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Hawaii boating waters. Backdrop for the Boating Hubs Hawaii marina directory

Marinas · Hawaii

Marinas in Hawaii

Cruise 9 marinas across Hawaii. Maps, hours, contact info, photos, and verified operator profiles, all in one place.

Volcanic peaks rising 13,000 feet from a tropical Pacific.

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Highest rated

Marinas in Hawaii by Google rating

Ranked by Google rating, then by number of reviews, across all 9 marinas listed in Hawaii.

MarinaCityRating
Marina Hawaii VacationsHonolulu4.878 Google reviews
Hickam Harbor MarinaHonolulu4.786 Google reviews
Ko Olina MarinaKapolei4.6427 Google reviews
Marina & Outdoor Recreation & Equipment CenterKailua4.6259 Google reviews
Honokōhau MarinaKailua-Kona4.6149 Google reviews
MCBH Marina PierKailua4.453 Google reviews
Koko Marina CenterHonolulu4.32,806 Google reviews
Ilikai Marina CondosHonolulu4.3537 Google reviews

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9 marinas in Hawaii

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Also on the water

Boat rentals, tours and charters in Hawaii

On the map

Marinas, boat launches, rivers & creeks and camping in Hawaii

Everything we have mapped in Hawaii, on one map. Tap anything for its details.

Loads the full map of Hawaii. We leave it off by default so the page opens fast on mobile data.

Tap a launch to pinpoint it on the map, then open it for ramp type, fees, and the nearest marina.

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Browse all 38 boat launches

About Hawaii

Clear, warm Pacific water and volcanic coastline define boating in Hawaii. The archipelago runs the full range: busy urban marinas in Honolulu on Oahu, quiet anchorages along Kauai's Na Pali Coast, the empty shores of Lanai. Coral reefs hold fish in numbers that reward a mask and snorkel; farther out, deep-sea grounds produce marlin and tuna. Trade winds blow steadily enough to make sailing dependable most of the year, but local wind patterns and ocean swell demand real planning, not just optimism.

Marinas across the islands handle everything from transient slips for visiting yachts to long-term moorage for local boats. The main hubs: Ala Wai Harbor and Ko Olina Marina on Oahu, Ma'alaea Harbor and Lahaina Harbor on Maui, Honokohau Harbor on the Big Island. Expect fuel, pump-out stations, and provisioning at these facilities. Charters run the spectrum from crewed luxury yachts on inter-island itineraries to bareboat options for experienced sailors, though bareboats are harder to come by here than in other major sailing destinations.

Open-ocean swell, strong currents between islands, and wind that accelerates and dies around volcanic terrain make Hawaiian waters a serious, dynamic environment. Crossing the 'Alalakeiki Channel between Maui and Kahoolawe, or the 'Au'au Channel between Maui and Lanai, means committing to conditions that can change fast. The reward is scenery few places can match: lush valleys, active volcanoes, and a coastline best understood from the water.

Best time to go

When to cruise in Hawaii

Year-round. Winter brings the biggest North Pacific swells to the north shores.

Quick facts

Boat launches mapped
38
Rivers mapped
26
Marinas listed
9
Best season
Year-round

Trip guide

Know before you go in Hawaii

Confirm current requirements with the agency that sets them before your trip. Rules and fees change every season.

  • Boater Education Requirement

    Any person operating a power-driven vessel of more than 10 horsepower in Hawaii's waters must possess a valid Hawaii Boating Safety Education Card, the requirement applies to all operators regardless of age, with no birth-year exemption. Operators of rental vessels may have different requirements; verify with the rental agency. Non-residents with an equivalent certification from their home state may be exempt.

    Hawaii DLNR DOBOR

  • Hawaii Recreational Fishing License

    Hawaii residents need no recreational license to fish in the ocean, but non-residents age 15 and older must hold a Nonresident Recreational Marine Fishing License (in effect since 2024) to fish saltwater recreationally. A separate Freshwater Game Fishing License is required to take introduced freshwater game fish. Licenses are available online or from authorized agents.

    Hawaii DLNR DAR

  • Marine Mammal Protection Act

    All boaters must adhere to federal and state regulations protecting marine mammals. This includes maintaining safe distances from whales, dolphins, and monk seals, and avoiding harassment. Federal approach rules apply year-round throughout Hawaiian waters: no vessel may approach within 100 yards of a humpback whale by any means, and vessels must operate at a slow, safe speed when near whales.

  • Anchoring Restrictions

    Anchoring is prohibited in many coral reef areas and within designated marine protected areas to prevent damage to sensitive ecosystems. Use established moorings where available, or anchor in sand channels away from coral. Always check local charts and regulations for specific anchoring guidelines.

01What is the best island for recreational boating in Hawaii?
It depends on what you're after. Oahu has the deepest marina infrastructure and everything from urban waterfront to open coast. Maui puts you in the middle of whale territory with Lanai and Molokai a short run away. The Big Island's Kona Coast is the sportfishing address, and Kauai owns the scenic-cruising category with the Na Pali Coast.
02Are bareboat charters readily available in Hawaii?
They exist, but the supply is thin and the bar is high, operators typically want significant documented experience and certifications before handing over a boat. Given Hawaii's channel crossings and open-ocean conditions, most companies push captained or crewed charters instead. Inquire well in advance if bareboat is your plan.
03What are the common regulations for fishing from a boat?
Hawaii residents need no license to fish the ocean, but non-residents age 15 and older must carry a Nonresident Recreational Marine Fishing License; freshwater game fishing requires its own license. Catch limits, size limits, and protected-species rules apply, and some areas restrict gear or methods entirely. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) publishes the current rules. Check them before you drop a line.
04Can I navigate my boat between the Hawaiian Islands?
Yes, inter-island passages are a highlight for many boaters. But the channels are genuine open-ocean water: strong currents, significant swell, and wind that shifts around the island masses. A capable vessel, careful planning, and a working grasp of local meteorology are the non-negotiables.
05What are the rules for interacting with marine wildlife?
Federal and state laws strictly protect Hawaii's whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and monk seals. Keep your distance (100 yards from whales, 50 yards from spinner dolphins, and at least 50 feet from monk seals), and never do anything that could disturb or harass an animal. Approaching or feeding marine wildlife is prohibited, full stop.
06Is it safe to anchor anywhere in Hawaii?
No. Anchoring is restricted across much of the coastline, particularly over coral reefs and inside designated marine protected areas. Check current nautical charts and local regulations for where you can legally drop the hook, and take an established mooring whenever one is available, coral doesn't recover from a dragged anchor.

Free tools

Your free outdoor toolkit

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River levelsLive levels for every gauged river in Hawaii.
Boat LaunchesFind public boat ramps on a map, with the water each one sits on.
Boating License CheckPick your state, boat and birth year for a yes or no from the state's own boater education rule, quoted and linked.
River ExplorerExplore named rivers from USGS data. Filter by water type, with live flow where a gauge sits.
Route PlannerDrop stops on a map and watch distance and drive time add up. Export a GPX or share the link.
Skill DrillsInteractive 3D drills, one decision at a time. Pick wrong and you watch it fail, then learn why.