USBoatLaw.com  - The Boating Laws and Safety Guides

Hawaii BOAT LAWS

  - 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. 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
 - "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.

All boats must be registered annually except: a recreational vessel holding a valid U.S. Coast Guard marine document; a U.S. Government owned vessel; a vessel's lifeboat used solely for lifesaving purposes; a manually propelled recreational vessel; a recreational vessel eight feet or less in length propelled solely by sail; or motorboats used exclusively for racing. Every new or previously registered commercial or recreational vessel on the waters of the State is required to be registered or documented with either the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DLNR/DOBOR) or the U.S. Coast Guard. Commercial vessels holding a valid marine document may also be required to obtain an annual commercial decal

It is illegal for the owner or person in control of a motorboat to allow someone who does not meet the age or boating education requirements to operate the vessel.