Fishing/Non-Commercial Fishing/Rules & Regulations/Marine Regulated Species
Marine Regulated Species
A quick guide to protected marine species and their regulations.
‘Ahi
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 3 pounds in weight (HAR ch. 13-95-17).
Akule
Cannot take with a net if less than 8.5 inches in length during July, August, September, and October (HAR ch. 13-95-19(a)).
Limit of 200 pounds per day for non-commercial purposes during July, August, September, and October (§13-95-19(b)).
Hāpu‘u
Trip report within 5 days.
Vessel registration & BF number required.
‘Īlioholoikauaua (Hawaiian monk seal)
Unlawful to molest, kill, capture, or possess at any time;
Federal laws also apply to these endangered species
HRS 195D-4
Kala ‘ōpelu
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 16 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-12).
Kūmū
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 10 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-7).
Moano
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 7 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-6).
Ō‘io
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 14 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-10).
‘Opihi
Minimum 1¼″ shell (or ½″ meat if meat only).
Pāpa‘i Kualoa (Kona Crab)
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 4 inches in carapace length (HAR ch. 13-95-51(a)).
Closed season: May through September (HAR ch. 13-95-51(b)).
Cannot take, possess, or sell if carrying eggs (HAR ch. 13-95-51(c)).
Cannot take, kill, or sell with a spear (HAR ch. 13-95-51(d)).
Mano (Shark) and Hīhīmau (Ray)
HRS 188-39.5, HRS 188-40.8
Unlawful to intentionally or knowingly capture or entangle any shark or ray, whether alive or dead, or kill any shark or ray in state marine waters. (HRS188-39.5, HRS188-40.8)
Uhu (Parrotfish)
Uhu ‘ele‘ele, uhu uliuli, uhu pālukaluka, or uhu ‘ahu‘ula: Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 14 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-16(a)).
Other uhu species: Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 10 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-16(b)).
Limit of 2 uhu of any variety per day or possession at any time (HAR ch. 13-95-16(c)).
Ula Pāpapa (Slipper Lobster)
Cannot take, kill, possess, or sell if less than 2.75 inches in tail width (HAR ch. 13-95-54(a)).
‘Ama‘ama (Striped Mullet)
Closed season December – March
Minimum size 11 inches (see measurement guide)
He‘e (octopus/tako)
Minimum size 1 lb.
‘Īlioholoikauaua (Hawaiian monk seal)
Unlawful to molest, kill, capture, or possess at any time;
Federal laws also apply to these endangered species (HRS 195D-4).
Kalekale
Trip report within 5 days.
Vessel registration & BF number required.
Lehi
Trip report within 5 days.
Vessel registration & BF number required.
Limu (Ogo)
Taking limu with the holdfast attached or with reproductive nodes/bumps is prohibited.
Bag limits are one pound per person per day for home use, ten pounds for commercial licensees, with no commercial taking on Maui.
Moi
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 11 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-23(a)).
Limit of 15 moi per day during September through May (HAR ch. 13-95-23(b)).
Closed season: June, July, and August (HAR ch. 13-95-23(c)).
‘Ōpakapaka
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 1 pound in weight (HAR ch. 13-95-14).
Trip report within 5 days.
Vessel registration & BF number required.
Pāpa‘i Kūhonu (White Crab)
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 4 inches in length or width (HAR ch. 13-95-50(a)).
Cannot take, possess, or sell if carrying eggs (HAR ch. 13-95-50(b)).
Cannot take, kill, or sell with a spear (HAR ch. 13-95-50(c)).
‘Ula‘ula koa‘e (Onaga)
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 1 pound in weight (HAR ch. 13-95-14).
Trip report within 5 days.
Vessel registration & BF number required.
Uku
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 1 pound in weight (HAR ch. 13-95-15).
Ulua and Pāpio
Cannot take or possess if less than 10 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-22(a)).
Cannot sell if less than 16 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-22(b)).
Limit of 20 ulua measuring more than 10 inches in length per day (HAR ch. 13-95-22(c)).
Awa
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 9 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-9).
‘lao
Cannot sell, offer for sale, or trade dried or cured ‘iao (HAR ch. 13-95-(a)).
Fishing for ‘iao is prohibited except for bait with a license (HAR ch. 13-95-20(b)).
Gindai
Trip report within 5 days.
Vessel registration & BF number required.
Honu (Sea Turtle)
No open season
Federal laws also apply to these endangered and threatened species
HRS 195D-4 (HRS 195D-4).
Kala
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 14 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-11(a)).
Limit of 4 kala per day or possession at any time (HAR ch. 13-95-11(b)).
Kole
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 5 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-25).
Manini
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 6 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-5).
Nehu
Cannot sell, offer for sale, or trade dried or cured nehu (HAR ch. 13-95-21(a)).
Fishing for nehu is prohibited except for bait with a license (HAR ch. 13-95-21(b)).
‘Ōpelu
Cannot fish or take with fish or animal bait (“chop-chop”) in South Kona waters except with hook-and-line (HAR ch. 13-95-18).
Samoan Crab
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 6 inches in width (HAR ch. 13-95-52(a)).
Cannot take, kill, possess, or sell if carrying eggs (HAR ch. 13-95-52(b)).
Cannot take, kill, or sell with a spear (§13-95-52(c)).
Cannot take or kill any female Samoan crab (§13-95-52(e)).
Ula (Spiny Lobster)
Cannot take, kill, possess, or sell if less than 3.25 inches in carapace length (HAR ch. 13-95-53(a)).
Closed season: May, June, July, and August (HAR ch. 13-95-53(b)).
Cannot take, kill, or sell if carrying eggs (HAR ch. 13-95-53(d)).
Cannot take, kill, or sell with a spear (HAR ch. 13-95-53(e)).
Cannot take or kill any female ula (HAR ch. 13-95-53(h)).
Weke ‘ā
Limit of 50 weke ‘ā less than 7 inches in length per day (§13-95-24(a)).
Cannot sell if less than 7 inches in length (§13-95-24(b)).
‘Ama‘ama (Striped Mullet)
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 11 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-8(a)).
Closed season: December, January, February, and March (HAR ch. 13-95-8(b)).
Manini
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 6 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-5).
Weke ‘ā
Limit of 50 weke ‘ā less than 7 inches in length per day (HAR ch. 13-95-24(a)).
Cannot sell if less than 7 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-24(b)).
Ulua
Cannot take or possess if less than 10 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-22(a)).
Cannot sell if less than 16 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-22(b)).
Limit of 20 ulua measuring more than 10 inches in length per day (HAR ch. 13-95-22(c)).
Awa
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 9 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-9).
Moi
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 11 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-23(a)).
Limit of 15 moi per day during September through May (HAR ch. 13-95-23(b)).
Closed season: June, July, and August (HAR ch. 3-95-23(c)).
‘lao
Cannot sell, offer for sale, or trade dried or cured ‘iao (HAR ch. 13-95-(a)).
Fishing for ‘iao is prohibited except for bait with a license (HAR ch. 13-95-20(b)).
Pāpa‘i Kūhonu (White Crab)
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 4 inches in length or width (HAR ch. 13-95-50(a)).
Cannot take, possess, or sell if carrying eggs (HAR ch. 13-95-50(b)).
Cannot take, kill, or sell with a spear (HAR ch. 13-95-50(c)).
Āholehole
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 5 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-4).
Ō‘io
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 14 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-10).
Nehu
Cannot sell, offer for sale, or trade dried or cured nehu (HAR ch. 13-95-21(a)).
Fishing for nehu is prohibited except for bait with a license (HAR ch. 13-95-21(b)).
Samoan Crab
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 6 inches in width (HAR ch. 13-95-52(a)).
Cannot take, kill, possess, or sell if carrying eggs (HAR ch. 13-95-52(b)).
Cannot take, kill, or sell with a spear (HAR ch. 13-95-52(c)).
Cannot take or kill any female Samoan crab (HAR ch. 13-95-52(e)).
Āholehole
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 5 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-4).
Kala
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 14 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-11(a)).
Limit of 4 kala per day or possession at any time (HAR ch. 13-95-11(b)).
Moi
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 11 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-23(a)).
Limit of 15 moi per day during September through May (HAR ch. 13-95-23(b)).
Closed season: June, July, and August (HAR ch. 13-95-23(c)).
Uhu (Parrotfish)
Uhu ‘ele‘ele, uhu uliuli, uhu pālukaluka, or uhu ‘ahu‘ula: Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 14 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-16(a)).
Other uhu species: Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 10 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-16(b)).
Limit of 2 uhu of any variety per day or possession at any time (HAR ch. 13-95-16(c)).
Kala ‘ōpelu
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 16 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-12).
Kūmū
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 10 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-7).
Manini
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 6 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-5).
Weke ‘ā
Limit of 50 weke ‘ā less than 7 inches in length per day (HAR ch. 13-95-24(a)).
Cannot sell if less than 7 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-24(b)).
Kole
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 5 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-25).
Moano
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 7 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-6).
Ō‘io
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 14 inches in length (HAR ch. 13-95-10).
‘Ahi
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 3 pounds in weight (HAR ch. 13-95-17).
Mano (Shark) and Hīhīmau (Ray)
HRS 188-39.5, HRS 188-40.8
Unlawful to intentionally or knowingly capture or entangle any shark or ray, whether alive or dead, or kill any shark or ray in state marine waters. (HRS188-39.5, HRS188-40.8)
Akule
Cannot take with a net if less than 8.5 inches in length during July, August, September, and October (HAR ch. 13-95-19(a)).
Limit of 200 pounds per day for non-commercial purposes during July, August, September, and October (§13-95-19(b)).
‘Ōpelu
Cannot fish or take with fish or animal bait (“chop-chop”) in South Kona waters except with hook-and-line (HAR ch. 13-95-18).
‘lao
Cannot sell, offer for sale, or trade dried or cured ‘iao (HAR ch. 13-95-(a)).
Fishing for ‘iao is prohibited except for bait with a license (HAR ch. 13-95-20(b)).
Nehu
Cannot sell, offer for sale, or trade dried or cured nehu (HAR ch. 13-95-21(a)).
Fishing for nehu is prohibited except for bait with a license (HAR ch. 13-95-21(b)).
Uku
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 1 pound in weight (HAR ch. 13-95-15).
Lehi
Trip report within 5 days.
Vessel registration & BF number required.
‘Ula‘ula koa‘e (Onaga)
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 1 pound in weight (HAR ch. 13-95-14).
Trip report within 5 days.
Vessel registration & BF number required.
Hāpu‘u
Trip report within 5 days.
Vessel registration & BF number required.
‘Ōpakapaka
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 1 pound in weight (HAR ch. 13-95-14).
Trip report within 5 days.
Vessel registration & BF number required.
Gindai
Trip report within 5 days.
Vessel registration & BF number required.
Kalekale
Trip report within 5 days.
Vessel registration & BF number required.
‘Ula‘ula (ehu)
Trip report within 5 days.
Vessel registration & BF number required.
Pāpa‘i Kualoa (Kona Crab)
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 4 inches in carapace length (HAR ch. 13-95-51(a)).
Closed season: May through September (HAR ch. 13-95-51(b)).
Cannot take, possess, or sell if carrying eggs (HAR ch. 13-95-51(c)).
Cannot take, kill, or sell with a spear (HAR ch. 13-95-51(d)).
Ula (Spiny Lobster)
Cannot take, kill, possess, or sell if less than 3.25 inches in carapace length (HAR ch. 13-95-53(a)).
Closed season: May, June, July, and August (HAR ch. 13-95-53(b)).
Cannot take, kill, or sell if carrying eggs (§13-95-53(d)).
Cannot take, kill, or sell with a spear (§13-95-53(e)).
Cannot take or kill any female ula (§13-95-53(h)).
He‘e (octopus/tako)
Minimum size 1 lb.
Pāpa‘i Kūhonu (White Crab)
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 4 inches in length or width (HAR ch. 13-95-50(a)).
Cannot take, possess, or sell if carrying eggs (HAR ch. 13-95-50(b)).
Cannot take, kill, or sell with a spear (HAR ch. 13-95-50(c)).
Ula Pāpapa (Slipper Lobster)
Cannot take, kill, possess, or sell if less than 2.75 inches in tail width (HAR ch. 13-95-54(a)).
‘Opihi
Minimum 1¼″ shell (or ½″ meat if meat only).
Samoan Crab
Cannot take, possess, or sell if less than 6 inches in width (HAR ch. 13-95-52(a)).
Cannot take, kill, possess, or sell if carrying eggs (HAR ch. 13-95-52(b)).
Cannot take, kill, or sell with a spear (HAR ch. 13-95-52(c)).
Cannot take or kill any female Samoan crab (HAR ch. 13-95-52(e)).
Stony Coral
Illegal to take, break, or damage. (HAR ch. 13-95-70)).
Live Rock
Natural substrate with attached marine life. Cannot take, break, damage, or sell. (HAR ch. 13-95-70)).
Coral Rubble / Fragments
Dead coral rubble (imported for jewelry) or legally dredged coral may be sold.
Regulated Freshwater Species
Learn about Hawaiʻi’s non-commercial regulated freshwater fish
