For more information on the boating laws in the state of Hawaii visit: www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dbor/dbor.htm
- Is generally less than 13 feet in length as manufactured;
- Is generally capable of exceeding a speed of 20 miles-per-hour;
- Can be operated by a single operator, but may have the capacity to carry passengers while in operation;
- Or is designed to provide similar operating performance as a personal watercraft through a combination of size, power plant, and hull design.
The state of Hawaii recommends that all operators be familiar with state and federal boating laws and regulations by taking a boating safety course. Check the state’s boating website at www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dbor/dbor.htm to find a classroom course taught by volunteers. Or, take an online course, such as the BoatU.S. Foundation’s boating safety course for general boating safety information and rules of the road.
Special Note Regarding Thrill Craft:
Effective January 2005, all recreational thrill craft operators (including PWC operators) shall be required to possess and make available upon demand of enforcement personnel, a certificate of completion from an accredited institution of higher education on the safe use and operation of a thrill craft. The BoatU.S. Online safety course does not meet this requirement.
Thrill Craft Age Restrictions:
No person under 15 years of age shall operate a thrill craft. No person shall permit, or mislead another person into permitting, a person under 15 years of age to operate a thrill craft.
Definition of Thrill Craft:
The definition of "thrill craft" is any motorized vessel that falls into the category of a personal watercraft and which:
The term "thrill craft" generally includes, but is not limited to, a jet ski, wave-runner, wet bike, surf jet, miniature speed boat, hovercraft, and every description of vessel which uses an internal combustion engine powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive propulsion, and is designed to be operated by a person or persons sitting, standing, or kneeling on, or being towed behind the vessel.
At this time, Hawaii does not have any other operator restrictions for recreational watercraft. However, a good rule of thumb is to always go boating with a buddy. And, if you are under the age of 16, a competent adult should be present that can take immediate control in the event of an emergency.
We provide this information as a service and strive to keep this website up to date. Please let us know of any inconsistencies by bringing them to our attention at once at onlinecourse@boatus.com. Resources for these pages include state statutes, state web pages and state approved boating guides. BoatU.S. is not responsible for any misinterpretation of the law or any change in the law that is not adequately reflected in these pages. Damages as a result of failing to abide by stated law shall not be the responsibility of BoatU.S., BoatU.S. Foundation or its employees.
