Boats for Sale in Hawaii

Titles and registration through DOBOR

The Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) handles vessel titles and registration. Titling started July 1, 2021. Titles don't need renewal and last for the life of the vessel or until ownership changes. Registration lets you operate on state waters and is renewed online, by mail or in person.

New purchases and transfers must be done in person at the Vessel Registration and Titling Office at 4 Sand Island Access Road in Honolulu or a Neighbor Island district office. Untitled vessels trying to renew after September 30, 2022 pay a $60 title charge ($20 title plus $40 late fee).

Transferring ownership

Ownership can only be transferred with the original title. Notarizing the seller's signature is optional. A bill of sale is no longer enough to transfer ownership, except for some out-of-state boats or boats never titled. Kayaks with motors of 5 hp or more must be registered and titled.

Out-of-state boats can stay in Hawaii waters 60 days before needing a Hawaii title and registration. If they come from a title state, bring the original title. Otherwise, bring the registration or equivalent ownership document. Hawaii doesn't allow a boat to be both registered and Coast Guard documented; to switch, show proof of deletion from documentation.

Trailers are registered with the county DMV, not DOBOR.

Boating education

Since November 10, 2014, anyone operating a recreational motorized vessel with an engine over 10 hp needs a NASBLA- and state-approved boating safety course. This includes sailboats with auxiliary engines over 10 hp. The rule covers state waters from the high-water mark to three miles offshore. Operators under 16 must have the certificate and be directly supervised by a certified adult 21 or older. Thrill craft such as PWCs need additional certification.

Exemptions include Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential holders, boats of 10 hp or less, out-of-state visitors staying under 60 days, and renters who received an approved briefing.

Where to boat

On Oahu, Ala Wai, Keehi and Haleiwa are well-known harbors. Maui has Lahaina and Maalaea, the Big Island has Honokohau and Hilo, and Kauai has Nawiliwili. Trade winds, open-ocean swell and channel crossings between islands require experience and good weather planning.

Popular boats

Center consoles and sport fishers for offshore fishing, sailboats and catamarans, and small boats for diving and reef trips.

Buying tips for Hawaii

Insist on the original title in the seller's name, and plan to complete the transfer in person. Boats in Hawaii live in salt air and sun, so check corrosion, wiring, canvas and gelcoat carefully. If the boat came from the mainland, confirm its title history.

In Hawaii the original title is the only thing that moves ownership, so don't hand over money for a bill of sale alone. Trailers go through the county DMV, which is a separate visit. Boats here live in salt and sun all year, so ask for the haul-out history, check the gelcoat and canvas for UV wear, and have a surveyor look at anything bigger than a small trailer boat.