HI Fishing Without a License — Penalties, Fines & MPA Rules (2026)

Hawaii fishing penalties: $100–$10,000. MPA violations severe! DOCARE (808) 643-3567. Ahi no limit.

Fishing without a valid Hawaii fishing license carries penalties from DLNR enforcement.

ViolationFine RangeNotes
No freshwater license$100 – $500Per offense
No NR saltwater license$100 – $500NEW since May 2024!
Over bag limit$250 – $1,000 per fishPer-fish penalty
Fishing in MPA (no-take zone)$500 – $10,000Severe — Marine Protected Areas

Key Bag Limits

SpeciesDaily LimitNotes
Peacock bass (tucunare)15Wahiawa Reservoir O'ahu — generous!
Largemouth bass10FW reservoirs statewide
Blue marlin1Kona — catch-and-release encouraged for granders
Yellowfin tuna (ahi)No limitOcean — no daily limit!
Mahi-mahiNo limitOcean — no daily limit!

Call DLNR DOCARE: (808) 643-3567.

See costs.