Tow-in Surfing FAQs
This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace official laws and administrative rules regarding thrill craft. Please view Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) and Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) for official legal authority.
| Term |
Definition (HAR / DLNR) |
| Thrill Craft |
“Thrill craft” means any motorized vessel that falls into the category of personal watercraft, and which: Is generally less than thirteen feet in length as manufactured; Is generally capable of exceeding a speed of twenty miles per hour; Can be operated by a single operator, but may have the capacity to carry passengers while in operation; or Is designed to provide similar operating performance as a personal watercraft through a combination of small size, power plant, and hull design. The term includes, but is not limited to, a jet ski, waverunner, wet bike, surf jet, miniature speed boat, hovercraft, and every description of vessel which uses an internal combustion engine powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive propulsion, and is designed to be operated by a person or persons sitting, standing, or kneeling on, or being towed behind the vessel.” (HRS §200-23) |
| Tow-in Surfing |
Tow-in surfing is when a surfer is assisted by a vessel or Thirll Craft (PWC/Jet ski) to catch a wave that is too large, fast, or difficult to paddle into by hand. The surfer is usually pulled into the wave using a tow rope, and then lets go to ride it. |
Tow-in Surfing
*(f) Effective September 1, 2004, both the thrill craft operator and surfer, who engage in, or operate a thrill craft for tow-in surfing, shall be required to possess, and make available upon demand of enforcement personnel, a certificate of completion from an accredited institution of higher education in Hawaii on the safe use and operation of a thrill craft in high surf, that includes but is not limited to:
(1) Local ocean safety principles and practices;
(2) Hawaii Administrative Rules as they apply to boating;
(3) The historical, cultural, and customary practices of Hawaii’s ocean users; and
(4) Any rules or laws pertaining to protected species and thrill craft operation in the State.
- What it is: A “thrill craft” is basically a small, fast, motorized water vessel (like a jet ski or similar).
- Size & speed: Usually less than 13 feet long and able to go faster than 20 mph.
- Operator & passengers: Designed for one person to operate but may carry passengers.
- Design: Built to perform like a personal watercraft because of its size, engine, and hull shape.
Examples of thrill craft include:
- Jet skis
- WaveRunners
- Wet bikes
- Surf jets
- Mini speed boats
- Hovercraft
- Any small vessel with an internal engine and a water jet pump that you sit, stand, kneel, or get towed on
Special note:
- Devices like JetLev, Flyboard, Seabreacher, Surfjet, motorized wakeboards, and similar jet-powered gadgets are also considered thrill craft.
Effective December 31, 2018
- Certification requirement changed: You no longer have to take a course through a college or university. You must complete a State-approved course instead.
- Two-mile limit removed: The rule limiting thrill craft operation to within two miles of shore has been repealed.
- Certain waters off-limits: It’s now officially prohibited to operate thrill craft off Kahoolawe, Lanai, Molokai, and Niihau (HAR 13-256-17(B)).
Effective July 14, 2020
- Waiakea Access Corridor (Hilo Bay) closed for land launching:
- You can no longer launch thrill craft from land through this corridor.
- Use the Wailoa Sampan Basin and Boat Harbor ramp instead to access Hilo Bay.
- Limited corridor use still allowed: You can still approach the shore through the corridor temporarily to:
- Anchor
- Change passengers
- Change operators
- Resume operation
- Parking restricted: Parking immediately inland of the Waiakea Access Corridor on State property is now restricted.
- Under HAR Section 13-256-16, you must be at least 15 years old to operate a thrill craft in Hawaiʻi State waters
Where to Launch or Operate
When You Can Operate
- Follow the riding area maps and rules for each location (these include time-of-day and seasonal restrictions specific to each zone).
- Some areas have no-thrill-craft zones or time limits for wildlife protection or safety — these will be marked on the maps you receive from DOBOR or see online.
Required by Law (General Operation)
Because most thrill craft are under 16 ft, they’re treated as Class A vessels under U.S. Coast Guard rules. You must have:
- Certificate of Number / State Registration for the vessel.
- Type B-1 fire extinguisher on board.
- Sound-producing device such as a whistle or horn.
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for every operator and rider (must be worn while underway).
- Ventilated compartments to prevent explosive gas buildup.
- Backfire flame arrestor on the engine.
- Proper state stickers and decals displayed.
Special conditions:
- Visual distress signals (flares, etc.) not required unless operating between sunset and sunrise.
- Navigation lights only required at night or in poor visibility.
Registration & Trailer Rules
- Visiting vessels staying less than 60 days don’t need to be registered in Hawaiʻi.
- DOBOR does not register trailers — trailers must be permitted through your county DMV.
- To use a DOBOR launch ramp, both trailer and vessel need valid ramp use permit stickers (these also cover trailer parking and boat/trailer washdowns).
- Washdowns are for boats and trailers only — not for cars. Report violations to DOCARE at (808) 643-3567.
Tow-in Surf Zone Requirements (HAR 13-256-22)
If you’re using your thrill craft for tow-in surfing, the vessel must:
- Be registered with DOBOR for tow-in and display the tow-in sticker.
- Carry extra gear, including:
- Two-way communication device.
- Dive fins and a knife.
- Rescue sled.
- Bow tow-line.
- 30-ft quick-release tow rope.
- Surfers in the tow-in team are not required to wear a PFD, but the operator still must comply with vessel requirements.
Offshore Operations
- Recreational vessels more than one mile offshore must carry either:
- A VHF radio, or
- A USCG-approved EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon).
- Thrill craft are exempt from this requirement, but DOBOR highly recommends carrying a VHF or EPIRB if you go more than one mile out (cell phones may fail, especially in bad weather).
- Make sure EPIRBs are the newer 406 MHz units (older 121.5 / 243 MHz models banned since 2007).
Who can do it:
- Only certified thrill craft operators and their certified tow-in surfing partners.
When it’s allowed:
- During a National Weather Service High Surf Warning:
- You may tow-in surf in designated tow-in zones for the area under the warning (example: if the warning is for Maui, you can tow-in surf in Maui’s designated zones).
- When no High Surf Warning is in effect:
- Tow-in surfing is still allowed, but only in designated tow-in surfing practice zones.
Rules to follow (HAR Chapter 13-256):
- You must carry extra safety gear required for tow-in surfing in addition to standard U.S. Coast Guard equipment.
- The rules explain exactly when and where thrill craft can operate and when they may enter restricted areas.
- Restricted areas: Thrill craft can only go into an Ocean Recreation Management Area (ORMA) to retrieve a surfboard or person or to perform a rescue — not for regular operation.
No. According to HAR Section 13-256-73, Ahu o Laka (Kaneohe Sandbar) is a prohibited zone for:
- Thrill craft
- Commercial vessels
- Water skiing
*You must take courses in order as a prerequisite to the next certification.
Basic Boating Safety Courses (required for all motorized vessels over 10 HP):
- List of approved courses: Boating – Motorized Vessels
- This is the only course you need to take if you only plan on operating a boat/motorized vessel.
Thrill Craft Certification (required to operate a jet ski, PWC, wet bike, etc.):
- You must take the boating safety course first.
- Two approved provider options, you can select either, course material is the same:
- The boating course and the thrill craft course is the only courses you need to take if you only plan on operating a thrill craft.
* Note: The Kanalu/Kanalu K38 program has not been approved in Hawaiʻi since 2017.
Optional Tow-In Surfing Course (required for legal tow-in surfing):
- You must take the boating safety course first, and then the thrill craft course.
- Both the thrill craft operator and the surfer must complete this course after the thrill craft course.
- WCC’s Ocean Safety Education Course (tow-in surfing): https://windwardcce.org/hi-ocean-edu#recthrillcraft
Step 1 – Take a Basic Boating Safety Course
Step 2 – Take a Thrill Craft Certification Class
- After finishing the basic boating safety course, sign up for a thrill craft certification class.
- Two approved provider options to select from, both courses teach the same material:
Step 3 – Carry Proof of Certification
- Once certified, keep your certificates or card on board whenever you operate your Thrill Craft. Law enforcement may ask to see it.
No. Hawaiʻi does not offer reciprocity for MWR (Morale, Welfare & Recreation) certification cards.
Reason:
- The MWR course is not NASBLA-approved.
- Only NASBLA-approved courses qualify under Hawaiʻi’s reciprocity rules.
Where You Can Use It:
- You may operate a thrill craft in federal waters with an MWR certification.
Where You Cannot Use It:
- You cannot operate a thrill craft in Hawaiʻi State Ocean waters without a NASBLA-approved certification.
Only the operator needs certification:
- Passengers who are just riding do not need to be certified.
Tow-in surfing exception:
- When using a thrill craft for tow-in surfing, both the operator and the surfer(s) must have a valid tow-in surfing certification.
Each operator must be certified:
- Anyone who wants to operate the thrill craft — even within the same family — must complete the required certification.
Age requirement:
- No one under 15 years old may operate a thrill craft in Hawaiʻi.
No renewals are required once you’ve successfully completed these courses.
- The following certifications are valid for life:
- Basic boating safety course
- Thrill craft certification course
- Tow-in surfing certification course
Thrill Craft Certification
- Lets you operate a thrill craft (jet ski, PWC, etc.) legally in Hawaiʻi State waters.
- You can use access corridors and ride in designated riding areas.
- Does not allow tow-in surfing.
Tow-In Surfing Certification
- Gives you all the rights of a regular thrill craft certification, plus the ability to:
- Use a thrill craft to tow surfers into waves (“tow-in surfing”).
- Operate during a National Weather Service high surf warning in the designated region (e.g., Maui).
- Tow-in surfing must be confined to appropriate zones during high surf warnings.
- Some islands have tow-in surfing practice zones so new tow-in surfers can practice when the surf is smaller.
If you only operate thrill craft:
- You are exempt from the mandatory boating safety education rule (HAR Section 13-244-15.5).
- You do not need to take any additional certifications.
If you operate any other type of vessel (not thrill craft):
- You must take a NASBLA- and State of Hawaiʻi-approved basic boating safety course before operating those vessels.
Best Option – Plan Ahead:
- If possible, schedule and complete the required thrill craft or tow-in surfing certification classes during your visit to Hawaiʻi.
- This lets you operate a thrill craft legally in public riding areas, just like a resident.
Alternative – Rent from a Commercial Vendor:
- Visitors may rent a jet ski or other thrill craft from a commercial vendor.
- Before riding, you must complete a mandatory safety demonstration conducted by the vendor.
Limitations:
- Rented thrill craft may only be operated in a commercial thrill craft zone.
- These zones are small (a 200-foot radius circle) located within an Ocean Recreation Management Area.
- Residents and visitors may rent a thrill craft (jet ski) from a commercial vendor.
- Rental operators must give a mandatory safety briefing before the renter goes out.
Limitations on rented thrill craft:
- They may only be ridden in commercial thrill craft zones.
- These zones are small areas (a 200-foot radius circle) located within an Ocean Recreation Management Area.
- Outside of these restricted rental zones, a proper certification is required to operate a thrill craft.
Get Educated:
- Boating education is required and gives you the knowledge to safely and properly operate your vessel.
Carry Adequate Insurance:
- Make sure you have insurance to cover yourself, your passengers, and any damage you may cause in an accident. For vessels less than 26 feet, insurance is not required, unless the owner has previously grounded any vessel in Hawaiʻi waters or plans to moor/dock in a harbor facility.
Report Accidents:
- If you’re involved in an accident causing more than $2,000 in damage, HAR Sections 13-242-3 and 13-242-4 require you to file an accident report form with DOBOR (available on the Forms page).
- Failure to submit the report can lead to administrative penalties.
Be Responsible for Your Wake:
- You can be held liable for wake damage.
- Always follow slow-no-wake (5 mph) signs posted for inshore waters.
Know the Rules:
- If you’re unsure, read the rules or ask DOBOR for clarification.
- “Know before you go” to stay safe and compliant.
Initial Registration:
- All thrill craft are motorized and under 13 feet, so they must be titled and registered with DOBOR.
- They generally cannot be documented with the U.S. Coast Guard.
- A new thrill craft gets a Certificate of Title and a registration number (“HA” number) when first registered.
Annual Renewal:
- Registration must be renewed every year to operate in State ocean waters.
- Your title does not expire and stays valid for the life of the vessel unless ownership changes.
Ownership Transfer:
- Ownership can only be transferred via the title.
- A bill of sale is no longer accepted for transferring ownership.
More Information:
General Rule (HAR Section 13-256-17):
- In non-designated Ocean Recreation Management Areas (ORMAs), recreational thrill craft may only operate:
- 500 feet or more from the shoreline, or
- Beyond the outer edge of the fringing reef — whichever distance is greater.
- This applies to the islands of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi.
Why You Might See Them Closer:
- If you are in a non-designated ORMA, thrill craft may be operating legally closer to shore within those rules.
Reporting Violations:
- If you believe a violation has occurred and can provide a registration number, call DOCARE at (808) 643-3567 to report it.
Fines:
-
- Minimum fine of $50 per violation.
- Maximum fine of $1,000 per violation.
Imprisonment:
-
- Up to 30 days in jail per violation.
Loss of Boating Privileges:
-
- The court may suspend or restrict your privilege to operate any vessel (including thrill craft, parasailing, or water sledding vessels) in Hawaiʻi waters for up to 30 days.
- This can be added on top of, or used instead of, fines and imprisonment.
If you’ve misplaced your card or certificate, here are the steps you can take:
-
Contact Your Course Provider
-
The course provider is the primary source for retrieving your credentials.
-
Log in to your course account to re-download your certificate.
-
Check your email for a copy—try searching with keywords such as: certification, completion, boating, course, thrill craft, etc.
Important: Ultimately, you must work with your course provider to replace a lost certificate. If you cannot locate your original provider or credentials, you will need to retake the course.
For more information/clarification, contact [email protected]
Responses are within 48 business hours.
No. Hawaiʻi does not offer reciprocity PWC certifications from another State. You must go through the process to become certified in Hawaii: Click here for more information.
- Yes, the same credentials as the tow-in surfing operator.
This page was last updated on 9/18/25.
