Boat Insurance in Hawaii: What You Should Know

What Are Hawaii’s Boat Insurance Laws?

Hawaii requires boat insurance for recreational vessels 26 feet in length or greater, which must carry at least $100,000 in coverage for grounded-vessel removal and salvage under Hawaii Revised Statutes §200-13.5. Smaller vessels aren't covered by the statewide mandate, but many marinas and state-owned moorings impose their own insurance requirements.

State-owned moorings — which make up the majority of long-term boat storage in Hawaii — often do require insurance. These facilities are often located in marine preserve areas, where environmental protection rules are strict.

Because of this, it’s common for mooring agreements to require:

• Liability coverage
• Pollution coverage
• Hull coverage (often mandatory in Hawaii due to high claim costs in protected waters)

Why hull coverage is usually required in Hawaii:

Unlike many mainland states where “liability only” policies are common, Hawaii’s insurers often won’t issue them. Cleanup costs for environmental damage in marine preserves can be extremely high, and carriers generally require hull coverage to balance that risk. Many also require a hauled survey before issuing coverage.

What Are Hawaii’s Minimum Boat Insurance Requirements?

If you:

• Keep your vessel in a state-owned mooring or harbor
• Store it at a dry dock or marina
• Finance it through a lender

…you’ll almost certainly be required to carry (in addition to the State-mandated requirements):

• Liability insurance for injury or damage caused to others
• Hull insurance to protect your vessel from physical damage
• Pollution liability for fuel or oil spills

How Much Is Boat Insurance in Hawaii?

Boat insurance in Hawaii tends to be more expensive than on the mainland due to saltwater use, year-round ocean exposure, and higher environmental risk.

Industry estimates suggest:

• Small boats (under 26 feet): $250–$500 annually for basic coverage
• Larger ocean-going boats: $600–$2,000+ annually depending on value and usage

Actual premiums can be higher for vessels:

• Stored in-water year-round
• Moored in marine preserve areas
• Operating offshore or between islands

How Do I Lower My Boat Insurance in Hawaii?

You may be able to reduce premiums by:

• Choosing a higher deductible
• Storing your boat in hurricane-resistant or indoor facilities
• Maintaining a recent professional survey in good condition

Additional Requirements: Are You Financing a Boat?

If your boat is financed, lenders often require:

• Hull coverage (agreed value or actual cash value)
• Comprehensive and collision coverage
• Liability and pollution coverage
• Towing and wreck removal endorsements in some cases

These requirements are in addition to any state or mooring facility rules.

How to Get Boat Insurance in Hawaii

You’ll typically need to provide:

• Boat make, model, year, and hull identification number (HIN)
• Mooring location and whether the vessel is used inshore or offshore
• A recent hauled survey (often required in Hawaii)

Hawaii Boat Registration Information

All motorized boats in Hawaii must be titled and registered with the Hawaii Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR).

Registration is valid for one year, and decals must be displayed on both sides of the hull.

How Does Boat Insurance Differ Depending on Where I Live in Hawaii?

Location can influence premiums:

• Oahu & Honolulu: Higher rates due to marina congestion and storm exposure
• Maui & Big Island: Moderate to high rates depending on harbor location
• Rural/Inter-Island Areas: Potentially lower rates but fewer storage and repair options

Many harbor facilities require annual proof of coverage to maintain your slip.

This article provides general information and is not legal or insurance advice. Coverage availability, terms, and costs vary by insurer, policy, and location. Always confirm specific coverage requirements with your licensed insurance provider and the Hawaii Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation before making decisions.