea turtles & monk seals, Marine Animal Response Hotline (1-888-256-9840), marine debris reporting, violations & fines ($100–$10,000), DAR office contacts |
| Abbreviation | Full Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| MLCD | Marine Life Conservation District | Highly protected areas; fishing is generally prohibited or severely restricted |
| FMA | Fisheries Management Area | Areas with specific gear, species, or method restrictions |
| CBSFA | Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area | Areas managed with local community input; subsistence-focused rules |
| FRA | Fish Replenishment Area | Areas within the West Hawai'i Regional FMA with additional protections |
| NRA | Netting Restricted Area | Areas within West Hawai'i where lay net fishing is prohibited |
| PFA | Public Fishing Area | Freshwater or shoreline areas designated for public recreational fishing |
| NAR | Natural Area Reserve | State nature reserves; fishing generally prohibited |
| Island | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| O'ahu | 1151 Punchbowl St., Rm. 330, Honolulu, HI 96813 | 808-587-0100 |
| Kaua'i | 3060 'Eiwa St., Rm. 306, Līhu'e, HI 96766 | 808-274-3344 |
| East Hawai'i | 75 Aupuni St., Rm. 204, Hilo, HI 96720 | 808-961-9530 |
| West Hawai'i | Honokōhau Marina, 74-380B Kealakehe Pkwy., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 | 808-327-6226 |
| Maui County | 130 Mahalani St., Wailuku, HI 96793 | 808-243-5294 |
To report violations: 643-DLNR (3567) Marine Animal Response Hotline: 1-888-256-9840