FishKillFlea Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) manages the Hawaii fishing license. This is the most commonly searched question about Hawaii fishing: "do you need a fishing license in Hawaii?"
The Answer: YES for Freshwater, and NOW YES for NR Saltwater!
Since May 2, 2024, non-resident tourists MUST purchase a Marine Recreational Fishing License for saltwater/ocean fishing. Residents fish the ocean for free. The Hawaii fishing license cost for freshwater is an incredibly low $5 for residents — the cheapest in America!
Freshwater Fishing License Cost
| License | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $5.00 | $25.00 | 1 year |
| 30-Day | — | $20.00 | 30 days |
| 7-Day | — | $10.00 | 7 days |
| Minor 9-15 | $3.00 | — | 1 year |
| Senior 65+ | FREE | — | Permanent |
| Under 9 | FREE | FREE | — |
Saltwater (Marine) License — NEW!
| License | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | FREE | $70.00 | 1 year |
| 7-Day | — | $40.00 | 7 days |
| 1-Day | — | $20.00 | 1 day |
| NR Under 15 | — | FREE | — |
| Active Military (stationed HI) | — | FREE | — |
FAQ
Do you need a fishing license in Hawaii?
Yes! Freshwater: everyone 9+ needs a license ($5 res, $10-$25 NR). Saltwater: residents FREE, NR tourists MUST buy one since May 2024 ($20/day, $40/7-day, $70/year). Most charter boats handle the NR saltwater license for you. See HI fishing spots.