Ocean Recreation Activities

You can play a part in documenting the presence of protected species in our waters.  WANTED: REPORTS OF FALSE KILLER WHALES (AKA PILOT, BLACKFISH, PYGMY AND MELON HEADED WHALES), OCEANIC WHITETIP SHARKS, PELAGIC MANTA RAYS! If you see these animals please report them on your commercial fishing report.  Please note the date, time and place ...
Read More WANTED – No Questions Asked

  This is the story of one lucky honu (green sea turtle) who had a bad encounter with a vessel in waters off Kaua`i. Please click on this link and read on.  If you care about turtles, whales and other sea life, please go slow in the shallows, post a second lookout on your boat ...
Read More Lucky Kaua`i Honu

Upcoming Rule Amendments Bulletins on Severe Weather Facility Closures Construction Alerts Sign up for email and text alerts on DOBOR updates.    

Keehi Small Boat Harbor office will be closed to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Thursday, October 1, 2020 until further notice.  Staff shortages have prompted the change.  The office will be in operation but closed to the public so DOBOR staff can keep up with necessary paperwork and administrative duties to maintain harbor ...
Read More KEEHI SBH OFFICE – NEW PUBLIC HOURS BEGINNING 10/1/20

Important October 5, 2022 Update: Click here to view policy changes made by the U.S. Coast Guard regarding e-foil regulations.   An electric hydrofoil surfboard, also known as an “e-foil,” is: 1) a motorized vessel that must be registered; 2) not a thrill craft; 3) subject to carriage requirements for a Class A vessel like ...
Read More How are E-foils Regulated in Hawaii?

This is to clarify questions regarding commercial boating as it pertains to the recent Oahu Mayor’s Emergency Order No. 2020-25, https://www.honolulu.gov/rep/site/may/may_docs/Emergency_Order_No._2020-25_-_signed_clean_typo_fix.pdf.  Only Essential Businesses as defined in Section F of the Order are permitted to operate.  Commercial marine operators that provide tours such as sunset cruises, snorkeling, surf schools, catamaran rides, scuba diving, etc. are ...
Read More Oahu Mayor’s Emergency Order No. 2020-25, Impact on Commercial Boating

Beginning Friday, August 28, the public restrooms on the grounds of Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, Oahu, will close daily after 4:00pm, including weekends and holidays.  This change is being made in response to continued vandalism and illicit activity in the facilities. 

MONDAY – FRIDAY PUBLIC ACCESS RESTORED.  DOBOR’s Hawaii District Office and the adjacent Honokohau Harbor Office will again be open to the public Mondays through Fridays (except State holidays) from 8am to 4pm beginning Monday, March 1, 2021. Customers can still mail in any payments, gross receipt forms and permit renewal documents to the harbor ...
Read More Hawaii District and Honokohau SBH – Days of Operation Changing

The DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation is inviting the public to sign up for email and text notices of division plans and actions that may impact the public.  Those who visit the signup page can enter their e-mail address and/or phone numbers (for phones capable of accepting text messages). Data charges will apply.  ...
Read More DOBOR INVITES THE PUBLIC TO SIGN UP FOR EMAIL AND TEXT NOTICES

HONOLULU -- An overturned boat that has been spotted from the air several times since three fishermen were reportedoverdue northwest of Oahu, on Monday July 4, has been found on a remote beach on Kauai’s north shore.