How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, boat registration is handled by the Hawaii DLNR Division of Boating & Ocean Recreation and renews annually. The fee is based on boat length — from $20 for the smallest class up to $35 for the largest per year. Non-motorized craft like kayaks and canoes are generally exempt (check local rules for sailboats). Boats with motors — including trolling motors on otherwise unpowered craft — almost always require registration.
Cost by boat size
| Boat | Per year | One-time (title etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| 14-ft motorboat | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $35.00 | $20.00 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Renewal rates shown; first-time registration is $25 (under 20 ft) / $40. Fees were raised recently — older schedules circulate online.
- Kayak/canoe registration is optional unless the motor is 5 hp+.
Estimate your exact Hawaii cost
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$20.00
- Title fee$20.00
Estimate only — actual fees are set by your state and county at the time of registration. Data last reviewed 2026-07-16. This state's full local formula is not yet implemented; see the notes below the calculator.
All figures computed from official fee schedules — sources: https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/title-14/chapter-249/section-249-31/ · https://www.honolulu.gov/csd/fee-table/ — last reviewed 2026-07-16.