Hawaii Fishing License: How and Where to Get One in 2023

Fishing is a privilege in the state of Hawaii. And in most cases, in order to engage in this activity, you must apply for the proper HI fishing license. The state's Division of Aquatic Resources offers a number of different fishing permits for both residents and non-residents to choose from. Therefore, it is your responsibility to determine which credential is right for you. In order to take fish from freshwater locations for recreational purposes, you must submit a freshwater fishing license application and pay the appropriate fee. On the other hand, if you are planning to catch fish for commercial purposes (sale), then you must obtain the appropriate commercial fishing license in Hawaii. If you are caught without the proper license while fishing, you will incur fines from the state. The only exception to this is if you would like to fish in salt water. It is important to note that there is no saltwater fishing license available within the state. Residents and tourists who intend to take saltwater fish simply need to abide by the regulations of each fishing spot. To find out more information about all of the different fishing permits in Hawaii, take a look at all of the fishing-related pages.

Hawaii Commercial Fishing License

If you are wondering how to get a commercial fishing license in Hawaii, the truth is, there is a specific process that you need to follow, depending on your residency status in the state. Residency is the main factor that determines price for commercial fishing licenses in the state, and because it determines who gets a discount (residents) and who does not (visitors), residency also plays an important role in varying the application process for commercial fishing permits. To learn more about these credentials and the process for obtaining them, take a look at the information in the various sections below.

If you are wondering how to get a commercial fishing license in Hawaii, the truth is, there is a specific process that you need to follow, depending on your residency status in the state. Residency is the main factor that determines price for commercial fishing licenses in the state, and because it determines who gets a discount (residents) and who does not (visitors), residency also plays an important role in varying the application process for commercial fishing permits. To learn more about these credentials and the process for obtaining them, take a look at the information in the various sections below.

Hawaii Resident Commercial Fishing License

If you have lived in the state of Hawaii for at least 12 months, or you have paid taxes in the state during the most recent tax period, then you can apply for what is known as a commercial resident fishing license. This credential is not any different from the visitor pass in terms of purpose. However, it does have a significantly lower price, which you will learn about in the "Fees" section below.

In order to enjoy this discount, you will have to submit proof of your Hawaiian residency when you submit your commercial fishing license application to the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Aquatic Resources. To learn more, check out the "How to Become a Licensed Fisherman eBook."

Hawaii Nonresident Commercial Fishing License

As mentioned before, a commercial non resident fishing license serves the same purpose as a residential commercial permit. It allows you to take fish from Hawaii waters and sell them for commercial purposes. Therefore, the only difference is the price that you must pay in order to get a commercial fishing license as a visitor. Unfortunately, the cost is significantly higher for tourists, even though you are paying for the same basic licensure, which will last (like the resident permit) for a period of one year.

Renew a Commercial Fishing License

Because commercial fishing permits in Hawaii do expire, it is important to know how to renew them when the year passes. Fortunately, all you need to do is visit the Department of Land and Natural Resources fishing website and go enter the link for commercial fishing license renewal. In addition to paying the renewal fee, which will vary based on your residency, you will have to provide information such as the last four numbers of your Social Security Number, your full name and the number on your commercial permit.

Replace a Commercial Fishing License

In the event your license to fish commercially is lost or stolen, you need to obtain an official duplicate from the state department. Fortunately, the official copy only costs a total of $10, and it can be obtained online or in person at a local Division of Aquatic Resources office.

Hawaii Commercial Fishing License Fees

If you are wondering about the price to buy commercial fishing permits in Hawaii, there are only three different costs that you have to keep in mind. The charges established by the Division of Aquatic Resources are as follows:

  • Commercial resident fishing license: $50
  • Commercial fishing license for a nonresident: $200
  • Commercial fishing permit replacement: $10

Freshwater Fishing License

If you would like to take freshwater fish from the waters in Hawaii, the first step you must complete is get a freshwater fishing license. For obvious reasons, this license can only be used to take fish from freshwater locations. Saltwater fish, on the other hand, can be taken in the state of Hawaii without any licensure, as long as you are not planning to try and sell them. In any case, the process to buy freshwater fishing permits has specific steps that both residents and nonresidents need to pay attention to. In order to learn about them and the fishing permits that you can obtain as a result of following them, take a look at the information below.

If you would like to take freshwater fish from the waters in Hawaii, the first step you must complete is get a freshwater fishing license. For obvious reasons, this license can only be used to take fish from freshwater locations. Saltwater fish, on the other hand, can be taken in the state of Hawaii without any licensure, as long as you are not planning to try and sell them. In any case, the process to buy freshwater fishing permits has specific steps that both residents and nonresidents need to pay attention to. In order to learn about them and the fishing permits that you can obtain as a result of following them, take a look at the information below.

Hawaii Freshwater Resident Fishing License

If you have lived in the state of Hawaii for at least 12 months, or you have paid taxes in the state during the last tax period, then you are considered a resident of the state, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. If you can prove your residency when applying to buy freshwater fishing license credentials, then you will be given a residential permit for a discounted rate of just $6 for one year.

Licenses can be purchased online at the DAR website or in person at a licensed agent or DLNR office. For more information, consult our "How to Become a Licensed Fisherman eBook."

Hawaii Freshwater Non Resident Fishing License

If you are not a resident of Hawaii, then you will have to apply for a non resident fishing permit, which is more expensive at $26 for the year. However, as a visitor, you also have the option of purchasing a seven-day or a 30-day pass for lower prices.

Licenses can be purchased online at the DAR website or in person at a licensed agent or DLNR office.

Replace Hawaii Freshwater Fishing License

In the event that you are dealing with the issue of a lost fishing license or a permit that has been damaged or destroyed, there is only one way to solve your problem – you must request a fishing license replacement. Freshwater fishing credentials are required to take fish in Hawaii. Therefore, if you want to continue enjoying this privilege, you must maintain the necessary licensure. Visit the Division of Aquatic Resources website and click on the "Retrieve My Licenses" link to get started with the process, or simply visit a local state fishing office.

Senior Hawaii Freshwater Fishing License

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources does offer a special fishing credential for seniors. So if you are a senior and you would like to submit a freshwater fishing license application to the DLNR's Division of Aquatic Resources, you can do so knowing that you will be getting fishing permit documentation for a reduced price. The official cost of a freshwater fishing permit for a senior is just $1 in Hawaii.

On the other hand, if you are wondering about any reduced-fee packages or licenses available for veterans or current military members, it is important to note that the state of Hawaii does not offer any. However, if you are a resident of the state, you will get a significant discount, when compared to the price that must be paid for nonresidents.

Hawaii Freshwater Fishing License Fees

The last question that is probably on your mind when you are learning to determine how to buy freshwater fishing licenses in Hawaii is, "How much do they cost?" The answer to this question varies based on two factors: age and residency. For a full list of fishing document prices, consult the list below:

  • Senior's permit: $1
  • Minor's permit: $4
  • Hawaii resident fishing license: $6
  • Non resident fishing license: $26
  • Seven-day tourist pass: $11
  • 30-day tourist pass: $21

Note: A convenience fee of $1 will be added to any license purchased online. To avoid this charge, visit a local DAR office or any approved licensing agent to buy your credentials in person. Consult the "How to Become a Licensed Fisherman eBook" for more details.

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